It is with great sorrow to announce the passing away of our beloved friend, the first president of Thailand Chess Federation (former name of Thailand Chess Association), Dr. Rak Panyarachun, on late Sunday morning of January 21, 2007, after a long illness, at the age of 93.

He served as president from 1976 till 1986 and then was named Honorary President for Life.

A doctorate of Law from Lille University, France, and a Thai diplomat in the Thai Government, Dr. Rak represented Thailand in numerous occasions at international chess events e.g. Chess Olympiad For Men at Malta, Switzerland, U.S.S.R., Armenia, Greece, Philippines, as well as Asian Cities Chess Tournaments in Hong Kong and Malaysia. Dr. Rak was also a Life Member of United States Chess Federation and was named Honorary Member of FIDE by FIDE President, Florencio Campomanes. He will be missed and mourned by all.