Former senator and well-known academic Kraisak Choonhavan passed away today at the age of 72.

His family said Kraisak, son of former prime minister Chatichai Choonhavan, had been treated for cancer for the past four years.

His daughter Tisana said Kraisak, who also served as a deputy leader of the Democrat Party, passed away at 7.10 pm at Siriraj Hospital.  “I feel proudest to be your daughter. May I be your child again in the next life,” she said in her Facebook post.

Kraisak, who also served a stint as an MP, played an important role as a member of the advisory team of his late father when the latter was prime minister in 1988-1991.

Kraisak was also known for his active role in environment and human rights movements.