Career
He began his career in politics by being appointed as a kamnan in Buriram Province and became known by many locals as "Kamnan Chai". Chai contested a seat as a Democrat Party candidate in Surin, but failed to get elected. He was then re-elected many times.
One of Chai"s sons is Newin Chidchob, a powerful politician in the lower northeastern region.
The PPP nomination of Chai as the house speaker is partly credited to Newin. He is a great admirer of Israeli politician and soldier Moshe Dayan, sometimes even calling himself "Chai Moshe".