Cardinal Michael Michai Kitbunchu is a retired Thai prelate and his country’s first cardinal who has been vocal on various social and moral issues, especially abortion and drug trafficking. As of 2024, he is the longest serving cardinal having received his red hat in 1983.

Born on January 25, 1929, in Sam Phran, Nakhon Pathom Province, Thailand, his family is of Chinese descent. He pursued his religious education at the minor seminary of Si Racha before advancing his studies at the Pontifical Urbaniana University in Rome, where he earned licentiates in philosophy and theology.

Ordained to the priesthood on December 20, 1959, by Cardinal Grégoire-Pierre Agagianian in Rome, Kitbunchu returned to Thailand to serve in various pastoral roles. He worked as an assistant pastor and later as a pastor in Bang Kham, followed by a position as pastor of Calvary Parish in Bangkok. His leadership qualities were recognized early, as he also served as an archdiocesan consultor and rector of the metropolitan seminary of Bangkok from 1965 to 1972.

Kitbunchu’s episcopal career began on December 18, 1972, when Pope Paul VI appointed him as the second Archbishop of Bangkok. He received his episcopal consecration on June 3, 1973. His influence extended beyond his archdiocese, as he served as President of the Thai Episcopal Conference for two terms, from 1979 to 1982 and again from 2000 to 2006.

A significant milestone in Kitbunchu’s career came on February 2, 1983, when Pope John Paul II elevated him to the rank of Cardinal-Priest of San Lorenzo in Panisperna, making him the first Thai cardinal. He participated in the 2005 papal conclave that elected Pope Benedict XVI.

Throughout his tenure, Cardinal Kitbunchu has been vocal on various social and moral issues. He has expressed strong opposition to abortion and denied funeral Masses to drug traffickers, citing their destructive impact on society. During Thailand’s 2006 political crisis, he called for national unity and reconciliation.

After serving as Archbishop of Bangkok for 36 years, Kitbunchu resigned from his position on May 14, 2009. At the time of his retirement, he held the distinction of being the oldest active head of an archdiocese in the Latin Church.

Cardinal Kitbunchu is known for his linguistic abilities, being fluent in several languages including Central Thai, Teochew (his ethnic Chinese dialect), Latin, English, Italian, French, and Standard Mandarin.

As of 2024, following the passing of Cardinal Alexandre do Nascimento on September 28, 2024, Kitbunchu became the sole longest-tenured member of the College of Cardinals, having been appointed in 1983. He currently holds the title of Protopriest of the College of Cardinals, a position he has occupied since December 14, 2016.