for tourism, information and AIDS. He was able to start a large and quite successful AIDS education campaign and served until 1992. At that time he became the chairman of the Foundation for International Education, the non-profit organization that serves as the governing body of NIST International School. Mechai continued to serve as the chair until stepping down in May, 2002. In 1995 he was appointed an Honorary Officer of the Order of Australia, for "service to Australian-Thai relations and contributions to the world AIDS debate". In 2004, Mechai again became a senator. In 2006 he won praise from the toilet industry (but criticism from the retail industry) for proposing that retailers be obliged to build a public toilet for every 10 square metres of retail space. As of 2007, he continues to oversee rural development and health initiatives as the Chairman of PDA, now the largest NGO in Thailand, with 600 employees and 12,000 volunteers. On May 29, 2007, PDA was awarded the 2007 Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's Gates Award in recognition of its pioneering work in family planning and HIV/AIDS prevention. This award came with funds of $1,000,000. References Further reading Thomas D'Agnes. From condoms to cabbages: An authorized biography of Mechai Viravaidya. Post Books 2001. External links Curriculum Vitae of Mechai Viravaidya Global Health Champion page, Rx for Survival Series A Restaurant with a Mission - Article about Viravaidya and the Cabbages and Condoms restaurant concept. Podcast Interview with Mechai Viravaidya Social Innovation Conversations, June 24, 2008 1941 births Living people HIV/AIDS activists People educated at Geelong Grammar School People educated at Trinity College (University of Melbourne) Mechai Viravaidya Ramon Magsaysay Award winners Mechai Viravaidya Mechai Viravaidya Honorary Officers of the Order of Australia Winners of the Nikkei Asia Prize Mechai Viravaidya Mechai Viravaidya