WEERAPONG Hongsyok, patriarch of one of the island's best-known families, is being widely mourned today.
Khun Weerapong headed the Anuphas and Son business, a family tradition that began in 1839.
He died at the age of 96 and had been suffering a long-term illness that confined him to Bangkok Hospital Phuket for most of the past year.
An end came with his death in the early hours on Sunday morning.
To mark his passing, an elaborate week of ceremonies is expected, to concluding on June 6 with a procession through Phuket streets to Wat Kositwiharn in Thepkrasattri Road.
Anuphas began as an ice-making factory, then the firm moved into tin mines, salt, rice, timber, and alcohol.
At one time, sea transport between Phuket, Penang and Trang province was a key component.
During World War II, relatives said, Khun Weerapong developed biodiesel at a time when other fuels were too expensive.
Now new generations of the family have diversified into coffee shops, fuel stations and car showrooms.
On Sunday, about 300 people attended Wat Wichitsangkaram on Narissorn Road in Phuket City.
Father of two daughters and four sons, the most senior member of the Hongsyok clan leaves an indelible mark on Phuket.
His children are Montree, Pisit, Wanida, Viyada, Chuchai and Attaporn. There is also a family network extending much wider.
Khun Weerapong headed the Anuphas and Son business, a family tradition that began in 1839.
He died at the age of 96 and had been suffering a long-term illness that confined him to Bangkok Hospital Phuket for most of the past year.
An end came with his death in the early hours on Sunday morning.
To mark his passing, an elaborate week of ceremonies is expected, to concluding on June 6 with a procession through Phuket streets to Wat Kositwiharn in Thepkrasattri Road.
Anuphas began as an ice-making factory, then the firm moved into tin mines, salt, rice, timber, and alcohol.
At one time, sea transport between Phuket, Penang and Trang province was a key component.
During World War II, relatives said, Khun Weerapong developed biodiesel at a time when other fuels were too expensive.
Now new generations of the family have diversified into coffee shops, fuel stations and car showrooms.
On Sunday, about 300 people attended Wat Wichitsangkaram on Narissorn Road in Phuket City.
Father of two daughters and four sons, the most senior member of the Hongsyok clan leaves an indelible mark on Phuket.
His children are Montree, Pisit, Wanida, Viyada, Chuchai and Attaporn. There is also a family network extending much wider.
Khun Veera, as I had known him, was a gentleman extraordinaire. Always helpful and always willing to offer a share of his wisdom. Indeed, one of the very nicest of persons I've had the good fortune to meet during my many years in Phuket.
Posted by Hannes Birnbaum on June 4, 2009 23:09