PHUKET: Paiboon Upatising, much-respected island businessman and President of the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation, died early today in a Bangkok Hospital after a long illness. He was aged 58.

Arrangements are being made for his body to be returned to Phuket today. Large numbers of Phuket residents are expected to mourn his passing.

Khun Paiboon's family owned several resorts, property developments and franchises.

In turning his attention to the island's needs, Khun Paiboon devoted himself to settling a good example in making the PPAO as transparent as possible.

He had been twice elected to the role, Phuket's highest elected office.

While winning awards for setting an anti-corruption example, the PPAO restored and opened the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation Hospital.

Among many other activities aimed at improving the life of everyday Phuket residents, Khun Paiboon oversaw the building of several football stadiums and the expansion of Phuket's parklands.

He became a familiar face at Phuket's traditional festivals and did his best to encourage tolerance and a better Phuket.

He was a former independent Senator, too, as well as being the charter president of Phuket's English-language Patong Rotary Club.

Immediate past-president Brad Kenny said: ''We are greatly saddened by Khun Paiboon's passing. It was Khun Paiboon who realised a long time ago that there were many expats who lived on Phuket and loved the island and could contribute to its improvement.

''He called about 20 of us together and that was the beginning of Patong Rotary. It was just one of many positive parts of the island's life that Khun Paiboon had a role in.

''As a member of a big Phuket family he could have devoted his life to business. Instead, he devoted himself to the island and its people. He will be missed.''

Hundreds of residents are expected to mourn Khun Paiboon and thousands are likely to miss him.