Kiat Wattanavekin passes away at 105

 

The Chinese migrant built his fortune from nothing and won recognition as a leading expat businessman in Thailand. His family started off in the liquor and construction businesses before diversifying into sugar milling and finance about 50 years ago. His company built many highways in Thailand.

Born on November 17, 1909  in urban area of Hakka Chinese village, he arrived in Thailand with his mother. In Chachoengsao, the Wattanawekins opened a store while Kiat had enrolled in Hwa Ming Hak Hoa School. He also helped his mother in the morning before school and after school every day until he passed elementary school. After that the family came to open a store in Nongchok area that where he finished his secondary school.  At that time, besides helping his mother in the store he also did the business by selling rice, salt, chili pepper, fish source, matches etc., to villagers around Nongchok and Min Buri. 

During the time, he also studied through postal courses until he received a diploma in accounting. 

His business progressed well for more than 20 years until the Revolution in 1932.  He moved to downtown Bangkok and grew his business. 

Kiat was known for his code of ethics and honesty, as well as his constant gratitude to his parents and his adopted country. He played a big part in Bangkok’s 200th anniversary, when he thanked the Kingdom for success. When Thailand established diplomatic ties with China, he played a key role in the establishment of the Thai-Chinese Friendship Association. He also chaired several other Chinese associations in Thailand.

Throughout his life, Kiat was known for his determination and someone who kept his promises. 

In an interview with The Nation, his daughter, Khunying Natthika Wattanavekin, said he taught his 18 children to be professional and transparent in their work, as well as follow his code of ethics and philosophy.

Aside from Natthika, who is chairman of the Eastern Sugar Group and Erawan Group, the other children include Panida Thepkanjana (wife of politician Pongthep Thepkanjana) and Supol Wattanavekin, chairman of the Kiatnakin Bank. 

After the bathing rites today, the body will lie in state at the Debsirin Temple for 14 days from tomorrow.