Former Thai Airways boss Chatrachai dies
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THAI Airways International's former president Chatrachai Bunya-Ananta died yesterday of an intravenous infection. He was 82.
Chatrachai was a towering figure in the country’s civil aviation during his heyday. Serving as THAI’s vice president for marketing for 14 years from 1972, he was credited with making the national carrier one of the most admired airlines in the world in the 1980s.
Chatrachai became the airline’s executive vice president in 1986, and later its president – the first civilian to assume the post – as his predecessors all came from the Royal Thai Air Force. He retired from the national airline in 1992.
During his era, THAI was remembered for its familiar slogan “Smooth as silk”, in addition to the unforgettable logo, purple orchids, traditional Thai uniforms on departure, modern attire on arrival, and great Danish pastries.
The bathing rite for Chatrachai is scheduled for tomorrow at Sala 10 of That Thong Temple, starting at 4pm.
The Abhidharma praying ceremony will be held daily at 7pm at the same venue from tomorrow till next Sunday.
