Top business clans gather to honour Belgian friend of Siam
Count Gerald van der StratenPonthoz, founder and chairman of the Chao PhyaAbhai Raja Siammanukulkij Foundation and a member of the founding family of beer maker Anheuser-Busch InBev, hosted a gala dinner recently to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the arrival of Chao PhyaAbhai Raja Siammanukulkij (Gustave Rolin-Jaequemyns) in Siam.
The dinner also unveiled for the first time anywhere the Flower of Eternity jewellery coffer made by Fred Mouawad, co-guardian of jewellery brand Mouawad. Valued at more than Bt126 million, the exquisite masterpiece was recognised by the Guinness World Records last year as the world’s most valuable jewellery coffer.
Rolin-Jaequemyns served as general adviser to His Majesty King Rama V between 1892 and 1901 and is the only foreigner to have been bestowed the title chaophya by royal appointment during the Rattanakosin Era.
Attending the event were members of the prominent Bhirombhakdi, Chearavanont, Chirathivat, Juangroongruangkit, Charvirakul and Heineke business families.
With such exceptional families celebrating an exceptional man, there were several interesting speeches. MR ChakrarotChitrabongse gave the keynote speech, recounting the importance of the Thai monarchy. Belgian Ambassador Philippe Kridelka spoke about his country’s monarchy and the warm kinship Belgium has enjoyed with Thailand. And CP Group chairman SoopakitChearavanont spoke during dinner about how families can help shape national and global economies.
