THURSDAY, March 28, 2024
nationthailand

Vichai son vows to press on with Leicester City owner's 'big mission'

Vichai son vows to press on with Leicester City owner's 'big mission'

The youngest son of Leicester City's late Thai owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha issued a heartfelt message of thanks Wednesday for the cascade of condolences that followed his father's death in a helicopter crash, vowing to "carry on his big vision".

Vichai son vows to press on with Leicester City owner\'s \'big mission\'

Vichai, 60, was Thailand's fifth-richest man when he died in the horrific accident after watching his team play on Saturday.

He made billions from his King Power duty-free monopoly in Thailand, using the cash to invest in hotels, horses and Leicester's once-unremarkable football club, which shocked the sporting world by winning the Premier League in 2016.

In the first public reaction from the family, Aiyawatt -- better known by his nickname "Top" -- thanked people for the messages of support from across the world.

"I'm extremely proud to have such an extraordinary father," he said in an Instagram post shared by King Power's press office.

"I'm touched by how many people kept him close to their hearts."  

Vichai leaves behind a wife, and four children, two sons and two daughters. All five are on the executive board of King Power.

But Top -- already vice-chairman of Leicester -- appeared to confirm he has been anointed to lead at least parts of the King Power empire.

"He (Vichai) has left me with a legacy to continue and I will do everything I can to carry on his big vision and dreams," the post said.

Vichai son vows to press on with Leicester City owner\'s \'big mission\'

nationthailand