Hat Yai: Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, presided over the royal bathing ceremony for Mr. Amphon Phongsuwan, Governor of Yala Province, who passed away on April 3. The ceremony took place at Wat Chonlatharaprasit in Songkhla Province and was attended by numerous dignitaries, including Ms. Thananon Niramis, Mr. Sirapop Duangsodsri, and Mr. Arsit Sampantharat, along with other senior government officials and the public.
According to Thai News Agency, the royal ceremony was marked by the gracious bestowal of royal bath water and funeral regalia by His Majesty the King. Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn also bestowed a royal wreath to be placed in front of Mr. Phongsuwan's urn. This royal grace deeply touched the Phongsuwan family, bringing them joy and gratitude during their time of mourning.
Mr. Amphon Phongsuwan was born on November 30, 1964, in Nathawi District, Songkhla Province. He was married to Mrs. Chaluay Phongsuwan. An alumnus of Ramkhamhaeng University and Prince of Songkla University, he held various significant positions throughout his career in civil service. He was appointed as Governor of Yala Province by His Majesty the King on October 1, 2023, a role he served until his passing at the age of 60 due to metastatic lung cancer.
His career was distinguished by the receipt of the highest royal decorations, including the Most Exalted Order of the Crown of Thailand and the First Class Order of the White Elephant. Mr. Phongsuwan was known for his commitment to provincial development and his dedication to the people of Yala Province, earning him the title of "the selfless governor."
The funeral prayers for Mr. Phongsuwan will be held from April 5 to 9, and the royal cremation ceremony is scheduled for April 10 at Wat Chonlatharaprasit in Songkhla Province, with Gen. Paiboon Khumchaya, Privy Councilor, serving as chairman.