Nipon Wongtrangan, a former president of the Thai Rice Millers Association, died from a kidney illness yesterday. He was 71.
He was admitted to Phaya Thai Hospital 1 on April 11, having been in and out of hospital for treatment of multiple illnesses. His condition worsened during the Songkran period last month and he died early yesterday.
Nipon was regarded a prominent figure in the country's rice industry, having served in important posts including five terms as president of the Thai Rice Millers Association, president of the Public Warehouse Organisation and director of the government's rice price-intervention agency. He was also appointed a board member of the Maejo University council.
A royally-sponsored cremation rite will be held at Wat That Thong on Monday.