Richard Leu, Motoring Editor, dies at 52

Richard Leu, Motoring Editor, dies at 52

Richard Leu, a test driver and motor columnist at the Bangkok Post, who always followed his passion: automobiles.
Richard Leu, a test driver and motor columnist at the Bangkok Post, who always followed his passion: automobiles.

Richard Leu, a Motoring editor at the Bangkok Post, died on Friday at the age of 52.

Leu -- amicably known by his friends and colleagues as "Richi", succumbed to throat cancer. He is survived by his wife and two children.

Born to a Swiss father and Thai mother, Richi graduated from Ruamrudee International School (RIS) and Assumption University in Bangkok.

After graduating, Richi worked at the sports section at The Nation for one year before joining the motoring section at the Bangkok Post in the early 90s. A test driver and motor columnist who knew cars well, Richi was known for his integrity and straightforwardness. Richi often tested the cars he wrote about and was never shy to tell readers if a vehicle has flaws. His work mission was clear: he wrote for the benefit of consumers, not brands.

Neshan Dias, his best friend and former Bangkok Post colleague, recalled Richi as a man who enjoyed the simple things in life and always followed his passion: automobiles. "It was the simple things he cared about: a good street-side meal, a few beers and a hearty laugh with a few close friends. He was highly skilled at snooker and squash. As a kid, he would draw cars in class. His adult life was dedicated to writing about cars -- his true passion. When not behind the wheel, he was at home."

A funeral is being held at Pavilion 5 at Bangkok's Wat Samian Nari until Tuesday. His cremation will be held on Wednesday at 5pm.

His favourite line when in the company of friends was "one more, and we go".

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