King Rama VII and Queen Rambai Barni visited Boon Rawd Brewery site twice in 1933

Praya Bhirom Bhakdi presented the young King Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII) with an enamelled beer container in 1938

Praya Bhirom Bhakdi was born Boonrawd Sreshthabutra on 13 October 1872, son of Pra Bhirom Bhakdi (Chom Sresthabutra). He was home-schooled by his father until the age of 11, when he was sent to a temple to be further educated by the monks, a custom at the time for Thai boys. Afterwards, he entered a school for boys, and earned honours in all fields of studies. He also learned English with an American Missionary and became quite fluent. He started work at 18 as a teacher, and then moved on to become a clerk at a logging company, Kim Tseng Lee. After 4 years, he moved to Denny, Mott and Dickson, a British-owned logging company. He then started his own logging business with the support of his two old bosses, and became a car dealer for a few years, importing Belsize Motorcars from the UK, before starting his own ferry business, transporting the passengers across the Chao Praya River, between Bangkok and Thonburi. The business was a success among many competitors, but with plans to build bridges across the Chao Praya River, he realised that his business would ultimately be affected. He first thought of the idea of brewing a Thai-made beer in 1929, and finally sent in a request to the government to build the first Thai brewery in 1930. Meanwhile, Boonrawd toured Germany and Denmark to study the art of making beer. His dream became a reality when Boon Rawd Brewery was established on 4 August 1933, when he was 60 years old. Their Majesties King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) and Queen Rambai Barni visited the brewery site twice - the first time on 11 July 1933 to witness breaking ground, and the second time on 28 December 1933 to tour the completed brewery buildings. His Royal Highness The Prince Narisara Nuvadtivongs, the King's uncle and Regent of Siam at that time, presided over the opening ceremony on 6 July 1934. The first bottle of Thai beer finally rolled out to the public on 7 July 1934. Initially, there were 3 brands: Singha, Golden Kite and Stupa, with 3 different liquids. Stupa, it would seem, was the first to go, having had less than acceptable sales figures. Singha and Golden Kite became the staple beers for sometimes, but ultimately Singha won the days. Along the way, there were many other beer brands introduced by the brewery, especially during World War II when raw materials were difficult to import, and ceased altogether at one time. "Bear" and "Key" beers used local ingredients. When all raw materials ran out, the brewery depended on its soda water mixer and ice to keep the company afloat during the war. After the war, Singha ultimately was the only one left, prefered by both Thai and foreigners alike.

Singha Beer ad, 1930s	Praya Bhirom Bhakdi with his son, Vidya, and some guests	Singha Soda Water ad, 1940

Praya Bhirom Bhakdi

Golden Kite and Singha Beers Ad, 1935

Related links:

The Singha Story Boon Rawd Brewery

Praya Bhirom Bhakdi with his 2 elder sons and friends

It has always been King Prajadhipok's intention to grant democracy to the Thai people, which was planned for 1932 per the ideals of his late father, King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). This was already known among the lower-ranked aristocracy, whom nevertheless brought about a coup to completely end absolute monarchy, for which the group would benefit greatly. If left to the king to grant a democracy, they would have been left out, or would not have had any leading roles. In any case, about 10 years after the granting of the constitution, the new government decided to end the use of noble titles for men, but retained for women. As soon as Praya Bhirom Bhakdi heard this, he decided he would like to keep his aristocratic name. The Praya thus asked for permission for his descendants to use his titular name as the new surname, wanting to keep a name deemed lucky for him, a memory of his father, and one that was bestowed by the Kings of Thailand. In addition, it was also his wish to distinguished his own business dynasty as a separate family from the larger Sreshthabutra clan. On 4 June 1942, Praya Bhirom Bhakdi registered the use of his titular name of Bhirom Bhakdi, as the new family name. A new dynasty was born. With the abolishment of the old aristocratic titles, he then became known as Boonrawd Bhirombhakdi. In modern times, the Thai people have taken to refer to the old aristocracy using their old titles, to give them the honours they deserved as well as to respect the old Siamese traditions. Funnily, the women's aristocratic titles of Khunying and Thanpuying are still bestowed by the constitutional Kings of Thailand. The men still being granted Royal Decorations, but not the titles that came with such a destinction.

Praya Bhirom Bhakdi was married to Khunying Lamai, and had 3 sons - Vidya, Prachuab and Chamnong. He died on 23 March 1950, at the age of 77.

AD2022 - 150th Anniversary Praya Bhirom Bhakdi

My most favourite pic of him, at his desk

To mark the 150th Anniversary of my great-grandfather in 2022, I have published a reprint of his diary originally given out at his cremation ceremony per traditional Thai customs. The diary has also been printed on numerous occasions after, though in a cut-down version, one by the government as an encouraged past-time reading for students to learn about notable individuals from the past. I have also found new materials including his original diaries, as well as other important papers packed into dozens of boxes. They give a complete picture of his life as he was a very thorough diarist! Hundreds of photos and documents have been included to give a more complete picture of his life. Unfortunately, the book is in Thai only, but I have introduced a new page in English here to recap some of his most noted endeavours among knicknacks.

He was a businessman as well as a notable fighter who had seen many business battles, and ultimately came out stronger each time. It is very encouraging to read about it in his diary. For me personally, whenever I feel down or defeated, about to give up on something, I always think of him, and I would feel lifted right away, rest a day, and carry-on forward with new energy.

In addition, I am arranging a small exhibition to commemorate the 150th anniversary of his birth, on 13 October, and is planned to be opened on 3 October together with an Oktoberfest themed event for the whole month. More will be recorded on these pages.