LOVING MEMORY OF DR. VERAPONG CHAIPERM
15 April 2023
It is with a heavy heart that we mourn the loss of Dr. Verapong Chaiperm, the former Governor of the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand and a devoted alumnus of the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), who passed away on 14th April 2023. Dr. Verapong's dedication and contributions to AIT and the wider community will always be remembered.
Dr. Verapong, a distinguished alumnus, served as the President of the Thai AITAA from 2016 to 2017, during my tenure as the President of AIT. He obtained his Doctor of Engineering (Environmental Engineering) from AIT in 1991 and remained a passionate supporter of the institution throughout his life.
His personal concern for AIT was apparent during the 2011 campus flood crisis. As the AIT Vice President at the time, I recall how Dr. Verapong sent his colleague, Mr. Manas Supasirilux, to deliver the last batch of sandbags to AIT, trying to protect the campus from the impending flood.
Dr. Verapong always carried AIT in his heart and expressed immense happiness upon hearing the news of the institute's successful rebuilding and rise after the devastating two-month inundation. In our campaign to raise 80 million Baht for library modernization, Dr. Verapong was the first alumnus to pledge a major donation.
On December 2, 2016, Dr. Verapong invited AIT alumni to return to the campus to witness its remarkable reinvention. To celebrate this homecoming, he organized a "charity fun ride" to raise funds for providing free "breath spacers" for asthma treatment to children. The event brought together alumni for a bicycle ride around the AIT green campus, followed by the Annual Meeting of AITAA-Thailand.
As the Thai AITAA President, Dr. Verapong also donated 1 million Baht on July 4, 2017, to fund the construction of the now-iconic AIT Clock Tower, while Siam Yamato Steel (SYS) donated all structural steels used in the construction. The Clock Tower serves not only as a landmark for AIT but as a testament to the spirit and dedication of alumni like Dr. Verapong.
‘We pray that Dr. Verapong rests in peace and express our deepest sympathies to his family and friends during this difficult time.
We invite colleagues, friends, and AIT family to attend the religious rites held from 16th April to 20th April at Wat That Thong. The cremation ceremony will take place on the afternoon of 22nd April. May Dr. Verapong's memory live on in our hearts and through the lasting impact of his contributions to AIT and the community.
Professor Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai, Ph.D.
Former President
Asian Institute of Technology (AIT)
