Page 27 - A Life Well-Lived Is a Beautiful Memory

A Legacy of Kindness
Interacting with his subordinates, Professor Bhanupong exuded kindness and approachability,

earning him widespread respect and affection. His demeanor was marked by fairness, a deep-rooted
reverence for justice, and an innate inclination to offer others growth opportunities. Despite his
straightforward nature, often misconstrued by some, those who truly knew Professor Bhanupong
recognized him as a considerate and humble gentleman, devoid of political inclinations but

occasionally susceptible to agitation in tense situations, albeit fleeting.
Professor Bhanupong and I commenced our journey at Thammasat University around the
same time. While he enrolled in the Faculty of Economics in the academic year of 1971 and
graduated with first-class honors in 1975, I joined a year later. Though our paths didn’t cross

during our student years, our professional spheres intersected when he returned to teach at the
Faculty of Economics. A simple exchange of greetings evolved into a camaraderie characterized
by mutual respect and shared ideals, culminating in our collaborative tenure from 1999 to 2004.
Our synchronicity in age and ideology facilitated seamless collaboration, even amid

burgeoning workloads. Despite occasional differences, which I sometimes found myself irked
by, Professor Bhanupong’s magnanimity and penchant for forgiveness fostered an enduring bond.
His graceful handling of disagreements, often manifested in casual interactions devoid of any
mention of discord, spoke volumes about his character and unwavering commitment to harmony.

Beyond the confines of academia, Professor Bhanupong found solace in cinematic indulgence
and musical pursuits, passions we both shared. Our shared enthusiasm for movies sparked engaging
conversations, with me often recommending films for his viewing pleasure. In return, he regaled
me with anecdotes about his son, “Ton,” while expressing genuine interest in my own family

affairs. These shared moments of camaraderie served as a testament to the depth of our bond,
transcending professional obligations to forge a lasting friendship grounded in mutual respect
and shared interests.
Professor Bhanupong often extended invitations for meals at Poon Sin Restaurant or Tha

Phra Chan/Tha Phra Athit. Our shared birthdate in January 1954, falling on a Friday, underscored
our generational bond. Being born 21 days apart, Professor Bhanupong would invariably schedule
our gatherings between our birthdays, a tradition we upheld annually until my retirement in 2014.
Despite my departure, Professor Bhanupong continued this ritual for another five years, until our

paths gradually diverged. In the pre-COVID era, he would still reach out, but alas, my professional
commitments often precluded participation, a regrettable circumstance. Subsequent updates about
Professor Bhanupong were sparse, save for anecdotes from acquaintances who encountered him,
always inquiring about my well-being—a testament to our enduring camaraderie forged over five

years of collaborative endeavors.
Unbeknownst to me, Professor Bhanupong battled illness, with the gravity of his condition
revealed to me on April 10, 2023, when his health had significantly deteriorated. I had the privilege

Bhanupong Nidhiprabha 27