Page 39 - A Life Well-Lived Is a Beautiful Memory

Professor

Bhanupong:

My Mentor

and Friend

Sakon Varanyuwatana
13 February 2024 Bhanupong and Sakon, 2014.

I joined the Faculty of Economics at Thammasat University in 1987, having never met or
even heard of Professor Bhanupong before. Back then, Ph.D. candidates seeking lecturer positions
simply presented a research paper to a senior committee in their field. During my presentation,
most attendees remained silent, but Professor Bhanupong, the youngest in the room, engaged me
with detailed questions, making me feel both stressed and impressed. Though he didn’t speak with

me afterward, it was Professor Bhanupong who warmly welcomed me on my first day, introducing
me to the faculty and fellow applicant Tanis Chaturongkul.
Soon, the three of us, close in age, became fast friends. Professor Bhanupong became my

mentor, offering invaluable advice on navigating both work and life at the faculty. His kindness
extended beyond colleagues, like the time he helped a nervous master’s student during her thesis
presentation. I witnessed his generosity on numerous occasions, offering both guidance and
financial assistance to faculty staff in need.
Our group grew by two the following year with the return of Professor Naris Chaisuth and

the arrival of Professor Prakar Apasap. We affectionately became known as the “Young Turks”
by senior faculty, often enjoying lunch together. Recognizing our combined expertise, Professor
Bhanupong spearheaded a collaborative effort to revamp the macroeconomics course, resulting

in the first complete lecture notes for students. This innovative approach was later adopted by
other universities.

Bhanupong Nidhiprabha 39