Page 45 - A Life Well-Lived Is a Beautiful Memory

A Letter of

Gratitude to

Professor

Bhanupong

Bhanupong, the economist, complains to Ajarn Saipin about the
Saipin Cintakulchai price of crabs (after eating them). Ajarn Supot is in the background,
4 February 2024 2014

Dear Professor Bhanupong,
I am writing this letter to express my gratitude for the role you have played in my life since

I started working as a lecturer at the Faculty of Economics, Thammasat University in 1987.
Whenever we met, you would always ask me about my teaching and my research progress. This
sometimes made me feel a little pressured, as I am not a very diligent person by nature. However,

your constant encouragement and questioning eventually motivated me to publish a textbook on
microeconomics in 2019.
In addition to my academic work, I also had the opportunity to work closely with you as an
administrator when you were the Dean of the Faculty of Economics. During that time, I witnessed
firsthand your commitment to integrity and fairness in your work. You were also a very kind and

considerate leader. After your term as Dean ended, I would still meet up with you and a few other
close colleagues from time to time to chat and have meals together. However, the COVID-19
pandemic made it difficult for us to meet up as often.

In late 2022, I met you again and learned that you were very sick. I was shocked and saddened
by this news, and I was speechless. Just a few months earlier, in early September 2022, I had seen
you at my retirement party, and you seemed to be in good health, albeit a little thinner. In early
April 2023, I heard that your condition had worsened, and you passed away on May 13, 2023.
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have known you and worked with you. Thank you for

everything you have taught me, for your guidance, and for the wisdom you have shared with me
over the years. I will always cherish the memories we shared.

Sincerely,
Saipin Cintakulchai

Bhanupong Nidhiprabha 45