Former Police Deputy Chief Dies at 103

Police Lieutenant General Phon Pladurksa has died at age 103, the father of Dr. Paktpilai Taveeshin, spouse of former Prime Minister Srettha Taveeshin. The royal ablution ceremony will take place at Thepsirin Temple on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at 4:30 p.m., followed by the water pouring ritual at 5:30 p.m. and the royal blessing ceremony at 6:00 p.m. Chanting services are scheduled for August 3–4 and August 6–7, 2026, both at 6:30 p.m., with the royal cremation ceremony set for August 9, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

Lieutenant General Phon, born on March 25, 1923, in Ta Chana District, Surat Thani Province, completed his primary education at Ta Chana municipal school and finished middle school at Satun Provincial School and upper secondary school at Surat Thani Provincial School. He graduated from the Royal Thai Army Cadet Academy and the Police Cadet School with top honors in his class and received a scholarship to study at the Metropolitan Police Detective Training School in London, England.

His police career spanned from May 1, 1945, when he became a cadet, through various posts including vice commander of Bangkok Metropolitan Police and commander of Provincial Police Region 3. He retired from active service in 1984. He also held special royal positions serving the King from 1968 until 1983.

Phon married Udomsri Ramintra, daughter of Police Lieutenant General Phra Ramintra (Duang Ramintra), former Police Director-General, and Lady Pan Ramintra. They had five children, including Dr. Paktpilai Taveeshin, wife of former Prime Minister Srettha Taveeshin.