Khon Kaen Business Tycoon Charoen Phatdamrongjit Dies at 94
Khon Kaen business leader Charoen Phatdamrongjit, nicknamed the 'Isaan Dragon', died peacefully at age 94 on October 19, 2026. His funeral includes a bathing ceremony on Monday evening and nightly chanting through October 23, with cremation set for October 24. Charoen rose from humble laborer to a major agricultural trader, real estate developer, and founder of the Charoen Thani Hotel, leaving a lasting legacy in the Northeast.
Charoen Phatdamrongjit, nicknamed 'Liang' and celebrated as the 'Isaan Dragon', passed away from natural causes at 04:00 on October 19, 2026, at his residence near Prachasamos Road adjacent to Wat Sri Chan in Khon Kaen. He was 94 years old. The family has arranged merit‑making ceremonies at the Mona Sala of Wat Sri Chan, a royal temple. On Monday, October 19, a bathing ceremony will be held at 15:00 followed by an evening chanting at 18:30. Chanting will continue each evening from October 20 through 23 at 18:30, and the cremation is set for Saturday, October 24 at 16:00. The family asks that no funeral wreaths be sent and that mourners wear respectful, subdued clothing. Charoen began his career from scratch, working as a laborer hauling rice sacks and delivering charcoal by bicycle before moving into agricultural trade, where he became a major distributor of corn and cassava across the Northeast. He later expanded into real estate and diverse investments, founding the Charoen Thani Hotel, a landmark in central Khon Kaen, and played a key role in managing the province’s horse racetrack and boxing stadium. His son, Jakarin Phatdamrongjit, known as 'Tao', served multiple terms as a member of the Khon Kaen Municipal Council and as a Member of Parliament for Khon Kaen.
