Ray McDonald's Vespa Friends Remember Fellow Enthusiast
Ray McDonald, a beloved Vespa enthusiast who led Bangkok's Vintage Vespa Thai club, was remembered by nearly 20 riders at a memorial gathering at Wat Yang temple on August 22, 2026. Known for his kindness and adventurous spirit, McDonald in
Ray McDonald's Vespa riding group held a final memorial gathering on August 22, 2026, at Wat Yang, a royal temple in Bangkok. Nearly 20 members of the Vintage Vespa Thai club, led by Chin Asvawat Jinlongveeraskul, came to pay their respects. Pelé-Christopher Washington helped arrange parking, and Ray's longtime companion Mam Srinaya brought out his favorite helmet as a welcome tribute.
Chin revealed that the group had ridden together countless times, with Ray always taking the lead and looking after his friends. Ray was known for his kind nature and approachability—he would always sign autographs for younger riders who wanted to connect with him. His passion for Vespa was evident from the start; whenever he wanted to explore new places, the entire group would ride along as a team.
The helmet on display that day was Ray's constant companion, appearing in countless photos of him leading group rides. It had become inseparable from his story and travels. After the memorial service, the larger group moved to the Victory Monument to avoid disrupting the temple grounds, sending only a small delegation to pay their final respects.
The Vespa community in Thailand numbers in the thousands across all provinces, with groups gathering locally. Ray's passing prompted memorial rides from Vespa enthusiasts nationwide. Friends confirmed his extraordinary love for the scooter, recalling how he once traveled to Italy to ride with Vespa groups around the world. He returned full of joy and stories, sharing photos and videos of his adventures—memories that now carry a bittersweet weight.
When asked if friends noticed anything unusual beforehand, they recalled seeing moments in his videos where Ray appeared slightly disoriented, as if dizzy, despite not drinking. These signs had been present for some time. Ray had also grown easily tired, especially during long rides or in hot sun—something friends had observed for months. Members now wish to make merit on his behalf and honor his memory through charitable acts.
