The Founder
Phraya
Bhirom Bhakdi
Phraya Bhirom Bhakdi
The Founder
Phraya Bhirom Bhakdi
Praya Bhirom Bhakdi was born Boonrawd Sreshthabutra on 13 October 1872, son of Pra Bhirom Bhakdi (Chom Sreshthabutra). He was home-schooled by his father until the age of 11, when he was sent to a temple to be further educated by monks, a custom for Thai boys at the time. Afterwards, he entered a school for boys, and earned honours in all fields of studies. He also became fluent in English having studied with an American Missionary.
He started work at 18 as a teacher, and then moved on to become a clerk at a logging company, Kim Tseng Lee. After 4 years, he moved to Denny, Mott and Dickson, a British-owned logging company. He then started his own logging business with the support of his two old bosses, and became a car dealer for a few years, importing Belsize Motorcars from the UK, before starting his own ferry business, transporting passengers across the Chao Praya River, between Bangkok and Thonburi. The business was a success among many competitors, but with plans to build bridges across the Chao Praya River by the government, he realised that his business would ultimately be affected.
Praya Bhirom Bhakdi presented the young King Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII) with an enamelled beer container in 1938
He first thought of the idea of brewing a Thai-made beer in 1929, and finally sent in a request to the government to build the first Thai brewery in 1930. Meanwhile, Boonrawd toured Germany and Denmark to study the art of making beer. His dream became a reality when Boon Rawd Brewery was established on 4 August 1933, when he was 60 years old.
King Rama VII and Queen Rambai Barni visited Boon Rawd Brewery site twice in 1933
Their Majesties King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) and Queen Rambai Barni visited the brewery site twice - the first time on 11 July 1933 to witness breaking ground, and the second time on 28 December 1933 to tour the completed brewery buildings.
King Rama VII and Queen Rambai Barni visited Boon Rawd Brewery site twice in 1933
His Royal Highness The Prince Narisara Nuvadtivongs, the King's uncle and Regent of Siam at that time, presided over the opening ceremony on 6 July 1934. The first bottle of Thai beer finally rolled out to the public on 7 July 1934. Initially, there were 3 brands: Singha, Golden Kite and Stupa, with 3 different liquids. Stupa, it would seem, was the first to go, having had less than acceptable sales figures.
Praya Bhirom Bhakdi with his son, Vidya, and some guests
Singha and Golden Kite became the staple beers for sometimes, but ultimately Singha won the days. Along the way, there were many other beer brands introduced by the brewery, especially during World War II when raw materials were difficult to import, and ceased altogether at one time. "Bear" and "Key" beers used local ingredients. When all raw materials ran out, the brewery depended on its soda water mixer and ice to keep the company afloat during the war. After the war, Singha ultimately was the only one left, prefered by both Thai and foreigners alike.
Praya Bhirom Bhakdi at a Royal Kite Tournament
Phraya Bhirom Bhakdi
Praya Bhirom Bhakdi helped with many charities in his lifetime, and could be counted as a great benefactor and philanthropist of his time, from education, to health, to all things governmental, as well as fire-fighting. He also became an expert in the art of kite flying in Thailand, a national sport back then, and published a book on kite competitions. He acted as fireman on numerous occasions, using three of his ferries attached with hoses that can pump water from the river, to subdue the flames ravaging riverside buildings. He was finally made Luang Bhirom Bhakdi by His Majesty King Rama VI on 20 November B.E. 2454 (1911), at the age of 39. He became Pra Bhirom Bhakdi on 20 December B.E. 2459 (1916), aged 44, and finally Praya Bhirom Bhakdi on 1 January B.E. 2467 (1924) , at the age of 52. The old Siamese Aristocratic rankings were later abolished after the 1932 Revolution.
Praya Bhirom Bhakdi was married to Khunying Lamai, and had 3 sons - Vidya, Prachuab and Chamnong. He died on 23 March 1950, at the age of 77 years old.
Updated 31 July 2022
