BANGKOK, Dec 24 – The family feud of Thailand’s Boonrawd Brewery dynasty, the famous manufacturer of Singha beer, ended bitterly with Chitpas Bhirombhakdi, an active anti-government protester, relinquishing her family name to pursue her political career.
Ms Chitpas, a Democrat Party member and staunch critic of the government, will adopt “Kridakorn” – her mother’s family name.
Ms Chitpas’ father, Chutinant Bhirombhakdi, released an open letter to the media yesterday, expressing regrets over his daughter’s inappropriate statement in an interview to foreign media, saying “rural people lack knowledge and understanding about democracy.”
He said he talked with his daughter several times on political opinions and they had different points of view on several issues, but he said she is determined to pursue her political career.
“My wife, Chitpas and I have earlier discussed [the issue] and agreed that she should change her family name. We would like to announce through the media,” Mr Chutinant said in the letter.
Ms Chitpas’ uncle, Santi Bhirombhakdi, Boonrawd Brewery president, sent a letter to Mr Chutinant last week, reprimanding him for Ms Chitpas’ political role which, he said, has a negative impact on both the business and the family.
Mr Santi said he had spoken and made several proposals to Mr Chutinant but never received any response.
He said he, in his capacity as president, was responsible for what has happened and would like to inform Mr Chutinant via the letter that he has warned and advised him.
