Former deputy permanent secretary for defence Akaradej Sasiprapa died peacefully yesterday morning at a hospital in Bangkok where he was being treated for prostate cancer. He was 76.
The royally-sponsored bathing rite is scheduled for March 28 at Wat Sommanat. Funeral rites will be organised over seven days and the royally-sponsored cremation will take place on April 3.
Born on Dec 31, 1941, Gen Akaradej was a younger brother of Gen Yutthasak Sasiprapa, a former deputy defence minister and former permanent secretary for defence.
According to his close aides, Gen Akaradej, widely known as "Seh Aew" had been in good health. He was was seen on Jan 8 this year when he turned up at his brother's house to wish the latter a happy birthday.
The late officer was labelled by some media outlets "the godfather in green uniform" as he climbed the military ladder, but it was a nickname he always played down. Gen Akaradej maintained he never abused his rank or office for personal gain.
A graduate of Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy's Class 11, Gen Akaradej also commanded the 9th Infantry Regiment and spent six years in Kanchanaburi during his career, before retiring as deputy supreme commander.
