Renowned orchid expert Rapee Sagarik passed away yesterday morning at the age of 95.
Rapee, who was a professor, died of natural causes at his residence in the Ngam Wong Wan area of Bangkok at about 6.30am, Thai media reported, quoting an aide.
He had earlier been treated for septicaemia at Phra Mongkutklao Hospital for about six months. After his condition improved, he was discharged to stay at his home.
Born in Bangkok on Dec 4, 1922, he attended Samsen Witthayakhan and Wat Benjamabopit schools. He then enrolled in Kasetsart college, which later became Kasetsart University, and studied at the Faculty of Agriculture at Maejo University in Chiang Mai.
Rapee conducted many research studies on orchids and was recognised locally and internationally for his expertise. He was widely known as "the father of Thai orchids".
He was a professor at Kasetsart University and served as its rector from 1972-80. He also served as a deputy agriculture minister in the Kriangsak Chomanan government.
His family will later announce funeral details.
