Who was Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha? Leicester City players arrive for owner’s funeral after fatal helicopter crash
Thai billionaire built an empire of duty free shops before buying the Foxes in 2010 and masterminded their Premier League win
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LEICESTER is in mourning after owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha's helicopter crashed in the King Power Stadium car park last Saturday evening.
The Thai businessman died in the blaze, just moments after watching his side draw with West Ham, and his funeral is now getting underway in Bangkok.
Who is Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha?
Srivaddhanaprabh was born in Bangkok on April 4 1958 to a Thai Chinese family.
He made his fortune with his company King Power Duty Free, which was given the royal seal of approval in 2009.
The 60-year-old was ranked by as the fifth-richest man in Thailand with an estimated £3.82bn fortune prior to his death.
Srivaddhanaprabha bought Leicester for £39million in 2010 after three years as the club's shirt sponsor.
In 2011, he became chairman and son Aiyawatt was named vice-chairman.
Five years later, the Foxes stunned the world by winning the Premier League despite being huge outsiders.
Generous Srivaddhanaprabha bought a BMW i8 - worth £105,000 - for every member of the squad as a gift.
Last May, the wealthy mogul purchased Belgian outfit OH Leuven - his second club.
Srivaddhanaprabha was a keen polo fan and also owned the VR Polo Club in Bangkok.
He leaves behind his wife Aimon Srivaddhanaprabh, and four children Voramas, Apichet, Arunroong, and Aiyawatt.
The businessman was born Vichai Raksriaksorn but was given a new surname by the King of Thailand Bhumibol Adulyadej in 2012.
Srivaddhanaprabh means "light of progressive glory" in the Thai language.