Mr Chatri Sophonpanich

Chairman

Mr. Chatri Sophonpanich, Chairman of Bangkok Bank Public Co., Ltd., is also Chairman of Dusit Thani Public Co., Ltd., which has subsidiary companies such as Royal Princess Public Co., Ltd. and Dusit Hotels and Resorts Co., Ltd. A dynamic top-ranking banker and financier - not only in Thailand but also in the Asian region and internationally, Mr. Chatri has been listed in Fortune Magazine (USA) as one of the 'top 25 Asian Business Magnates'; and been conferred 'Banker and Financier of the Year' honors several times by different leading magazines in Thailand and abroad.

In late 1958, he started his career modestly enough as Assistant Manager at Asia Trust Co., Ltd. In 1959, at the age of 25, he joined the Bangkok Bank Co., Ltd. where he was to devote his lifetime career, starting as Assistant Manager in Accounts Department. In 1980, he became President of Bangkok Bank, Executive Chairman in 1992, and Chairman in 1999 up to the present.

He is currently appointed to several established companies such as Chairman of Bangkok Entertainment Co., Ltd. (operators of Thai TV Channel 3), member of the Advisory Council of SASIN Graduate Institute of Business Administration of Chulalongkorn University, advisor to the Thai Chamber of Commerce, and also one of the advisors to the Board of Committee Members of prominent companies.

His Royal Decorations and Medals started with Commander (Third Class) of the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant in 1978, the Thai Red Cross Medal (First Class) in 1990, and culminating in his last two (thus far) Royal Decorations as Knight Grand Cordon (Special Class) of the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant in 1994, and Knight Commander (Second Class, lower grade) of the Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom Klao in 1996.

He graduated in Accounting from Kwang Tai High Accountancy College in Hong Kong, and also obtained a diploma from the Institute of Bankers in England. His honorary degrees include a Ph.D. in Law from Pepperdine University, California, USA in 1983, and a Ph.D. in Business Management from De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines in 1987.