The Catholic Church in Thailand lost one of its most influential lay leaders on June 20 with the death of Joseph Prachuab Trinikorn, co-founder and former president of the Catholic Business Executives and Professionals (CBEP), at the age of 81.
Widely admired for his integrity, leadership, and commitment to the Church, Prachuab helped shape generations of Catholic professionals and entrepreneurs in Thailand while strengthening the country’s ties to the global Christian business community.
“It is with great sadness that we mourn the death of one of our most highly respected lay leaders,” said George Varakorn Techamontrikul, current president of CBEP.
Varakorn described Prachuab as a “role model and an inspiration” not only for CBEP members but also for Catholic laity throughout the country.
Varakorn recalled more than two decades of friendship and collaboration with Prachuab, beginning in the days of the Catholic Young Executive Society (C-YES) and continuing through the growth of CBEP, now in its 33rd year.
“The image I will always remember is that of a man who dedicated himself wholeheartedly to the mission of CBEP,” he said.
“He was a man of few words, but his actions spoke powerfully. He built a strong foundation and led the organization far beyond what we could have imagined,” he added.
Among the milestones of Prachuab’s leadership was the landmark international conference “Cure the World,” which brought together Catholic business leaders from various countries and demonstrated how faith-based values could be integrated into business leadership and social responsibility.
“That event became a turning point,” Varakorn said. “It showed that business can flourish while remaining rooted in the Gospel and serving society.”
Prachuab was instrumental in connecting CBEP with UNIAPAC, the International Christian Union of Business Executives, making Thailand the first country in Asia to participate actively in the global network.
“His vision continues to guide CBEP today,” Varakorn said.
He also spoke of Prachuab’s dedication during the final months of his life.
“What made me respect him most was his love for serving God until his last breath. Even while struggling with illness, he chose to participate in the UNIAPAC Asia Tour 2026. His commitment never wavered,” he said.
For many, Prachuab embodied the ideal of a Catholic lay leader who successfully integrated faith, professional excellence, and service.
According to Chamniern Vorratnchiphan, a longtime friend and colleague, Prachuab was a prominent role model whose influence extended well beyond the Church.
“He effectively used the knowledge, experience, and leadership skills gained from his senior management role in the corporate sector to benefit the Church and society,” Chamniern said.
He highlighted three enduring aspects of Prachuab’s legacy: professional and systematic management, the integration of Christian values into business life, and generous support for Church ministries and charitable initiatives.
“He brought professionalism, strategic planning, transparency, and sustainability into many Church-related projects,” Chamniern explained. “At the same time, he demonstrated how Christian ethics, compassion, and Catholic social teaching can be lived authentically in the business world,” he added.
Prachuab also served on numerous boards, committees, and foundations, offering his expertise in support of diocesan programs, Catholic organizations, educational initiatives, and social development projects throughout Thailand.
His influence extended far beyond national borders.
In a message of condolence, UNIAPAC President Sigrid Marz praised Prachuab as “a true witness to the vocation of the Christian entrepreneur.”
“With profound sadness, UNIAPAC joins CBEP and the entire Catholic business community of Thailand in mourning his passing,” she wrote. “He was tireless in building bridges between faith and enterprise and a steadfast advocate for business ethics rooted in human dignity and the common good.”
Marz recalled meeting Prachuab during the UNIAPAC Asia Tour in February 2026, which included visits to Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
“I witnessed firsthand his generosity, his clarity of purpose, and the quiet depth of his faith,” she said. “He leaves behind not only a stronger CBEP but also a living example for every business leader seeking to serve the common good.”
Similarly, UNIAPAC Past President Etienne Wibaux remembered Prachuab as a leader deeply committed to fostering international friendship and collaboration among Christian business executives.
“He was one of those rare leaders who devoted himself wholeheartedly to building international relationships,” Wibaux said. “Through his friendship and remarkable human qualities, many of us came to know Thailand and the vibrant Catholic communities of Asia.”
Prachuab’s contributions to CBEP, the wider Church, and the international Christian business community left a lasting mark on Catholic lay leadership in Thailand and across Asia.
