Leicester City helicopter crash: Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha – the ‘humble, generous, private enigma’

“But here in Thailand he had a rather different profile. He was very well known for founding King Power, which has a very controversial monopoly of Thailand’s duty-free sales. That has boomed during the massive rise in tourism in the past 20 to 30 years.

“He was a very private man and the company itself is a very secretive company. Not a lot is known about him. He founded the company in 1989 and achieved very quick wealth.”

Srivaddhanaprabha – who was ethnic Chinese – had four children, all of whom had been involved in the King Power company, which Head says is the “typical” model for a Chinese family-run business.

“He never gave interviews,” adds Head. “So although much loved in Leicester, he remained something of an enigma.”

The owner would fly up for Leicester’s home games in his helicopter from his property in London – or his other house in Berkshire, where he kept his horses – then return the same way.

“He loved living in the UK and loved the lifestyle his enormous wealth could bring,” says Head. “He was a great connoisseur of fine wines, he loved gambling and he loved horses.

“He was often seen with British royalty, taking part with his sons in polo contests. He really adored the high life of elite society in Britain.”

Head said Srivaddhanaprabha’s reputation both in Britain and Thailand as a “generous donator” to “high-profile community projects” resulted in him being recognised by Thai royalty.

“It’s very typical of large businesses who have such a hold on lucrative parts of the Thailand economy. They’re almost expected to give back to charities – particularly connected to the royal family.

“He was given the enormous status of a royally bestowed name about seven years ago.

“He was the fourth-wealthiest man here in Thailand and – in a country where you have some extreme wealth – that’s a hell of a position to have achieved for a man who only started his company back in 1989.”