Passed away "Somnuk Ketchat" Former mayor of Nakhon Si Thammarat, closing the chapter on a local political legend who held the position for over 30 years, a model developer who built the foundations of the city and earned global recognition.
On 16 April 2026 GMT+7, it was reported that Somnuk Ketchat, former mayor of Nakhon Si Thammarat and a local legend who served continuously for 31 years, peacefully passed away from heart disease at the age of 87.
His family moved his body to the Watershed Agriculture Building and the RAT Transport Company office in Nakhon Si Thammarat for people to pay respects, attracting thousands who filled the area. That same evening, a royal water-pouring funeral ceremony was held for Somnuk Ketchat, a local administrator honored with the Knight Grand Cordon of the Order of the White Elephant (T.C.) or the Order of the Crown of Thailand (T.M.).
Somnuk Ketchat held the mayoral position continuously for 31 years until he stepped down in 2011. He created a lasting legacy managing Nakhon Si Thammarat municipality, elevating it from town municipality status to city municipality level. His focus was on human development strategies, excellence in education for students under the municipality, and founding the first international municipal school in Thailand to produce graduates skilled in science and technology.
Additionally, Somnuk was Thailand's first municipal mayor to promote a municipal health policy.Nakhon Si ThammaratHe established the first municipal hospital directly under the Nakhon Si Thammarat municipality, a pioneering move in Thailand that attracted study visits nationwide.
Currently, Dr. Kanop Ketchat, Somnuk's son, serves as mayor of Nakhon Si Thammarat. He was overwhelmingly elected and continues his father's development vision, leading the municipality into a digitally managed era known as the "Smart City," gaining worldwide recognition and awards from the United Nations.United NationsThe United Nations has recognized Nakhon Si Thammarat as a model city for Smart City management.
Last week, Somnuk suddenly fell ill. Dr. Kanop Ketchat, mayor of Nakhon Si Thammarat and his son, took him to the hospital and cared for him continuously until his final moments.