He is famous for his creative thinking in promoting charities. Just think of the yellow wristbands King Power created to honour the King on the occasion of the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty's Accession to the Throne. He has raised millions from the project. This is aside from the distribution of a limited collection of wristwatches produced exclusively by four international companies including Geneva-based Patek Philippe.

But this time his creativity has outdone itself.

On the day I visited Suvarnabhumi International Airport, I was awed at the sight of a huge sculpture depicting the Brahman myth of "The Churning of the Milk Ocean".

At the cavernous passenger terminal, all international travellers will be stunned by this gigantic work of art erected behind the Immigration booths and the first thing they will see after having their passports stamped.

I thought Airports of Thailand Plc was most creative in planning this marvellous sight to fascinate world travellers.

Yet Bizweek revealed that it was Vichai who had come up with the idea and he was the one who had donated Bt48 million to complete the structure.

Inspiring him were old memories of seeing international travellers admire the Merlion in Singapore. He thought that it would be a great idea to have airline passengers pause before "The Churning of the Milk Ocean", and he even hoped that they would come to the airport early for their flights in order to worship the statue.

His ambition is to make this site as revered as the Brahman Shrine at Rajprasong Intersection. While worshippers light candles and incense at the Brahman Shrine, obviously they can't do so at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Instead Vichai told the newspaper that he could produce "immortality" water for sale.

"What if I sell that immortality water for US$1 and tell all the buyers that the money will go to charity?" he said. "That should spark further interest in the airport, as it would be the first place on earth that ever embarked upon an idea like this."

So many charitable foundations in Thailand complain about a shortage of funds. Perhaps they should seek advice from Vichai. Having travelled around the world, he must have ton of great ideas to share. I just wonder if he'll have time to do so after Suvarnabhumi Airport opens on September 28.

achara_d@nationgroup.com