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Published on November 15, 2007

Ralph Bachoe and his family fled to Thailand from Burma in the mid-60s, but he never stopped writing and working for the freedom of his people. He was a regular contributor on Burma issues, using his contacts in the refugee camps and opposition groups in exile.

Bachoe worked for a number of leading English-language newspapers in Thailand includ-ing Bangkok World, the Bangkok Post and The Nation. He joined this newspaper in the mid-80's and left in 1990, when he was the paper's chief sub-editor.

"Ralph was a kind of father figure for many journalists and always made new staff feel welcome. He was very popular for the way he treated them with typical Burmese hospitality," long-time colleague Graeme Loveridge said last night.

"Christmas Eve at the Bachoes was always a highlight of the year, especially for young journalists working in a strange city and not knowing many people.

"At the moment we're busily emailing many ex-colleagues around the world to let them know of his passing. He was a cantankerous old devil in the typical chief sub editor mould, but generous to a fault, and that's what endeared us all to him."

Bachoe died in Theptarin Hospital in Bangkok. He will be sadly missed by many friends and colleagues in Bangkok's English-language press.

He is survived by his wife Jennifer, their daughter Jacqueline and son-in-law Mimi, and three grandchildren Natasha, Shaun and Aaron.

Prayers will be held at the Ruam Rudee Catholic Church at 7.30pm from Friday to Sunday. A requiem mass will be held at 10am on Monday at the Ruam Rudee Church followed by a cremation at Wat That Thong, next to Sukhumvit Hospital at 1pm.