The funeral proceedings for Leicester City's late owner, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, began on Saturday in Bangkok. The Thai businessman died at the age of 60 when his helicopter crashed outside the club's stadium on October 27th, and the rites that will take place over the next week are being attended by mourners from all walks of society. And as Tony Cheng reports, his passing is also deeply impacting fans of the team that defied incredible odds to win the English Premier League in 2016.

This was the moment Leicester City football club chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha stepped from the shadows onto the global stage. The Thai billionaire was credited with taking a team of mid-league regulars and transforming them into winners of the English Premiership against odds of 5,000 to 1. His philosophy was simple.

VICHAI SRIVADDHANAPRABHA SPEAKING IN 2016 "Since we've got to know each other, we've been like a family, I spend time with them, talk to them, and listen to their problems."

Unlike many other club owners, seen as wealthy opportunists, Khun Vichai was felt to have a genuine affection for the club and its fans. That affection was reflected in the thousands of floral tributes left outside the King Power Stadium this weekend.

"He subsidized ticket prices for the away games, all sort of things like that, you know genuinely got the fans in his heart."

And back at home, where Leicester City have a huge following, his contribution to building a winning team was well remembered.

KANIT PRAWEENWORAKUL LEICESTER FAN CLUB MEMBER "He did not only invest financially. He put in the time and effort that everyone can see."

Khun Vichai held Thailand's monarchy in high esteem and was always keen to show his gratitude and respect to the throne. The name of the company with which he made his fortune, King Power, is a nod to the ultimate authority back home in Thailand, although that may have been lost on the English football fans. He was rewarded with a Royal title, bestowed on those who enjoy the patronage of Thailand's Royal family.

TONY CHENG BANGKOK "And this was the source of Khun Vichai's wealth and position in Thai society, King Power, a duty-free concession started in 1990 that, within 20 years, had made him the fifth-richest man in Thailand."

As Thailand has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, King Power grew from strength to strength. The mourners at this weekend's funeral proceedings reflect the position Khun Vichai achieved in Thai society, members of Thailand's football establishment, the political world and funeral rituals performed by the Deputy Prime Minister. As the week-long Buddhist ceremonies progress, the elite of Thai society will come to pay their respects. But it is perhaps in the hearts of English football fans, that his loss will be most keenly felt, Tony Cheng, CGTN, Bangkok.