Biography: Mr. Sindhu Phornprapha
Mr. Sindhu Phornprapha (Tan Sòng Xīn : 
) is the eldest son of Mr. Tai-Long (Tan Tài Lóng : 
) and Mrs. Cheng (Cheng : 
) Phornprapha , born on November 23, 1909 at Kek Yea Sub-District, Teochew Province, Guangdong County, China.
Mr. Sindhu Phornprapha completed his primary education and 12 grade from Yongkang Tak Huk School. He was the eldest son with an intention to progress in life so he continued to his study at Shantou Xiang Ngiab School. When completing schooling, he enlisted in the military of the Kuomintang and served naval with the rank of lieutenant colonel stationed in Guangzhou, Guangdong County.
Mr. Sindhu Phornprapha has traveled to Thailand together with his father Mr. Tai-Long Phornprapha in 1929 when he was 20 years old. In 1931, He founded Tan Thong Huat Co., Ltd. starting with trading and buying of used glass bottles and metal scrap then importing steel bars, machinery, and cars used during the war in Europe and Korea to be reconditioned for sale which was the start of the Phornprapha family.
Mr. Sindhu Phornprapha served as Chairman of the board and Managing Director of Tan Thong Huat Co., Ltd. for 40 years. Under his leadership, he has traded with foreign countries such as the United States, England, France, Belgium, Germany, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Korea, and Japan with excellence business relationship and as trusted partner.
Mr. Sindhu Phornprapha ‘s siblings who were born in China followed their father Mr. Tai-Long and his eldest brother to Thailand after graduation. As the eldest brother, he therefore was the main force in creating solid foundation for the family. Mr. Sindhu devoted himself and sacrificed for his family without discouragement to any obstacles. He was a key supporter of his siblings for higher study. Some of his younger siblings had the chance to study abroad since Mr. Sindhu valued the benefits of education and provide good opportunities which he didn’t have to his siblings
Mr. Sindhu Phornprapha is a gentleman, humble and fair. Being a kind giver and sacrifier so he’s beloved and respected among Thai-Chinese business community. He was the President of the Thai Metal Association for 14 years. He was the President as well as the Honorary President of the Tan Family Association for 4 years. Mr. Sindhu and the Phornprapha family received great support from Mr. Chin Sophonpanich, the founder of Bangkok Bank who also has the same surname Tan. This unbroken relationship and respect began with Mr. Sindhu Phornprapha has led many members of the Phornprapha family to serve as the Directors of Bangkok Bank up till present. In addition, the great relationship with Japanese businessmen in those days led the Phornprapha family to become the first pioneer of the automobile and motorcycle business in Thailand.
Mr. Sindhu Phornprapha married to Mrs. Hai Giang. In China, they had five children as follows :
1. Mrs. Atchara Sethaphakdi
2. Mrs. Kimkeng Sae-Tang
3. Mr. Tanchai Phornprapha
4. Mrs. Kittiporn Patcharawanich
5. Ms. Pornchan Phornprapha
After residing in Thailand for 10 years, Mr. Sindhu Phornprapha married to Mrs. Watcharee Phornprapha in 1939, they had 4 children as follows :
1. Mr. Chumpol Phornprapha
2. Mr. Polsak Phornprapha
3. Mr. Raksanit Phornprapha
4. Mr. Satitphong Phornprapha
Mr. Sindhu Phornprapha passed away on September 20, 1971, at 62 years of age.