Hatari founder Jun Wanavit, Asia’s ‘Hero of Philanthropy’, dies at 89

2026-03-05 - 07:43

BANGKOK — Jun Wanavit, founder and owner of Thai electric fan maker Hatari, has died peacefully at the age of 89. Jun, widely known as “Ah Kong Jun”, rose to national prominence in 2022 after donating 900 million baht to the Ramathibodi Foundation to support the construction of a new medical building and innovation projects. The donation sparked widespread admiration on social media, with many Thais posting photos of Hatari fans in their homes in tribute. He was later recognised by Forbes as one of Asia’s “Heroes of Philanthropy”. Over a decade, Jun donated a total of 1.5 billion baht to the Ramathibodi Foundation. His charitable giving extended to other healthcare institutions, including 200 million baht for the construction of Mae Fah Luang Hospital and medical equipment, 15 million baht for Police General Hospital, and 40 million baht for Tha Bo Hospital in Nong Khai province. He also provided 800 million baht in personal funds to support four-year scholarships for nursing students and underprivileged students. Throughout his lifetime, Jun donated at least 2 billion baht to charitable foundations, primarily supporting healthcare and education, without publicity campaigns. All contributions were made from his personal funds. Funeral rites are being held at Wat Thepsirintrawat, Sala Kaveeniramit (Sala Klang Nam), from 5–9 March. A Kong Tek ceremony is scheduled for 10 March at 17:00.