or failure was affected by karma, and he therefore endeavored to build Buddhist temples and support Buddhist monks to accumulate good karma. Vichai had a good relationship with the Thai monk and his fellow monks, who often blessed the team players, either in England or at the monks' home temple in Thailand, Wat Traimit. The monks flying in to see the players of the team became a common sight. In 2015, Aiyawatt became ordained as a Buddhist monk for a month. In April 2019, The Asian Awards honoured him with the Outstanding Contribution to the Community Award. Death On 27 October 2018, Vichai's AgustaWestland AW169 helicopter crashed outside King Power Stadium shortly after taking off from the pitch. Eyewitnesses described seeing the helicopter spinning before crashing and creating a fireball. The next day, it was confirmed that Vichai, along with the pilots and two other passengers had died in the crash. Numerous tributes were laid for Vichai outside the stadium by players along with fans of Leicester City and other football clubs. In accordance with Thai burial customs, Vichai's funeral lasted for eight days, beginning on 3 November. Notes References External links 1958 births 2018 deaths Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Leicester City F.C. directors and chairmen Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha People associated with the University of Leicester Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Thai expatriates in the United Kingdom Victims of aviation accidents or incidents in England Victims of aviation accidents or incidents in 2018 Victims of helicopter accidents or incidents Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha