Thian Hee was also known by his aristocratic title Phraya Sarasinsawamiphakh. Thian Hee (Chinese: 黄天喜) (1848-1925) was born in Thailand to a Chinese father. At a young age he was taken to America by a missionary to pursue his studies. He is noted as being the first thai to have studied in America. He finished his studies in medicine at Columbia University in 1871. He returned to Thailand as the country's first ever medical doctor. He was a prominent military doctor and accompanied the army on expeditions to Laos. Thian Hee later established his wealth through rice trading and became one of the country's most influential businessmen.

Thian Hee was the founder of the illustrious Sarasin family. He was the father of Pote Sarasin who became the first secretary general of SEATO and the 9th Prime Minister of Thailand. Thian Hee's father was a Chinese pharmacist who had immigrated from Hainan in the 19th century.

Thian Hee's official title was Phraya Sarasinsawamiphakh. The title phraya is now obsolete however it is the second highest feudal title a person can be given and is the equivalent of Marquis in the West.

[edit] Sources

• Wimonphan Pitathawatchai, Sarasin sawamiphak, published in 2000
• http://thailand-usa.com/statistics/thai-american-facts-and-information-thais-in-america-americans-in-thailand/