Ms Maevadi Navapan

Ms Maevadi Navapan with husband Dr Sukum Navapan in the portrait hanging in the College’s Arlosh Hall

It is with great sadness that the Principal and Fellows of Harris Manchester announce the death on April 4th of Ms Maevadi Navapan, Foundation Fellow and longstanding friend of the College and, with other members of her family, a significant benefactor. 

Ms Navapan began her career as a barrister before embarking on a highly successful business career, which saw her serve as Chief Executive of sports club operator, City Sports and Recreation, and as Chair of Panasonic in Thailand. She was also an influential figure in Thailand’s wider business and legal communities, serving as the Director of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, and as a member of the country’s Law Reform Commission.

A notable philanthropist, Ms Navapan and her family have been enormously generous supporters of Harris Manchester College over the years, funding the construction of several of our most beautiful buildings and providing financial support to our students. Maevadi Hall, with its state-of-the-art teaching room, accommodation for graduate students, and student activities space, is named in honour of Ms Navapan, and was opened in 2019 by the then Vice-Chancellor, Dr Louise Richardson.

Our Principal, Professor Jane Shaw, commented: “We remember Ms Maevadi Navapan with great affection and gratitude, and we send our heartfelt condolences to her sister Dr Karnitha Karnchanachari and all her family and friends. Ms Navapan and all her family have done so much to promote friendship and understanding between Britain and Thailand, and their support of the college has been incredibly generous and so much appreciated.”