A Sudden Turn of Fate
Chanokchonm 'Than' Limpinphet, a 27‑year‑old forward, died on May 17 after a brief battle with sepsis. Colleagues recall how he had seemed to recover from a fever just days earlier, only to experience a rapid deterioration in his final 48 hours.
He was rushed to Kasemrad Hospital where medical staff performed CPR for several hours before doctors pronounced him dead. The news spread quickly through the ice hockey community, prompting an outpouring of tributes.
A Career of Firsts
Chanokchonm represented Thailand in multiple international arenas, including the World Championship, the Asian Winter Games and the SEA Games. He was a central figure in the team's historic victory in the World Championship Division III Group A, a milestone that placed Thai ice hockey on a broader map.
Teammates described him as a beloved senior whose positivity lifted the squad. Dr Suwanna Silpa-archa, vice‑president of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand, said he was "someone loved by everyone" and that his spirit would be remembered long after his passing.
Farewell and Final Rites
The Limpinphet family has announced plans to bring his body to Chumphon for a Christian funeral ceremony. The ceremony will be attended by friends, teammates and officials from the Figure & Speed Skating Association of Thailand, who have pledged to honor his contributions to the sport.
Messages of condolence have flooded social media, with many recalling his infectious laugh and dedication to the game. The Icebreakers Ice Hockey team, for which he played, released a statement highlighting his role as a mentor and his lasting impact on younger players.