Prapon Boonthumma

Prapon Boonthumma, known affectionately as “Poy”, passed away peacefully of natural causes on April 16, 2025, in Austin, Texas. Born on June 20, 1965, in Phichai, Thailand, Prapon's journey through life was marked by laughter, charm, and hard work.

Prapon's early years included living in Arkansas, North Carolina, and Florida where he got to experience adventure living in United States as he was originally from Thailand and had no knowledge of what the United States entailed. His travels continued with moving to Australia to join his family where he continued his adventurous lifestyle. Based on his mementos, Australia held a special place in his heart, as he was a local celebrity and famous to the towns people. He was the coolest guy in his high school and young children would see him and say, “It’s him, its Poy”.

After completing his high school diploma at Area High School in Woomera, South Australia, Prapon worked for the town’s maintenance crew where he began to build on his belief of being a hard worker. Upon his return to the United States, he was employed at the HEB corporation where he was employed over 35 years. To quote his supervisor, “Poy was a role model to our partners and there is not another partner like him”.

The pinnacle of Prapon's life was the birth of his daughter, Amanda Marie Boonthumma. His love for his daughter was profound and she was his greatest achievement.

Prapon's personality allowed him to make people feel relaxed and he was easy to speak to. He was funny and able to make connections with things so others could easily understand. Prapon was skilled in different activities like Ping Pong where he played tournament play. You would never have known he played Ping Pong very well as he was a humble person.

He was preceded in death by his father, Phaow Boonthumma, brother, Gabriel “Junior” Salazar, loving grandparents: Sujit and Boonmee Boonthumma, Bicente and Isidora Salazar, Jobe and Boonna Jitboon, and his uncle's Jumnard, Jumnong, Jate, and Phisate Jitboon. Prapon's memory will be cherished and carried forward by his wife, Somcharee Mewon; daughter, Amanda Boonthumma; step-daughter, Jennifer Gonzales; step-sons, Ahlee Mewon (Amy Mewon) and Tony Walker, his mother, Dwangjai Salazar; his father, Gabriel Salazar; his siblings, Preeda "Meu" Parker (Al), Michael "Tiger" Salazar (Jennifer Salazar), and Elizabeth "Marie" Salazar (Ron Garrett); as well as a host of beloved nephews, nieces, uncles, aunts, and extended family.

Prapon enjoyed music and he had a record collection with his brother Gabriel that included many hair bands along with music from the 70’s. He enjoyed cars and once owned a 1969 Oldsmobile Cutlass which he traded in for a Mazda Protégé which his brother Tiger felt was the worst trade ever and can compare it to when Babe Ruth was traded to the New York Yankees. Prapon also enjoyed collecting Hot Wheels and was always on the search for Treasure Hunt cars.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the ALS charity of your choice.