Thien Hee was awarded for his medical expertise as well as his loyalty, and was thus elevated to noble rank.
Having retired from the army he pursued his business interests, amassing a considerable wealth and establishing many major Thai corporations – such as Siam Cement Public Co. Ltd[7] – of which his grandchildren and great-grandchildren sit on the board.
Pote became an influential statesman, serving as Prime Minister in 1957 under the coup-installed government when Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat seized power.
Pote became instrumental in maintaining diplomatic relations between the Thai military government and the United States during the 1950s.
Other corporations include the Home Product Centre Public Co. Ltd,[11] Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co. Ltd and the Sarasin Co. Ltd. Due to the family's penetration into the upper echelons of society, "Sarasin" became synonymous with wealth and respectability during the 19th century.