Remembering Graham Macdonald MBE

Our friend, founding partner, mentor, and inspiration

PRESS RELEASE | 7 September 2026

It is with very heavy hearts that we share the passing of our best friend, founding partner, mentor, and source of inspiration, Graham Macdonald MBE.

Last Thursday, 3rd September, Graham sadly succumbed to an illness that he had fought bravely for the last few months. With his beloved wife, Jay, by his side, Graham passed peacefully in his sleep.

It is taking all of us some time to come to terms with the news, and with the realization that the world will never quite be the same again for those of us who were lucky enough to know Graham and to have our lives enriched by him.

Although Graham retired from MBMG Group in 2016, he remained very close to the business, its people, and many of its clients. For us, Graham was always much more than one of MBMG’s founders. He was our friend, our mentor, a constant source of inspiration, and, for so many years, a huge part of the character and spirit of MBMG.

We could write volumes about how much Graham will be missed, and about the many wonderful things he did that made such a difference to so many lives. For now, however, we would like to share just a few of the tributes that have already been paid to him by friends, colleagues, and organizations across Thailand’s business and wider community:

• • Cees KC Cuijpers: “Very sad news this morning. My friend Graham…”
• • South African-Thai Chamber of Commerce: “It is with deep sadness…”
• • Pattaya Mail: “Graham Macdonald MBE remembered as a champion of business and community in Thailand”
• • Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand: Tribute to Graham Macdonald
• • Royal British Legion Thailand Branch: Tribute to Graham
• • BCCT: “It is with great sadness that we report…”

We would also like to revisit Helen Burggraf’s piece for International Adviser, written 13 years ago, about MBMG and how much Bangkok had already changed during the years Graham had been here. Reading it again today brings back many memories of Graham and the early years of MBMG:

• • International Adviser: “MBMG Group: Made in Thailand”

Graham’s contribution went far beyond MBMG. His service to the British and international business communities in Thailand was formally recognized when he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to British business interests in Thailand.

• • The London Gazette: Official entry confirming Graham’s MBE award.

Funeral Arrangements

• • Funeral Prayers: Monday 7, Tuesday 8, and Wednesday 9 September at 7:30 p.m. at Wat Khao Khanthamat, Sattahip, Chon Buri (วัดเขาคันธมาทน์ – Location details).
• • Cremation Ceremony: Thursday, 10 September at 3:30 p.m.

Graham is already deeply missed.

The world feels a different place without him, and without that contagious, booming laugh that could fill any room he was in. There will be many stories about Graham to tell in the days, months, and years ahead. For now, our thoughts are with Jay, Graham’s family, and the enormous number of friends whose lives were touched by him.

Rest in peace, Graham. You will never be forgotten.

About Graham Macdonald

Born in Birmingham, England in 1959, Graham was educated at Repton School before graduating from the University of Bradford, which earlier this year chose to award him an honorary doctorate.

Graham moved to Thailand in 1994 to establish MBMG Group which, alongside his close friend Paul Gambles, he ran until his retirement in 2016. Graham was awarded the MBE by HM Queen Elizabeth II in the 2012 New Year’s Honours List “for services to British business interests in Thailand.” He was also conferred with the inaugural International Personality of the Year Award in 2016 by International Investment Magazine.

Business & Community Leadership

The MBE partly reflected Graham’s dedicated service to the promotion of open global cross-border trade:

• • British Chamber of Commerce Thailand (BCCT): Founding Chairman of the Eastern Seaboard branch; Directorship of the main BCCT Board (1998–2012); Vice Chairman (2005–2010); Chairman (2010–2011); Chairman of the BCCT Charity Group (2009–2012); Honorary Adviser (2016–2026).
• • Board of Trade of Thailand: Director (2011–2015).
• • South African-Thai Chamber of Commerce (SATCC): Chairman (2012–2016)—making him the first person to head two foreign chambers simultaneously; Honorary Adviser (2016–2026).
• • Journalism: A regular contributor to local and international media who was shortlisted for the European Union’s Lorenzo Natali Prize for excellence in reporting on human rights and democracy.

Charitable & Social Activities

• • Care for Kids: President (1998–2010)
• • The Lighthouse Club (Eastern Seaboard): Secretary (2006–2007)
• • Royal British Legion Thailand: President (2009–2017), supporting Thai veterans and local hospitals; recipient of the RBL Gold Badge Award (2018).
• • BCTFN: Committee member (2012–2014 and 2017–2026).
• • Interests & Passions: A proud supporter of the Pattaya Panthers Rugby Club (having previously played for Wasps and Moseley Rugby Clubs in the UK) and the Pattaya Cricket Club. He also held an unquenchable appetite for history, literature, classical music, travel, movies, and the finest malt whisky.

About MBMG Group

MBMG Group was established in 1995 by founders including Paul Gambles and Graham Macdonald as a specialist in the provision of financial planning, investment, and legal advice to foreign individuals, family offices, businesses, institutions, and organizations in Asia.

• • Corporate Clients: Roster has included leading Thai corporate entities such as Central Group, local subsidiaries of multinationals like Boots Healthcare and Shell Thailand, as well as global conglomerates including Unilever and WPP Group. The team has also consulted for organizations like the United Nations Environment Programme.
• • Strategic Partners: Includes TriLake Partners, the Asian-focused portfolio management joint venture of three of Switzerland’s most established portfolio managers.