“Faith in 100 Years of Life: The Centenary Journey of Dr. Banloo Siriphanich”
The book “Faith in 100 Years of Life” was published as a homage and commemorative encomium in honor of Dr. Banloo Siriphanich on the occasion of his 100th birthday, celebrated on May 17, 2025. It draws upon the reflections and experiences of Dr. Pongpat Patanavanich, Chairman of the Executive Board of Mahachai Hospital Public Company Limited and Managing Director of MedPark Hospital, who had the privilege of caring for Dr. Banloo following his incapacitating stroke.
In addition to being a biography recounting a life journey from a humble childhood to dignified silver years, the book weaves in timeless truths, life philosophies, and practical guides on holistic elderly care that readers can apply to reap tangible benefits.
Chapter 1: The Rural Lad Who Became a Legend
The extraordinary life story of Dr. Banloo Siriphanich unfolded inauspiciously as an orphan shortly after birth in Roi Et, overcoming immense odds and adversity to become a trailblazing physician dedicated to serving society. Initially aspiring to study law, destiny steered him to medicine, where he trained at Siriraj Hospital during World War II. He later became the first hospital director of Mahasarakham and Saraburi Provincial Hospitals, with a combined 21 years of service. He chose to forgo opportunities in the United States to return and care for the underserved rural communities. After retirement, Dr. Banloo continued to garner recognition as the “Judge Bao of Medicine” for his courageous investigation into pharmaceutical corruption, a case that became a historical landmark in Thailand. His life exemplifies unwavering determination, steadfast integrity, and a deep, enduring commitment to the welfare of the people.
Chapter 2: The Essence of Life and Its Guiding Principles
Dr. Banloo Siriphanich offers profound insights into the essence of life and self-care, likening a life to a majestic tree—with stages of birth, growth, and eventual decline. He emphasizes the importance of living purposefully and embracing the principle of self-reliance: “Be your own refuge.” At the heart of his philosophy is preparing for old age through simple yet powerful practices: “Eat Moderately, Exercise Regularly.” A key lesson from his life is that even physicians are not immune to neglecting their own health. Dr. Banloo once suffered from coronary artery disease, which compelled him to rigorously transform his lifestyle—quitting smoking and alcohol, controlling his weight, and practicing meditation. He likened these preparations to readying oneself for battle, equipping the body and mind to face the challenges of aging.
Chapter 3: In Times of Need – Power of Family Support
The profound power of family in caring for Dr. Banloo Siriphanich became evident when he suffered a cerebral artery occlusion at age 93, illustrating a comprehensive elder care, as his children transformed their living quarters into a comprehensive home-based rehabilitation setting and opted for gastrostomy feeding rather than through a nasogastric tube to ensure Dr. Banloo’s comfort and well-being. This chapter emphasizes the importance of continuous rehabilitation, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and cognitive training. Despite facing multiple health crises, Dr. Banloo’s remarkable recovery was made possible through strong emotional support and attentive care by his family and a skilled nursing team. His resilience allowed him to resume outdoor activities and revisit his beloved retreat, the “Waterfront House.” Through this experience, the family learned that dedicated attention, systematic health tracking, and selecting psychology-savvy nurses are among the most effective “medicines” for senior care.
Chapter 4: Compassion of Healthcare Professionals
This chapter highlights the compassion of healthcare professionals who worked alongside Dr. Banloo’s family to provide care during his illness, with a focus on restoring both physical and mental quality of life. Their approach centered on fostering shared inspiration and goals, including Dr. Banloo’s determination to live past 100 and restore his writing ability. The physical therapy team employed psychological strategies, such as discussing his favorite music, pivoting from directive instructions to a collaborative approach, and encouraging ongoing participation even when he occasionally was uncooperative. Central to their care was identifying the true desires of the elderly patient, whether it was visiting Saraburi or writing a book. Care extended beyond medical treatment to assist him in expressing his thoughts through interviews and documentation by the nursing team, allowing him to maintain a sense of purpose and continue contributing to society despite physical limitations.
Dr. Banloo also shared his post-illness life guiding principles: exercise regularly, eat on time, engage the mind and translate thoughts into action, and ensure sufficient sleep. He emphasized discipline and perseverance as essential to longevity and living a life that is not a burden to others.
Chapter 5: The Bond of Connection - A Passed-On Mission
This chapter reveals the unfathomably deep "Bond of Connection" between Dr. Banloo Siriphanich (Mentor/Patient) and Dr. Pongpat Patanavanich (Protégé/MD of MedPark Hospital). This relationship served as a vital force that helped Dr. Banloo battle his illness.
Dr. Pongpat, who was personally mentored and cared for by Dr. Banloo since childhood, became the driving force that encouraged him to "keep fighting" and set new life goals, even during his severe illness. The motto they embraced and posted by his bedside — "Be Patient, Be Disciplined, Don't Be Stubborn" — has since become a guiding principle for elderly patient care at the hospital. This personal relationship expanded into a "Passed-On Mission." After his retirement, Dr. Banloo joined Mahachai Hospital and MedPark Hospital as Chairman of the Board of Directors and Advisor. He consistently reminded medical staff of their critical missions: "Patients who should not die must receive our best care to ensure they live on," and an excellent private hospital should serve as an "accessible alternate choice" for everyone, offering high-quality care at a reasonable cost.
Chapter 6: Approaching a Century — The Blessed Children
The final chapter highlights his blessed children, who are privileged to care for Dr. Banloo as he neared 100 years of age. Their blessings originated from Dr. Banloo's careful life planning, which included financial management and the formation of an “extended family,” closely connected to him. A meticulous planner—truly embodying the principle “Well Prepared Wins the War,” he designed and built apartments, prepared single-story homes suitable for seniors, and distributed his assets fairly. Most importantly, he penned a living will to ensure his children and descendants could approach his final stage of life with clear directives, confidence, and peace of mind.
Even as physical capacity declined, attention to mental and emotional well-being remained vital. The family learned that having meaningful life goals, even small ones—such as visiting Saraburi, engaging in enjoyable activities, or having loved ones keep him company brought him immense joy. This approach became an invaluable lesson for the next generation, teaching them how to navigate an aging society and respect their elders when they must rely on other people.
These are a glimpse into the remarkable life of Dr. Banloo Siriphanich. His long life exemplifies resilience, thoughtful planning, and the transmission of lasting values to his family and society. We invite readers to explore the truths of life, the principle of “Rely on Yourself,” and the power of family love and gratitude that nurtured him in his later years. The full content serves as a comprehensive guide for seniors, offering inspiration and invaluable lessons on living well, preparing well for old age, and being a responsible and caring citizen.
Download the full biography to explore the inspiring life journey of Dr. Banloo Siriphanich and gain wisdom to enhance your own.