The 68-year-old statesman’s remains were laid to rest about 4.30pm in a Muslim cemetery adjacent to the Tha It Mosque in Nonthaburi here, not far from his residence, attended by hundreds of people from the local Muslim community.

Hundreds of people, including his sons, performed the final prayers at the same mosque.

King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Princess Chakri Sirindhorn as well as Princess Soamsawali sent their representatives to the ceremony and provided “royal soil” for the funeral ceremony.

The scholar-turned-politician and polished diplomat passed away about 3pm yesterday after collapsing at his residence while preparing to attend the Thailand Halal Assembly 2017 in Bitec Bangna.

He was brought to Ramkhamhaeng Hospital but was pronounced dead not long after.

Among the dignitaries who visited his residence today were former prime minister Chuan Leekpai, who remained as an adviser to the Democrat Party, and other senior leaders of the party as well as politicians and members of the diplomatic community.

Surin was Thailand’s deputy foreign minister from 1992 to 1995 and rose to become the country’s foreign minister from 1997 to 2001 during Chuan’s prime ministership.

On Jan 1, 2008, he was named Asean secretary-general.

The Nakhon Si Thammarat native, who is survived by wife Alisa and three children, served as Asean’s secretary-general for five years, accomplishing many feats on the diplomatic front.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Suwaphan Tanyuwattana, representing Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, also visited Surin’s residence to offer condolences from the Thai government.