17/11/2025
Company Announcement
It is with profound sadness that we at Ocean King Ltd. announce the passing of our founder, Derek Thai (affectionately known as Joe), on 29 October 2025.
Derek founded Ocean King Ltd. in 1997, building it from the ground up alongside his sons—Steven, John, Norman and Ian—into the thriving company it is today. His vision, relentless dedication and entrepreneurial spirit were the foundation of our success, fostering strong, loyal relationships with suppliers and customers that remain our greatest strength.
Born in war-torn Vietnam, Derek made the courageous decision in 1979 to flee persecution on a fishing boat, risking everything with his wife Linda and their 18-month-old son Steven. It was a perilous voyage in which many lives were lost, yet his courage brought them to safety.
Arriving in the UK as a refugee, Derek worked tirelessly—often 17-hour days, seven days a week—sacrificing his own well-being to provide for his family and build our business. A former tutor in Vietnam with the neatest handwriting imaginable, he brought that same precision, wisdom, and exceptional business acumen to every decision. His calculated risks and self-assurance turned dreams into reality.
Beyond Ocean King, Derek was a devoted husband to Linda for over 50 years, and a loving grandfather to seven grandchildren. For decades he put holidays on hold, but after courageously overcoming a serious battle with cancer in 2020, he finally allowed himself to slow down and truly enjoy life.
In recent years Derek and Linda made up for lost time, travelling extensively—including many wonderful cruises this year alone—and at last living freely and without worry. It was on one of those long-awaited journeys, in a place that brought him pure happiness, that Derek passed peacefully by Linda’s side.
He was blessed to have seen all his grandchildren just days earlier, showering each one with big hugs and kisses before leaving this world in sweet harmony.
Derek also leaves behind his brother, sisters, nephews, nieces and a growing community of people whose lives he inspired and enriched. Having retired and entrusting the company to his sons, his legacy endures in the values he instilled: hard work, integrity and family first.
Cremation Ceremony
Friday, 21 November 2025
10:00 AM Hong Kong time
Hall 516, 5th Floor,
Universal Funeral Parlour,
Hung Hom
A wake will follow in the UK — venue and date to be confirmed after repatriation.
In keeping with Derek’s own wishes and in celebration of his victory over cancer in 2020, the family respectfully requests that, in lieu of flowers or other tributes, donations be made to cancer research.
Contributions in his memory can be made here:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/derekthai
Your generosity will help others facing the same fight he overcame so bravely.
In Derek’s memory we honour his legacy through cherished photos of family meals, where his joy in good food and togetherness was always evident.
Ocean King Ltd. will continue to thrive as a testament to his unbreakable spirit.
Rest in peace, Derek — thank you for everything.
