The Thai family of a Scots fisherman who was tragically killed in a North Sea boating accident have been left in an "awful" financial situation since his death. Ronald Mackinnon, who split his time between Thailand and Peterhead, passed away after a fishing vessel capsized off the coast of Norway in March.
Tributes were paid to Ronald, affectionately known as ‘Noggins’, after he died with friends describing him as a "true gent" and "kind to a fault". Voriya Sonthipong, his partner of 16 years, first met the 56-year-old at a Pattaya hotel where she worked, Aberdeen Live reports.
They went on to have two daughters, now aged 13 and 12, and a seven-year-old son. Speaking through a translator, Voriya said: “I met Ronald 16 years ago (when) I worked in a hotel in Pattaya. He asked me to go with him and we were together until (his death).
"Ronald was back and forth in Scotland and Thailand. We kept in touch through Facebook and he would come here every four months or six months. Ronald was a good man who loved me and my children very much. He took good care of me and the children."
On the day of the tragedy, Voriya was contacted by Ronald's mother. Voriya said her "heart almost broke" when she heard the news. And the anguish of losing her beloved partner has been compounded by financial woes that have plagued the family ever since.
With Ronald previously the sole breadwinner, Voriya spent her time caring for their disabled son. Now, they have been left on the breadline with no consistent source of income.
Voriya, who lives in the Ang Thong province, added: "Now we're in a lot of trouble because I don't have anyone to look after my finances. I have to take care of my son and my daughter is in school so I can't go to work. My father and mother are also very old.
"If Ronald was alive, he would take care of me and my family. Now that he has gone, my family's situation is awful."
Shortly after Ronald's death, stepson Christopher Bruce led heartfelt tributes. He said: "Ronald Mackinnon you were an amazing stepdad for the time we spent together.
"You wouldn't have met a nicer person who would do anything for you. My thoughts are with all his kids, his partner and of course his family back here."
The Marine Accidents Investigation Branch is probing the incident that led to Ronald's death.
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