Veteran actress Chomchai Chatwilai dies at 73

Chomchai Chatwilai, a beloved veteran actress and singer, passed away peacefully at the age of 73.

News of her death was shared by fellow actress and designer Wipavee Charoenpura on Facebook, where she affectionately referred to Chomchai as Phi Add.

“My deepest condolences to the family of Chomchai Chatwilai. May goodness bring your soul to rest in peace. I say goodbye to Phi Add with great love and heartfelt condolences.”

Chomchai, born Walchulee Chatwilai, began her illustrious career in the entertainment industry at just six years old. Initially, she sang for a band managed by the accomplished musician and composer Chamras Wipatawat. Her breakthrough came after winning a singing contest on the Rak Rakphong programme, which propelled her to fame and led to a successful transition into acting.

Over a career spanning more than six decades, Chomchai starred in over 200 Thai soap operas and films. Her contributions to the industry garnered her numerous accolades, including an award for outstanding use of the Thai language and several television awards.

Reports indicate that Chomchai had been battling a chronic illness, which eventually led her to step away from the entertainment industry to seek treatment, reported Bangkok Post.

In related news, the Thai broadcasting scene was met with shock and grief as 36 year old famed radio personality, Trin Ruangkitratanakul, better known as DJ Ko, plunged to his death in a Bangkok hotel on November 17. The incident, which took place in the bustling district of Khlong Toei, is currently being investigated as a suspected suicide.

In other news, a South Korean singer, known for her hit song Reply 1988 and a promising future in the music industry, has tragically passed away at the age of 30. Park Boram, born on March 1, 1994, first gained recognition in 2010 as a contestant on the television show SuperStar K2, where she finished in the top eight.