Pongsri Woranuch, a trailblazer in Thai country music (also known as Luk Tang), has passed away following a battle with a lung-related illness at 85. Woranuch died early on Sunday morning at her home, as confirmed by her son. The famed singer and Thai music icon had been struggling with either lung disease or cancer, according to varying reports. She was allegedly in and out of hospitals leading up to her death.
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“And then Mom got on the last express train and left us,” Woranuch’s son, Jujuk Boonnachoti, wrote on Facebook. “No need to hug a pillow and sleep in the cold anymore, Mom. For all the actions, words, and thoughts that I have done carelessly or made mistakes, please forgive me.”
Woranuch’s death is a tragic loss for Thai music fans across the globe. Her funeral rites are set to take place in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand on April 17.
Pongsri Woranuch’s Legacy in Thai Country Music
Pongsri Woranuch was widely considered to be one of the most iconic singers in Thai music—known to many as the First Queen of Luk Tang. Born in the Chai Nat province of Thailand in 1939, Woranuch started her career in a traveling theater group as a teenager. She gained local popularity for her sets during intermissions, and she recorded her first song in 1955. From there, she joined Thai singer Suraphol Sombatcharoen’s band and launched a career that would last for decades.
Woranuch was best known for her talent for traditional Thai folk music, known as Luk Tang or Luk Thung. She became notable for singing in a high-pitched voice. She was also known for blending Thai country music with other elements, such as other genres of East Asian music and American country and western music.
In 1992, Woranuch was awarded the Thai National Artist title and is only the second Luk Tang artist in history to receive the distinguished honor. Woranuch’s work is often credited with popularizing Thai folk music outside of Thailand, and she gained a cult following globally throughout her life.
We wish Pongsri Woranuch’s loved ones and family nothing but the best during this difficult time. “Nam Ta Mia Luang”, “Kod Mon Non Nao”, and “Duang Phitsawas (Urgent Love)” are just a few of her biggest songs that fans can revisit in her memory.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain)
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