Venerable Actor Phairote Sangwaribut Passes Away at 72, Leaving Thai Entertainment Industry in Mourning
In a mournful blow, legend Phairote "Ae" Sangwaribut, celebrated Thai heartthrob from the golden era of teen romantic melodramas, left us at the tender age of 72. The news of his passing ricocheted across social media on Tuesday, June 3.
Best known by his nickname "Ae", Phairote was one of the most coveted actors during the '70s romantic teen craze, charismatic on the screen and a darling of audiences everywhere.
The groundbreaking Facebook page, Darapappayon, disseminated the tragic announcement on June 3. Phairote's demise occurred at 3:00 AM in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. His family and adoring fans are wracked with grief, with addendums from the page expressing their sorrow.
Phairote's memorial service and funeral bathing ceremony are scheduled for June 4 at Wat Makut Kasattriyaram Ratchaworawihan in Bangkok.
Phairote was born May 18, 1953, in Si Sawat District, Kanchanaburi Province. Son of the renowned Kaew Fah Radio Theater actor Karom Sangwaribut, Phairote also boasted an impressive family pedigree. He was the younger brother of Jirapha Panjasingh, the founder of Atchawadi Radio Theater, and a nephew of National Artist Phairat Sangwaribut.
After graduating with a vocational degree in electronics from Bangkok Technical College, Phairote pursued higher education, completing a Master's degree in Communication Arts from Krirk University. Phairote's foray into the entertainment industry came at age 20, as he launched his career starring in a period TV movie titled "Komintr Kumarn." He landed his breakout role in his second film, "Wai Onlawon" (1976), playing the captivating "Tum."
Phairote continued to garner success with notable films such as "Rak Ootalood" (1977), "Chuen Choolamoon" (1978), "Jam Loei Rak" (1978), "Khoo Rak" (1978), "Hong Tong" (1977), "Suphapburut Thoranong" (1985), and "Chang Rai Luea" (1984). Towards the latter part of his career, Phairote produced his own films, around 11-12 in total.
Phairote was previously married to Kochawan Pinjuthanon and shared three children with her. Their separation in 2002 eventually led to a divorce. Phairote thereafter lived with Chayanit Piriyasupphakan, who was 21 years his junior, although they never officially wed.
The '70s was the age of romantic teen films, and Phairote reigned supreme on the silver screen. His youthful, devil-may-care persona resonated with audiences, making him a household name and a cultural icon of the time.
Remembering Golden Age Icons
During the '70s, various actors and actresses emerged as genre-defining stars in the Thai entertainment industry. Phairote was one of the most prominent players in the scene, his spoofster portrayals and romantic roles making waves among both critics and the public alike.
Sources:
- “Wai Onlawon”, Thailand’s First Blockbuster Movie—The Unforgettable Debut of Phairote Sangvaributr
- The Golden Age of Thai Cinema
- The Thai-Cambodian Border and the Evolution of Thai-Cambodian Relations
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- The passing of Phairote Sangwaribut, a Thai celebrity and a key figure in the '70s pop-culture, has inspired extensive conversations about business ventures in the entertainment industry, as fans and industry professionals alike are left pondering his impact on Thai heartthrobs and romantic melodramas.
- Phairote Sangwaribut, one of the most influential figures in Thai pop-culture and entertainment, was not only recognized for his contributions to the business of acting but was also revered as a champion of Thai country music, attracting a significant following of fans who adored his unique blend of charm, charisma, and down-to-earth personality – elements that undeniably contributed to the growth of entertainment and the prominence of celebrities in Thai society during the '70s.
