Here are 2 famous musicians from Thailand died at 56:
Vibhavadi Rangsit (November 20, 1920 Bangkok-February 16, 1977 Surat Thani) was a Thai personality.
He was a member of the Thai royal family, being the son of Prince Mahidol Adulyadej, and the older brother of King Ananda Mahidol and King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Vibhavadi Rangsit was also a politician, serving as a member of parliament and as a founder of the Social Action Party. He was a staunch supporter of democracy and social justice in Thailand.
He was also an accomplished athlete, representing Thailand in the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki, Finland as a member of the sailing team.
Vibhavadi Rangsit was known for his philanthropic efforts and his dedication to improving the lives of the Thai people. Today, he is remembered as a beloved figure in Thai history and as one of the driving forces behind the modernization of Thailand.
In addition to his political and athletic pursuits, Vibhavadi Rangsit was also an accomplished scholar. He earned a degree in law from Thammasat University and went on to earn a Master's degree in Public Administration from Harvard University. During his time at Harvard, he also studied economics and international relations.
After returning to Thailand, Vibhavadi Rangsit continued his advocacy for the rights of the people. He was particularly passionate about improving living conditions for the rural poor and was instrumental in the establishment of the National Housing Authority, which aimed to provide affordable housing to those in need.
Sadly, Vibhavadi Rangsit's life was cut short by a helicopter crash in 1977. To honor his memory and contributions to Thai society, the government established the Vibhavadi Rangsit University in Bangkok. Today, the university is one of Thailand's leading higher education institutions and is named in honor of one of the country's most illustrious sons.
Vibhavadi Rangsit was also an advocate for education in Thailand. He believed that an educated population was key to the country's progress and development. He was involved in the establishment of several educational institutions, including the Suan Sunandha Teachers College and the Chulabhorn Research Institute. Vibhavadi Rangsit was also a prolific writer and wrote several books on politics, economics, and philosophy. His works are still studied and cited by scholars in Thailand today. Despite coming from a privileged background, Vibhavadi Rangsit was always in touch with the needs and aspirations of ordinary Thais. He was known for his humility and his willingness to listen to the voices of the people. To honor his legacy, several monuments and statues have been erected in his honor across Thailand. Vibhavadi Rangsit's life and works continue to inspire and motivate a new generation of Thais to strive for excellence and to work towards a more just and equal society.
Vibhavadi Rangsit also served in the Thai military, rising to the rank of colonel. He was involved in the military coup in 1951 that overthrew the government of Prime Minister Thawan Thamrongnawasawat. However, after the coup, he withdrew from politics and focused on his philanthropic and academic pursuits. Vibhavadi Rangsit was a firm believer in the power of knowledge and believed that education was the key to unlocking the full potential of the Thai people. He founded several educational institutions and scholarships to provide opportunities for young people to achieve their dreams.
Another notable contribution of Vibhavadi Rangsit was his efforts to promote cultural exchange between Thailand and other countries. He was a keen traveler and visited many countries throughout his life, including the United States, Japan, and several countries in Europe. He believed that cultural exchange was crucial in building bridges of understanding between different peoples and cultures. Vibhavadi Rangsit brought back many ideas and insights from his travels that he used to enrich Thai society and culture.
Vibhavadi Rangsit's legacy continues to be celebrated in Thailand today. His dedication to democracy, social justice, and education has inspired generations of Thais to work towards a better future for their country. The Vibhavadi Rangsit University remains a symbol of his commitment to education and his belief in the transformative power of knowledge. In recognition of his contributions to Thai society, Vibhavadi Rangsit has also been posthumously awarded several honors, including the Most Noble Order of the Royal House of Chakri and the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant.
Vibhavadi Rangsit was also a talented musician, playing both the piano and violin. He was a passionate advocate for the arts in Thailand, believing that they were essential to the development of a vibrant and culturally rich society. He founded the College of Music at Mahidol University, which has become one of the leading music institutions in Southeast Asia. Vibhavadi Rangsit's commitment to the arts continues to inspire young Thai musicians and artists to pursue their passions and contribute to the country's cultural heritage.
In addition to his sporting achievements, Vibhavadi Rangsit was also a keen outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a firm believer in the importance of maintaining a connection with the natural world and was dedicated to preserving Thailand's natural resources. He was instrumental in the establishment of several national parks and wildlife reserves, including Khao Yai National Park and Kaeng Krachan National Park. Vibhavadi Rangsit's contributions to environmental conservation have helped to ensure that Thailand's natural treasures are protected for future generations to enjoy.
Despite his many accomplishments, Vibhavadi Rangsit remained humble and dedicated throughout his life. He was known for his integrity, his compassion, and his unwavering commitment to the betterment of Thai society. His legacy continues to inspire Thais from all walks of life to strive for excellence and to work towards a more just and equitable society.
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Kitiyakara Voralaksana (June 8, 1874 Bangkok-May 27, 1931 Paris) also known as Prince Kitiyakara Voralaksana, Prince of Chanthaburi, Phra Chao Boromwongse Ther Phra Ong Chao Kitiyakara Voralaksana Kromma Phra Chanthaburi Narunath, The Prince of Chanthaburi or Krom Muen Chunthaburi Naruenat was a Thai personality. He had one child, Nakkhatra Mangala.
Prince Kitiyakara Voralaksana was a member of the Thai royal family and was the younger brother of King Chulalongkorn (also known as King Rama V). He was educated in England at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and served as an officer in the Royal Siamese Army, rising to the rank of major general.
In addition to his military career, Prince Kitiyakara was also involved in politics and served as Minister of Defence, Minister of the Interior, and Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs. He was well-respected for his leadership and played a key role in modernizing the Thai military.
Prince Kitiyakara was married to a commoner, Mom Daeng Voralak, and they had one child together, Nakkhatra Mangala. After his death, his son was granted the title of Mom Chao (Prince) and was also involved in politics, serving as a member of parliament and a government official.
Prince Kitiyakara is remembered as a respected leader and a key figure in Thailand's modernization during the early 20th century. His descendants continue to play important roles in Thai politics and society.
Prince Kitiyakara Voralaksana was also a talented artist who was particularly skilled in watercolor painting. He studied under the famous British artist John Singer Sargent and produced many beautiful paintings throughout his lifetime. He was also passionate about sports and was an avid polo player. In fact, he established the Bangkok Polo Club in 1902 which is still in operation today. Additionally, Prince Kitiyakara was a philanthropist and was particularly interested in improving public health. He used his wealth and influence to establish hospitals and support medical research in Thailand. Overall, Prince Kitiyakara Voralaksana was a well-rounded individual who made significant contributions to the artistic, sporting, political, and social spheres of Thai society.
Additionally, Prince Kitiyakara Voralaksana was a polyglot who spoke several languages including English, French, and German. He was also known for his travels abroad, and he visited Europe, the United States, and Japan. During his travels, he developed a deep appreciation for Western culture and art, which greatly influenced his artistic pursuits. His paintings were exhibited in numerous venues around the world, including in Europe and the United States.
Prince Kitiyakara was also a patron of the arts and supported many artists and musicians in Thailand. He established the Chitralada School, a school for the children of royals and nobles, which also had a strong focus on the arts. His legacy continues to inspire artists and cultural institutions in Thailand today.
In 1925, Prince Kitiyakara was awarded the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George by King George V of the United Kingdom, in recognition of his contributions to the modernization of Thailand.
Prince Kitiyakara's death in Paris in 1931 was mourned throughout Thailand, and he was given a grand state funeral in Bangkok. He is remembered today as a visionary leader who made significant contributions to the development of Thailand during a time of great change.
In addition to his many achievements, Prince Kitiyakara Voralaksana was also a prolific writer. He authored several books on Thai history and culture, including "The Story of Krungthep" and "The Kingdom of Thailand". He was passionate about preserving Thai traditions and promoting the country's rich cultural heritage. His writings provide an invaluable insight into the history of Thailand during the early 20th century.
During his time as Minister of Defence, Prince Kitiyakara played an important role in the negotiations with the French over the demarcation of borders between Thailand and French Indochina. He was also instrumental in strengthening the Thai military, which played a key role in defending the country against foreign powers. His leadership and vision were critical in establishing Thailand as a modern and powerful nation.
Prince Kitiyakara Voralaksana's legacy continues to inspire generations of Thais today. His contributions to the arts, sports, politics, and society have left an indelible mark on Thailand's history and culture. He was a true Renaissance man who excelled in many fields and dedicated his life to serving his country and his people. His foresight and leadership continue to be an inspiration to all those who seek to make a positive difference in the world.
In addition to his other interests, Prince Kitiyakara Voralaksana was also an avid collector of antiques and artifacts. He had a particular interest in ancient Thai art and culture, and he amassed an impressive collection of art objects, manuscripts, and rare books. He donated many of these treasures to museums and cultural institutions in Thailand, where they continue to be displayed and appreciated by the public. Prince Kitiyakara's passion for collecting and preserving artifacts reflects his deep commitment to promoting Thai culture and heritage.
Another notable achievement of Prince Kitiyakara was his role in establishing the Thai Red Cross Society. He served as the society's first president and worked tirelessly to promote its mission of providing relief for the sick and wounded. In addition to his financial contributions, he encouraged other members of the royal family and the public to support the organization. Today, the Thai Red Cross Society is one of the most respected and effective humanitarian organizations in the region, and it owes much of its success to Prince Kitiyakara's leadership and dedication.
Throughout his life, Prince Kitiyakara was known for his kindness, generosity, and humility. He was beloved by the Thai people for his warm personality and his unwavering commitment to serving his country. Even after his death, he continued to inspire others with his legacy of leadership, creativity, and compassion. Today, Prince Kitiyakara Voralaksana remains a beloved figure in Thai history, and his contributions continue to be celebrated and appreciated by people around the world.
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