Santi Duangsawang, renowned for his sweet country songs, died on Friday morning aged 48 years after a cerebral hemorrhage that left him in a coma for five days.
Santi, whose real name is Charaw Phuthong, was pronounced dead at a hospital in Muang district of Samut Songkhram at 9am Friday. He had been admitted to the hospital, in a coma, on Oct 31. He did not regain consciousness.
Relatives had discussed moving him to Siriraj Hospital for brain surgery, but he died before that could happen.
Santi was born on Jan 10, 1968 in Pichit to a farming family. He loved singing from a very young age and his parents parents took him to compete in several events. He always won the top award.
He began his singing career when he was 18 years old and working at a restaurant in Samut Songkhram. Later he entered a singing contest on Channel 5 and quickly became popular for his sweet country songs.
Santi had been diagnosed with diabetes many years go, which led to kidney failure on Oct 21, when he was admitted to hospital in Buri Ram. He expressed wish to return to his home and was discharged.
Back at his home, Santi later suffered a cerebral haemorraghe.
Santi's popular song Thon Kham Saban (Retract a Vow)