National artist Wichian Khamcharoen, better known under his pseudonym "Lop Burirat", died at Chulabhorn Hospital in Bangkok on Saturday night. He was 81.
Three years ago Wichian was found to have a problem with his prostate gland. He was admitted to Bang Pho Hospital on Oct 17 after sufferring from lung infection and several other diseases. In November, he was referred to Chulabhorn Hospital, where he died at 9.19pm on Saturday.
Wichian was born on April 12, 1935 at Ban Bang Mayom, tambon Bang Li, in Lop Buri's Tha Wung district.
He was a song writer and composer. His songs were behind the success of many popular luk thung or country singers including Yodrak Salakjai, Kongphet Kaennakhon, Phumphuang Duangchan and Sornphet Sornsuphan.
Among his highly popular songs are Sao Na Sang Faen, Nad Phob Na Amphoe, Uh Hue Loe Jang, Krasae Khao Ma Si and Daoruang Dao Roi.
He was the winner of a number of Golden Record awards.
In 2005, he was named a national artist in the field of performing art (luk thung song writer).