Entertainment Figures Mourn Ray McDonald at First Funeral Rites
Thai actor and television host Ray McDonald died suddenly on August 19 from cardiac arrest caused by blocked coronary arteries; entertainment figures gathered at Wat Yang Royal Temple on August 20 for funeral rites and to discuss continuing
Entertainment figures gathered to pay respects to Ray McDonald, a Thai actor and television host, during the first night of funeral chanting at Wat Yang Royal Temple on August 20. Ray died suddenly on August 19 at his home in Bangkok's Pattanakarn area; an autopsy found three blocked coronary arteries that led to cardiac arrest.
The atmosphere inside the hall was sorrowful as family, close friends, and colleagues came to pay their final respects. The hall was decorated in orange, Ray's favorite color, with floral arrangements. Groups of friends were invited to sprinkle water on the coffin and take group photographs.
At 4:30 p.m., the family performed the water-sprinkling ceremony with close family and friends, saying their final farewells before the coffin was sealed. Later, at 6:30 p.m., the first night of Buddhist funeral chanting took place, attended by numerous entertainment industry colleagues including Chakrit Yamnaam, Leo Putt, Krua Kitti, Peat Thongjeuea, Pele Christopher, Tuk Borriboon, Puree Hiranyapruks, Pingpong Sakwanwai, Ball Athip, Ananda Everingham, Nat Nichcha, Tao Somchai, Aek Akkarat, On Sriphan, Ae Ananda, Tata Young, Lydia Saranrat, Matthew Dean, Boy Pisanu, Moji Ahnoma, Dye Diana, and Jiab Cheunyim, among others. The group and family discussed preliminary plans for continuing Ray's work, with detailed consultations to follow with the families of Leo Putt and Tar Barbie, who are considered primary business partners.
