Family Places Guitar at Memorial for Late Singer Tong Wongthu
Family members honored the late Thai musician Tong Wongthu at his third night merit‑making ceremony by placing his beloved bass guitar before his coffin and sharing a heartfelt embrace. The service, held at Wat Phra Sri Mahathat in Bangkok on October 1, 2025, was attended by fellow entertainers and fans despite a brief downpour. A cremation is scheduled for October 3 at the Air Force Crematorium.
On October 1, 2025, at Hall 18 of Wat Phra Sri Mahathat Woramahawihan in Bang Khen, the third night of the merit‑making ceremony for Tong Wongthu was held. The late artist, Suraphan Chamlongkul, known stage‑name Tong Wongthu of the 90s duo, died peacefully on September 28, 2025 at 58 after treatment for stage‑four nasal cancer. The atmosphere remained heavy with grief as GMM Music PLC, the Santi Suksa College Nonthaburi alumni association, and the Santi Suksa Nonthaburi Class 4 alumni club served as hosts. Tong’s children, Pebble and Bambam, placed his cherished bass guitar— the instrument he used when performing— in front of the coffin to bid him a final farewell. Bambam wore his father’s shirt, and the three siblings—Pebble, Bambam, and Boss— together with Tong’s wife Tao, embraced tightly to give each other strength. Despite lingering sadness in their eyes, the family tried to stay strong and stay together. Bambam’s cheerful demeanor and smile were noticeable as he greeted guests arriving to pay respects. Before the ceremony began, heavy rain fell for about thirty minutes, yet fans and fellow entertainers continued to arrive, including Lek Butsaba Dao Ruang, Jeeb Pissuthit Sapwichit, Tor Sahaphat Weerachamin (also known as Tor Wongthu), A. Boy Theerapong Sakkaew, Earn Surattikatkant, and Teddy Iffel. The schedule shows a one‑day break in chanting on October 2, followed by the cremation on Saturday, October 3 at the Air Force Crematorium, Wat Phra Sri Mahathat Woramahawihan, Bang Khen, Bangkok: 10:00 a.m. – monks deliver a sermon; 10:30 a.m. – monks chant Buddhist verses, matika‑bangsukul, and offer the afternoon meal; 12:00 p.m. – the coffin is processionally carried to the crematorium; 1:00 p.m. – the cremation fire is lit.
