Friends Recount Ray Macdonald's Sudden Death at Home
Renowned Thai actor and host Ray Macdonald died suddenly at his home in Bangkok on August 19; close friends attribute his death to exhaustion from constant work and travel, with autopsy results pending.
Leo Puth and Tar Phalaipol Tephawasdin described the moment they learned of Ray Macdonald's sudden death at his home, revealing he had been resting little and working hard. They explained that during their break time, they would stay apart so Ray could spend time with his child, as today was the first day of school for his son.
At 10:48 a.m. on August 19, 2025, at his residence in the Pattanakarn 61 area, staff from the Po Tek Tung Foundation removed the body of Ray Macdonald, a renowned actor and host, to transport it to the Institute of Forensic Medicine at Police Hospital for autopsy to determine the cause of death.
After learning of Ray's death, family members and close friends including Leo Puth and Tar Phalaipol Tephawasdin rushed to his home. The atmosphere was filled with grief and shock at the sudden passing.
Leo Puth recounted that around 7:00 a.m., he was surprised when Ray's wife called, as she rarely called in the morning. Normally it would be Ray who called, as he woke early every day. But his wife called crying and screaming. At first he thought they were arguing, but when she said Ray had passed away, he was extremely shocked and immediately rushed out.
Leo explained that Ray appeared to simply be sleeping. He suspected Ray had gotten too little rest, as Ray was always active and traveling—traveling had become a part of his life. Ray rarely showed signs of fatigue, though sometimes overwork or insufficient rest could catch up with someone. To Leo's knowledge, Ray had no chronic illnesses, but Ray wouldn't tell anyone even if he did.
"Sometimes people may have an underlying condition but don't know what it is. Without a health checkup, you might not discover you're sick until it's too late," Leo said.
He and Ray would see each other occasionally, but during their break from travel, they stayed apart so Ray could spend time with his son on the first day of school.
Regarding the cause of death, Leo preferred to wait for the doctors' findings. From what he observed, Ray appeared to simply fall asleep. Ray's main concern had been his family, followed by his work.
"I believe Ray's journey hasn't ended, but has only changed form. He will continue traveling with his curiosity to see and know everything. He's seen much of this world, so perhaps he'll see what the next world is like. I want to say, travel safely, be fortunate, and get some rest," Leo Puth said.
Meanwhile, Tar Barbie revealed, "I think it's good for him to get some rest now. We both understood each other and knew what the other was thinking or feeling. I hope Ray finds happiness."
