Heir Plans Museum to Preserve Legend Surphol's Legacy

Udom Surachat opened up at a press conference marking 96 years since Surphol Samathaichaloem's death at the Novotel Hotel Lak Si, revealing that having no heirs of his own, he has begun planning to build the "Samathaichaloem Art Hall" to preserve his father's invaluable collections and works as a legacy for future generations. He confirmed that music copyrights remain under family control and stated he will not involve himself in disputes between his brother Surachai Samathaichaloem and his nephew Rocky Surabodindhorn, letting the father and son settle their differences themselves.

When asked if he has decided who will take over the work if he can no longer manage it, Udom elaborated: "We've only recently started discussing this because I have no heirs—I have no family, just myself, always working alone. I've been talking with senior musicians and artists about creating a history museum or museum. I've collected so many of my father's belongings and don't want them to disappear after I'm gone. When I'm no longer here, there may be no more commemoration events, but I want this to endure as a museum—statues, photographs never shown to anyone before, plus thousands of recordings from the Samathaichaloem band that I've collected. I want to establish the Samathaichaloem Art Hall to preserve the legend. We're currently looking for a location, ideally in Suphan Buri province where our family originates."

Regarding music copyrights, Udom explained: "We have 22 more years under the Samathaichaloem label. Early songs will likely expire since my father didn't compose alone—my uncles were singers and composers too, all collaborating. For anyone wanting to use these songs, they must contact me directly. I've established a company managing copyrights with fewer than 200 songs in our portfolio. Even after I'm gone, my father's siblings will continue managing it for another 50 years. There are other heirs among the siblings who co-composed."

Addressing earlier posts about a granddaughter, Udom clarified: "The direct heirs are five in total; grandchildren have no rights unless we all pass away. When I posted about the 'true granddaughter,' I meant my uncle's child whom I hadn't seen for over 30 years and never encountered until he appeared at his father's funeral. I didn't know he was my grandchild until he came forward at the wake. I noticed he resembled my uncle and only learned his identity when he brought flowers to pay respects and introduced himself. He said he'd met me once when he was three years old. There was no other intent."

Asked if this was connected to family drama, Udom responded firmly: "No, I'm not taking sides with anyone. Our family has never interfered in each other's affairs because I don't know all the details of what happened. I can't judge who was right or wrong. Yes, I've been criticized heavily online, but I simply say I don't know. As I've stated, I'm not choosing sides. A grandchild is a grandchild—that's unavoidable. Either someone is or isn't. Many claim false connections. Surphol has only five direct heirs. I don't even know how many grandchildren exist—maybe close to ten. We're not interfering with anyone; we're just doing our work."

When asked if recent events have damaged the Samathaichaloem family name, Udom acknowledged: "There's some impact due to differing opinions, but this isn't unique to our family..."