Jeeb Pissuth Honors Tong Wongtu As Musical Genius, Shares Legacy
Jeeb Pissuth praised late musician Tong Wongtu as a musical genius at his funeral, revealing the artistic legacy left for his three children. Tong, a famous 90s duo singer, died of nasopharyngeal cancer, with friends and family gathering for the third night of funeral rites. His son Bambam said his father’s music and love continue through them, and he asked his father to rest in peace.
Jeeb Pissuth said he had been present from the first day of the funeral and had followed Tong’s news since their mini‑concert at the Hi‑Rock Café, all the way to the February show in Khao Kho. He had originally planned to join Tong on tour, but after his appointment to the Senate he had to step back. Tong and Pei Hi‑Rock went on to play a concert in Phetchabun, which Jeeb regretted missing; he called it the last time he saw Tong perform. Jeeb added that Tong always enjoyed music, describing him as a genius who could play bass, arrange music, and write both lyrics and melodies — most recently composing a song that showcased Pei’s high vocal range.
When asked about his closeness to Tong, Jeeb recalled meeting him in 1989 at RS headquarters, where they shared a small office with Uncle Seua and themselves. They worked together daily, with Tong often arriving alongside Ittiphon Phangkul, carrying folders of music material. Jeeb said they encouraged each other through life’s ups and downs, and that Tong never grew angry with anyone, always greeting friends with a smile. Turning to Bambam, Jeeb noted that Tong loved his wife Pookgie deeply, often carrying her pink‑stuffed toy for her — something Jeeb himself would not dare to do. He said Tong’s legacy for his children lies in the music copyrights, which Grammy, RS and NCT will review to determine how many songs he created, to be inherited by his three offspring.
Bambam added that today Tong gave them himself — his flesh and blood remain with the family every day. He described his childhood as filled with music, growing up surrounded by musicians, spending time in the recording studio with his father and his father’s friends, which felt warm and comforting. When asked what he had inherited from his father musically, Bambam replied that he works behind the scenes and also plays, though he does not post much on social media; he still performs occasionally with friends. In his final words to his father, Bambam said, “Go in peace now, don’t worry about me anymore. You used to worry only about me because I was stubborn, but I’ve grown up and settled down. Rest easy — we’ll take care of ourselves and Mom. You’ve done all a man could do.”
