Mother Grieves 1990s Singer Found Dead in Bangkok River
Tae Dragonfly, a 1990s pop singer, was found dead in Bangkok's Chao Phraya River on August 8 after going missing two days earlier; his grieving mother remembered him as a hardworking son who never gave up despite multiple failed business ve
The mother of Tae Dragonfly, a famous 1990s pop singer, tearfully spoke at his funeral service, telling her son to rest well and take care of himself after working so hard for so long. Tawichai Taepun, 46, was discovered floating in the Chao Phraya River near Rama VII Bridge in Nonthaburi on August 8, after going missing in the early morning of August 6. The family held a bathing of the body, chanting of Buddhist rites, and funeral ceremony on August 8 at Sala 5 of Wat Bua Khwan, a royal temple in Nonthaburi, in an atmosphere filled with sorrow.
His mother, Dara Taepun, revealed that her son had fought hard his entire life and never stopped working. His first project was to build a dance and performance school, but he was unable to open it due to COVID-19. He then decided to open a clothing shop, which his mother supported, but the business shut down after just a few days when major flooding struck. He later opened a northern Thai restaurant because his mother and his girlfriend were from the north, but the business deteriorated continuously due to constant construction work on the street in front. He then wanted to open a barbershop, which his mother encouraged, and it continues to operate today.
Tae was her only son and a good person. He opened a men's barbershop and often took students and instructors to volunteer giving free haircuts. He took good care of his mother. She said that when she touched the coffin, she told him that he had worked completely without laziness or giving up, and that now he deserved to rest, to not suffer pain, cold, hunger, or illness. "He was a good person, so he has gone to a good place," she said.
When asked if she had any lingering questions about his death, his mother revealed that she still wondered whether Tae had been harmed or struck by a bicycle. She said this was up to how much the police could determine, though she acknowledged the police had done their best. "He deserves to rest now. When I opened the coffin and touched his body, it was cold. I felt that this was my son resting. Sleep comfortably, my son. Rest fully—you have been so tired."
The chanting ceremony is scheduled for three nights from August 8–10 at 7:00 p.m., with the cremation ceremony on Tuesday, August 11 at 3:00 p.m.
