Mourners Honor Ray McDonald at Second Night of Funeral Rites
Mourners gathered for the second night of funeral rites for celebrated actor and presenter Ray McDonald on August 21 at a Bangkok temple, with colleagues from the entertainment industry paying respects and sharing memories of his sudden dea
The second night of Ray McDonald's funeral rites took place on August 21 at Wat Yang, a royal temple, with the hall filled with grief-stricken family and friends from both inside and outside the entertainment industry. McDonald, a celebrated actor and presenter, died suddenly on August 19 at his residence in Bangkok's Pattanakarn district. The ceremony hall was surrounded by countless flower wreaths of various styles—fresh flowers, paper flowers, wreaths donated to charities, potted plants, fans, and bicycles—sent continuously by mourners.
The second night's merit-making ceremony was organized by Traill International School, represented by Director and CEO Mr. Robert Traill, along with contributions from Trill International School, Samran Chuay Jamnaek (Eed Fly), Rahad Ratchakham (Frog Taxi), and Element72 Co. Ltd. Young actor Uck Akkarat Nimitrchai attended to pay his respects, describing Ray as an idol for both his acting and presentation skills, praising his genuine and natural performances and his principled character that remained steadfast amid social trends. Uck reflected that the sudden loss was heartbreaking and admitted to rewatching old photos and clips; he came to support Ray's widow and son Mika, noting that the tragedy reminded him to value his own health and not neglect it for work or passion.
Actress Jieab Chern Yim also attended to offer condolences and share memories, revealing that she and Ray had grown close through working together on various programs and considered him a dear older brother. She described him as dedicated, charming, approachable with everyone, and an icon of 1990s coolness. "Today I came to sincerely support his family and close friends so they know they are not alone, and I wish Ray travels onward to a better realm with happiness in heaven, continuing his journeys without the burden of a heavy backpack," she said.