Thai Isaan Folk Singer Rock Hai Taek Dies Suddenly
Renowned Isaan folk singer Rock Hai Taek, also known as former police officer Sergeant Hreed Udon, passed away suddenly on October 13, 2026 after experiencing chest tightness and breathing difficulties. He was celebrated for his humorous 1990s hits 'Katoey Thao' and 'Boo Fai Krain' and for his varied career as a DJ, open‑air cinema owner, and supplement seller. His death prompted an outpouring of grief from fans, colleagues, and family across Thailand.
Rock Hai Taek, born Sergeant Hreed Udon, began his career as a community police officer at the Udon Thani Provincial Police Station before crossing over to the Isaan folk music scene. He gained fame with the humorous tracks 'Katoey Thao' and 'Boo Fai Krain' released under the PGM label, performing under the stage name Rock Hai Taek Sergeant Hreed Udon. The songs became staples of radio and local festivities in the 1990s, noted for their upbeat melody, witty lyrics, and distinctive Isaan dialect. Beyond music, he worked as a radio DJ, owned the open‑air cinema Phanthong Cinema in Udon Thani, and later ventured into satellite‑TV supplement sales during the PSI era, showing his ability to adapt to changing media landscapes. His song 'Katoey Thao' also attracted academic interest for its portrayal of gender diversity, making it a cultural artefact as well as an entertainment hit. Fans, fellow musicians, and his family expressed deep sorrow after his sudden death from chest tightness and breathing problems on October 13, 2026.
