Veteran Actress Metta Roongrat Dies at 84 After Long Illness
Thai film legend Metta Roongrat, 84, died by suicide on November 5 after enduring more than ten chronic illnesses for a decade. Her sister Ooi Kobkul returned from the US for the funeral at Wat Saen Suk in Bangkok, revealing the family knew of Metta's suffering but was still devastated by her decision. Ooi urged Thailand to consider assisted dying laws for terminally ill patients. Dozens of entertainment industry veterans attended the rites, with cremation set for November 8.
Ooi Kobkul, the middle sister, rushed back from the United States to bid farewell to Metta Roongrat, expressing the family's shock at her decision. She revealed that Metta had suffered from over ten chronic illnesses for ten years, taking handfuls of pills daily and frequently saying she no longer wanted to live. The family would always encourage her to stay for their sake. Ooi clarified the gun issue, stating Metta enjoyed sport shooting and could easily obtain firearms despite any attempts to secure them. Ooi also called for Thailand to consider laws allowing terminally ill patients to choose assisted dying to prevent such tragedies. Brother Jeab Sumeth Duangdara also attended. Numerous entertainment figures including Nanthawan Mekyai, Krung Sriwilai, Suda Chuenban, Amara Asavananda, Kanchana Nissai, Patama Panthong, Kraisorn Saeng-anant, Yukio Takano, and Ratree Witthawat joined the water-pouring ceremony. Monks chanted nightly from November 5-7, with cremation scheduled for November 8.
