Pongsri Woranuch, a trailblazer in Thai country music (also known as Luk Tang), has passed away following a battle with a lung-related illness at 85. Woranuch died early on Sunday morning at her home, as confirmed by her son. The famed singer and Thai music icon had been struggling with either lung disease or cancer, according to varying reports. She was allegedly in and out of hospitals leading up to her death.
“And then Mom got on the last express train and left us,” Woranuch’s son, Jujuk Boonnachoti, wrote on Facebook. “No need to hug a pillow and sleep in the cold anymore, Mom. For all the actions, words, and thoughts that I have done carelessly or made mistakes, please forgive me.”
Videos by American Songwriter
Woranuch’s death is a tragic loss for Thai music fans across the globe. Her funeral rites are set to take place in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand on April 17.
Pongsri Woranuch’s Legacy in Thai Country Music
Pongsri Woranuch was widely considered to be one of the most iconic singers in Thai music—known to many as the First Queen of Luk Tang. Born in the Chai Nat province of Thailand in 1939, Woranuch started her career in a traveling theater group as a teenager. She gained local popularity for her sets during intermissions, and she recorded her first song in 1955. From there, she joined Thai singer Suraphol Sombatcharoen’s band and launched a career that would last for decades.
Woranuch was best known for her talent for traditional Thai folk music, known as Luk Tang or Luk Thung. She became notable for singing in a high-pitched voice. She was also known for blending Thai country music with other elements, such as other genres of East Asian music and American country and western music.
In 1992, Woranuch was awarded the Thai National Artist title and is only the second Luk Tang artist in history to receive the distinguished honor. Woranuch’s work is often credited with popularizing Thai folk music outside of Thailand, and she gained a cult following globally throughout her life.
We wish Pongsri Woranuch’s loved ones and family nothing but the best during this difficult time. “Nam Ta Mia Luang”, “Kod Mon Non Nao”, and “Duang Phitsawas (Urgent Love)” are just a few of her biggest songs that fans can revisit in her memory.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain)
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
More Latest Music News & Stories
-
Photo by Jeff Schear/Getty Images for Acrisure Amphitheater -
NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 04: ***EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE*** Billy Ray Cyrus Hosts Miltary Families at His Farm for the TV taping of "I'm American," shot by Disney to air on (GAC) Great American Country. PICTURED: Recording Artists Billy Ray Cryus, Taped on June 4, 2011 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images) -
Cassandra Wilson during Cassandra Wilson Performing at the Contemporary Arts Center – May 3, 2002 at Contemporary Arts Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. (Photo by Skip Bolen/WireImage) -
Dolly Parton faces media during a press conference on November 10, 2011 in Sydney, Australia. (photo by El Pics/Getty Images) -
02/24/16-Boston,MA Boston first responders investigate the scene at Summer and D streets, where one of the drivers involved in a 2 car accident was injured Wednesday morning. Staff photo by Mark Garfinkel (Photo by Mark Garfinkel/Boston Herald/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images) -
Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images -
Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images -
US musician Sean Lennon (L) and filmmaker Simon Hilton pose in the press room with Best Rock Performance award on behalf of The Beatles for "Now and Then" during the 67th Annual Grammy Awards at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on February 2, 2025. (Photo by Frederic J. Brown / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE