Sorapong Chatree Passed Away: Sorapong Chatree Cause Of Death

Sorapong “Ek” Chatree, a national artist and experienced performer, died of lung cancer on Thursday afternoon at Bumrungrad Hospital. He was 71 years old at the time.

Sorapong, formerly Pittaya Tiamswate, was born on December 8, 1950, in the Maha Rat district of Ayutthaya province.

Sorapong attended primary education till the fourth grade. He was ordained as a monk when he was eight years old and ended up leaving the monastery three years later. He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Arts degree in Social Science for Development by Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University in 2009.

Sorapong began his acting career in 1968, appearing in minor and supporting roles in Thai soap operas and films.

Sorapong had appeared in about 600 films and approximately 100 soap operas. The prolific actor appeared in 61 films in 1983 alone.

He was known as “the modest hero” among Thais because he managed to remain humble despite his success and fame. In 2009, he was awarded a Thai National Artist.
Sorapong is survived by four children.