Suraphol Sombatcharoen facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Suraphol Sombatcharoen
Thailand's "King of Luk thung".
Background information
Native name	สุรพล สมบัติเจริญ
Birth name	Lamduan Sombatcharoen
Born	(1930-09-25)25 September 1930 Suphan Buri, Thailand
Died	16 August 1968(1968-08-16) (aged 37) Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
Genres	Luk thung
Instruments	Singer
Years active	1950-1968

Suraphol Sombatcharoen (born September 25, 1930 – died August 16, 1968) was a famous Thai singer. He was known as the "King of Luk thung". Luk thung is a popular style of Thai country music. Suraphol was one of the first and most important stars in this music style. He sadly passed away after a performance in Nakhon Pathom.

Suraphol's Life Story

Suraphol Sombatcharoen was born as Lamduan Sombatcharoen in Suphan Buri province, Thailand. He later chose Suraphol as his stage name. His first big hit song came out in 1954. It was called "Nam Ta Sao Wieng" ("Tears of a Lao Girl"). This song helped to start the luk thung music style.

The Rise of Luk Thung Music

Luk thung music is a unique Thai style. It is similar to other folk music styles around the world. It was influenced by different types of music. These included Hollywood movie music, American country music, and Malay pop.

Thailand's Elvis

Suraphol Sombatcharoen was very popular during the 1960s. At that time, famous artists like Elvis Presley and The Beatles were also popular. Suraphol was so well-known that some people called him the "Thai Elvis". He was the most famous Thai performer of his time.

His Amazing Songs

Suraphol Sombatcharoen wrote over 100 songs. Many of his songs are still loved today. Some of his most famous songs include:

• "Sao Suan Taeng" ("The Girl from the Cucumber Field")
• "Mong" ("Look")
• "Nam Ta Ja Tho" ("The Tears of a Corporal")
• "Khong Plom" ("Fake Stuff")
• "Muai Cham" ("Broken-Hearted Chinese Girl")

His last and most famous song was "Siphok Pi Haeng Khwam Lang" ("16 Years of Our Past"). This was a sad song about the end of his 16-year marriage. It talked about both the happy and difficult times.

Suraphol Sombatcharoen was killed on August 16, 1968. This happened after a performance.

Suraphol's Lasting Impact

Suraphol Sombatcharoen's music is still very popular in Thailand. You can find his recordings everywhere. From big shopping malls to small markets in the countryside.

The Meaning of "16 Years"

His song "16 Years of Our Past" is one of his most loved songs. Because of this song, the number 16 has become special for many Thai people. It often represents a long period of time or a significant event.

Family Continues His Music

Suraphol's musical legacy lives on through his family. In 1983, a documentary called "Two Faces of Thailand: A Musical Portrait" featured his son, Surachai Sombacharoen. The documentary showed Surachai performing and honoring his father. It also included interviews with family members.

In 2001, on the 33rd anniversary of Suraphol's passing, his grandson made his debut. Surabodin Sombatcharoen, who was 16 years old, sang "16 Years of Our Past". He performed in front of a large crowd at the Thailand Cultural Centre. This showed that the Sombatcharoen family's musical talent continues through generations.

His Music in Movies

Suraphol's song "Mai Luem" ("Don't forget") was used in the 2001 movie Monrak Transistor. This movie was directed by Pen-Ek Ratanaruang.

Albums

See also

• Luk thung