Thai filmmaker Piak Poster dies aged 93 on September 24
Thai National Artist Piak Poster, who died on September 24, leaves a legacy of film posters, acclaimed movies and cinema preservation.
- Thai filmmaker and National Artist Piak Poster, born Somboonsuk Niyomsiri, died of age-related causes on September 24 at the age of 93.
- He began his career painting posters for over 1,000 films, which is how he earned his professional name, and was named a National Artist in 2015.
- His directorial debut was the 1970 commercial success "Tone," and he was credited with pioneering the use of storyboards in Thai film production.
- He was a key figure in establishing Thailand's National Film Archive in 1984 and was the institution's first donor of film.
Thai filmmaker and National Artist Somboonsuk Niyomsiri, known professionally as Piak Poster, died peacefully at 1.15pm on September 24, 2026, aged 93. Thairath reported, citing his family, that he died of age-related causes.
Piak was born in Chiang Mai on October 18, 1932. His death came 24 days before his 94th birthday.
Piak was named a National Artist in 2015 in the performing arts category for his contributions to film and television.
Piak painted posters for more than 1,000 films
Piak created poster artwork for more than 1,000 films during his career. A graduate of Poh-Chang School, he began his commercial art career painting advertising signs and magazine covers.
The professional name “Piak Poster” grew out of the signature “Piak” on his artwork and his skill with poster paints. The name remained with him as he moved into filmmaking.
‘Tone’ launched Piak’s directing career in 1970
Piak made his directing debut in 1970 with “Tone”, a major commercial success that marked his move from creating artwork for films to making them.
Piak’s later films included “Duang”, “Choo”, “Wai Onlawon”, “Wai Raroeng”, “Khang Lang Phap”, “Bin Laek” and “Saphan Rak Sarasin”, establishing a body of work that became familiar to successive generations of Thai viewers.
Piak was also credited with pioneering the systematic use of storyboards in Thai film production, bringing his visual-art background into the planning of films.
In retirement, Piak appeared in “Top Secret”, also known as “The Billionaire”, winning best supporting actor at the Bangkok Critics Assembly Awards.
Piak helped establish the National Film Archive
Piak was among the figures who helped establish the National Film Archive in 1984, serving on the committee behind the founding project.
Piak became the National Film Archive’s first donor of film. His contributions extended to documents and equipment from his working life, given for preservation as part of Thailand’s cultural heritage and as a resource for future generations.
