Sawalee Pakaphan, pioneering luk krung singer, dies at 86
Singer-actress Sawalee Pakaphan, a National Artist, died on Tuesday night at her home in Bangkok’s Phra Khanong district. She was 86.
Born Cheery Hoffmann in Bangkok, Sawalee was one of Thailand’s first look Krung” singers, having a non-Thai parent.
In a career that spanned six decades, she recorded more than 1,500 songs and earned
four Golden Record awards. Her most popular hits include “Jamluey Rak”, “Sanam Arom” and “Poi Chan Pai”.
The Culture Ministry named her a National Artist in music in 1989.
Sawalee also acted onstage, on television and in films including “Datchanee Nang”. Her most memorable theatre role was in “Baan Sai Thong” in 1951, in which she also sang the title song.
Funeral rites will take place at Wat Thatthong from April 3-8 at 7pm.
After 100 days, the family, supported by the Culture Ministry will host the cremation.