Ban Mai Tambon Administration Organisation (TAO) in Ayutthaya's Maha Rat district plans to convert the house of late Thai actor and national artist Sorapong "Ek" Chatree into a museum where visitors can learn about his life. The TAO hopes it will become a new tourism spot in the area.
Watcharapong Radomsittipat, chairman of Ban Mai TAO, said yesterday he was saddened upon hearing of Sorapong's death.
"Sorapong, who I knew, was a very kind and selfless man. He was an actor from a rural background whose hometown is now under my area of responsibility. He is the pride of people in tambon Ban Mai, so I would like to make his house a place of learning, and to change the tambon's slogan to honour him," said Mr Watcharapong.
Mr Watcharapong yesterday unveiled the Ban Mai TAO plan after visiting the late actor's house at No.14/1 Moo 2. He had brought with him more than 200 film posters featuring Sorapong which will be included among exhibits at the museum.
"Personally, I like his movies. And I had the opportunity to work with him in building Buddha statues," he said.
In Nakhon Ratchasima, Wichian Chantaranothai, the governor, expressed his condolences over the loss of the late national artist. He mentioned that during his career, Sorapong contributed a great deal to charity, especially to the Somdet Putthachan-Tho Foundation at Wat Non Kum, Nakhon Ratchasima.
Sorapong, who suffered from lung cancer, passed away on Thursday. He was 73, according to his producer.
His funeral rites began yesterday and will continue until March 17 at Wat Thepsirin in Bangkok.
