Sombat Metanee, a renowned Thai actor and one of the most successful actors in history, passed unexpectedly on Thursday while sleeping at his Bangkok home. He was 85.
How did Thailand movie legend Sombat Metanee die?
When they tried to rouse him up in the morning, his family learned of his demise.
From Thursday, August 18, through next Wednesday, August 24, the Phra Sri Mahathat Woramahawihan Temple in Bangkok’s Bang Khen neighbourhood will host his burial rites.
The five children Sombat had with his wife Kanchana—four sons and one daughter—remain.
Actor Sombat Metanee cause of death
Sombat Metanee, a well-known former actor and director from Thailand, passed away today at the age of 85.
I regret to say that Sombat Metanee passed away this morning. He just fell asleep. Rest in peace, brother. Hope you live happily in heaven
Actor and Sombat buddy Rong Kaomulkadee published on Facebook.
The legend has passed away, and Suda Chuenban sent her sincere condolences to his family in a Facebook post.
On social media, a lot of artists and actresses sent their sincere sympathies to his family. In the Thai entertainment sector, his passing is lamented as a significant loss.
Sombat once claimed the Guinness World Record for having made the most film appearances—more than 600.
Who was Sombat Metanee?
Sombat, a legend of Thai cinema, had long been a well-known figure in the entertainment world. With 617 film roles, almost all of which were as the protagonist, he was previously recognised as the most prolific actor in cinema history by the Guinness Book of World Records.
Sombat claimed to have produced more than 2,000 films, television programmes, and series, including “lakorn” soap operas, which are popular in Thailand.
Sombat Metanee wiki
Sombat was born on June 26, 1937, in the northern province of Ubon Ratchathani, the place of his mother’s birth. Before being inducted into the military, he had a brief career as an engineering consultant.
Sombat came upon an acting scout while hunting for work in 1959 after his conscription was finished. He was able to land his first acting role at Channel 7 TV station because to his big build and good looks. He appeared in a drama series with well-known actress Wilaiwan Wattanapanit.
In 1961, “Rung Phet” (Diamond Rainbow), his debut film, was released.
Sombat Metanee career
In 1961, Sombat started his acting career and quickly rose to fame.
When he appeared in an advertising for the DVD player brand AJ, he became even more well-known to a new generation of movie and TVgoers.
His ad line…
“AJ DVD พระเอกตัวจริง.” This means that AJ the DVD player is the true hero. Following the airing of the advertising, it also turned into a catchphrase.
The actor frequently worked on multiple films at once during his prime in the 1960s and 1970s, which have been referred to be the “golden era” of the Thai cinema industry.
He appeared in 30 movies on average per year, spanning a variety of genres from action, drama, and comedy to romance and musical.
Sombat, who is renowned for his singing talent as well, has produced a lot of albums and records for film soundtracks.
The seasoned actor continued to participate in Thai movies and television shows throughout his lengthy career, in addition to making numerous guest appearances on talk shows and in commercials.
Sombat was chosen as a National Artist in the category of performance arts by the National Culture Committee in December 2016.
Sombat Metanee political career
The seasoned actor entered politics as well. He was elected as a senator representing Bangkok in April 2006, but after the military takeover in September of that year, Parliament was dissolved. Instead, the National Legislative Assembly, which was established after the coup, selected Sombat as a member.
Sombat was elected as Pracharaj’s deputy leader in 2007, however he was unsuccessful in winning the party’s election.
Later, he joined the Pheu Thai Party and ran for office on that party’s party list in the 2011 general election, however he was unsuccessful.
Sombat once revealed that Yingluck, Yaowapa, and Yaowaret, three sisters of the late prime leader Thaksin Shinawatra, had approached him about joining Pheu Thai to aid in efforts to promote national harmony.
The renowned performer disclosed that he has known Thaksin and his family for more than three decades, starting when the future prime minister was a police captain.
Sombat Metanee movie updates
At the height of his career in the 1960s and 1970s, he was a prolific leading man in action, romance, drama, comedy, and musicals. He is still acting now in Thai films and television series, as well as making frequent appearances on talk programmes and in TV ads.

His most recent movies include The Legend of Suriyothai and Tears of the Black Tiger. Petchaburi Rajabhat awarded him a bachelor’s degree in business administration, while Eastern Asia University awarded him master’s and doctoral degrees in political science. In 1959, Sombat wed Kanchana, and the two of them reared their four sons and one daughter.
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