23-9-2024 (BANGKOK) The Thai entertainment industry and fans alike are mourning the loss of popular actor Akkaphan “Om” Namart, who passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday morning. The 39-year-old star, known for his compelling performances and warm personality, had been battling cardiac cancer since 2022.
Channel 7, Akkaphan’s home network, announced the devastating news on their Facebook page, prompting an outpouring of grief from fans across the country. The post quickly garnered over 384,000 reactions, 37,900 condolence messages, and was shared more than 63,000 times, underlining the actor’s significant impact on Thai popular culture.
Akkaphan’s journey in the entertainment industry began with Channel 3 before he made a pivotal move to Channel 7, where his career truly flourished. His talent was recognised early on when he clinched a Golden TV award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the series “Phra Chan Lai Phayak” (The Moon with Tiger Stripes).
This accolade paved the way for Akkaphan to secure leading roles in several popular series, including “Hitech Maid”, “Thaviphop” (Dual-verses), and “Beloved Navy”. It was his performance in “Thaviphop” that catapulted him to widespread fame, cementing his status as a household name in Thailand.
The actor’s battle with cardiac cancer began in 2022, leading to a major operation in January of the following year. Despite his health struggles, Akkaphan continued to inspire his fans with his resilience and positive attitude.
While Channel 7’s announcement did not specify the cause of death, the news has left the Thai entertainment industry in shock. Colleagues, friends, and fans have taken to social media to share their memories of the actor, praising his talent, kindness, and the indelible mark he left on Thai television.
Akkaphan’s untimely passing serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life, even for those in the public eye. His legacy, however, lives on through his body of work and the countless lives he touched both on and off screen.
