Nationally acclaimed singer Santi Lunpe passed away on Tuesday at Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital at the age of 88, according to the Department of Cultural Promotion.
The renowned singer, originally named Paisan Lunpae, was born in Bangkok on June 22, 1936, and gained fame as a singer with the Royal Thai Army Band.
He was known for his powerful tenor voice and contributions to patriotic songs, such as The Highest Dream, Soldiers of King Narai, Born Thai, Die for Thailand, Deadwood, and To the Brave Soldiers on the Battlefield.
He was declared a national artist in the field of performing arts (international music and singing) in 2015 by the National Culture Commission.
In his later years, Santi taught classical vocal music and served as an adviser to the Dean of the College of Music, Mahidol University.
As he was a national artist, Santi's family is entitled to a 20,000-baht death benefit, funeral expenses of 3,000 baht and expenses for publishing his works not exceeding 150,000 baht
Schedules for his funeral rite and royal cremation ceremony will be announced later.
