A famed comedian who starred in dozens of movies since the early 2000s passed away this morning due to complications related to the coronavirus, according to his family. He was 63.

Akom Preedakul, better known as “Kom Chuanchuen” or “Na Kom (Uncle Kom),” fell ill over two weeks ago. The news shocked his devoted fans nationwide who kept tabs on his condition until Napatcharin Phaibunrattanakit, Kom’s daughter, gave her most recent update on his health at 7am this morning in a post that read, “My father now rests in peace.”

On Apr 12, Kom announced that he had tested positive for Covid-19, likely contracted from a fellow performer at a TV shoot. Only a few days after he was admitted to the hospital, his condition worsened and he fell into a coma. He suffered from pneumonia and kidney failure and had to rely on a ventilator and go through dialysis. 

He was transferred to the Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute and passed away there this morning. 

Kom was born on Jan 5, 1958, in Ayutthaya province. He rose to fame during the turn of the century when he starred in action comedy Heaven’s Seven (2002). From there, he went on to appear in more than 60 movies, sitcoms, and soap operas. He was known for hurling his signature catchphrase, “ai sat! (you animal!).”

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by น้าค่อม (@na.kom_)

Kom is survived by his wife Prapasri Preedakul and three children–Napatcharin Phaibunrattanakit, Krit Preedakul, and Witan Preedakul–and granddaughter Lilwara “Nilla” Phaibunrattanakit.

The funeral will be held at Wat Phra Sri Mahathat Woramahawihan in Bang Khen district today at 3pm.

#UncleKom has been trending on Thai Twitter this morning.

Meanwhile, Thailand today reported 1,583 new COVID-19 infections and 15 new deaths, bringing the total tally to 65,153 infections and 203 fatalities since the outbreak began.

This story originally appeared on Coconuts Bangkok.