Chonlathee Thanthong

2.1. Birth and Childhood

Born Somnuk Thongma on August 31, 1937, in Phan Thong District, Chonburi Province, Thailand, Chonlathee faced immense hardship from a very young age. His father was a mercenary who frequently traveled, and his mother, Nang Somkliang Thongma, gave birth to him while harvesting rice. Tragically, his mother died from bleeding when he was only six months old. His childhood was characterized by extreme poverty; at his birth, there were reportedly no rags available even for diapers. He was born in Moo 2, Sarasi Liam Sub-district, Phanat Nikhom District, Chonburi Province.

2.2. Education

Chonlathee began his formal education at Wat Kaewsilaram School in Chonburi Province, where he attended Grade 1. He then transferred to Wat Khok Khin Nom School, also in Chonburi, for Grade 4. He completed his secondary education at Pracha Songkhro School in Phan Thong District, Chonburi Province.

2.3. Pre-Music Career

After his schooling, Chonlathee moved to live with relatives in Ratchaburi Province and engaged in a wide variety of occupations before embarking on his music career. His diverse work history included farming, digging, charcoal burning, working as a carpenter, builder, and laborer. He also gained experience in performing arts as a Muay Thai boxer, a performer in Likay folk theater, a movie commentator, and a dancer.

3.1. Entry into the Music Industry

Chonlathee developed an early interest in luk thung singing. He initially performed as a cheer dancer for the "Dao Thong" ดาวทอง^Thai dance band, a renowned group of that era. He later auditioned for and joined the band of Suraphol Sombatcharoen, who was known as the "King of Thai Luk Thung." Although he was accepted and performed on stage during his audition, he struggled with commuting between Ratchaburi and Bangkok and was unfamiliar with the routes in the capital. As a result, he was consistently late for three consecutive days and was subsequently dismissed from the band.

Following this, he was invited to join a Likay troupe and worked as a movie commentator before entering monkhood. After leaving the monkhood, he joined the band of Tianchai Sommayaprasert เทียนชัย สมยาประเสริฐ^Thai, which featured the famous singer Phongsri Woranuch, Tianchai's wife. However, Chonlathee left this band after being falsely accused of stealing gold from a singer following a band bus accident.

His persistence led him to enter a singing contest organized by the "Ruam Dao Krachai" รวมดาวกระจาย^Thai band, led by master Samneang Muangthong. He performed a song he had composed himself, winning the competition. Samneang Muangthong then invited him to join the troupe, but he did not initially perform as a singer because all performance slots were filled. It was Samneang Muangthong who gave him the stage name "Chonlathee Thanthong," referencing his origin from Chonburi. After a year and a half with the band, Chonlathee finally got the opportunity to sing. He recorded his first song, "Ruean Hor Tee Rai Nang" เรือนหอที่ไร้นาง^Thai (A Bridal Home Without a Lady), composed by Thonglor Kongsuk. He went on to record three more songs: "La Gon Kwam Rak" ลาก่อนความรัก^Thai (Goodbye Love), "Ruea Jang Tha Phra Chan" เรือจ้างท่าพระจันทร์^Thai (Ferryboat at Tha Phra Chan), and "Fashion Mai" แฟชั่นใหม่^Thai (New Fashion). During his free time, he formally studied songwriting under Samneang Muangthong, applying his knowledge of Thai poetic forms like โคลง_khlong^Thai, ฉันท์_chan^Thai, กาพย์_kap^Thai, and กลอน_klon^Thai to his compositions.

3.2. Songwriting Career

Chonlathee Thanthong's prolific songwriting career earned him the revered nickname "The Angel of Songs" (เทวดาเพลง^Thai), bestowed upon him by columnists, including Yingyong Sadeyad of the newspaper Thai Rath. His compositions are characterized by their deep lyrical content, captivating melodies, and the skillful integration of various Thai poetic forms. He uniquely penned both the lyrics and melodies for his songs.

A significant moment in his songwriting career came when his song "Por Rue Yang" พอหรือยัง^Thai (Is That Enough?), composed after a personal heartbreak, was sung by Sornkiri Sriprachuap and became a major success. Initially, Chonlathee's authorship was not recognized, as another singer who had learned the song from him claimed credit to Sornkiri. However, after Chonlathee came forward, Sornkiri clarified the situation, and the matter was resolved amicably.

Despite initial struggles to gain recognition for his compositions, a turning point arrived in 1973. While working on a corn farm after temporarily leaving the music industry, he encountered a car wash attendant at a gas station who had a captivating voice. Chonlathee generously gave him two songs, "Look Sao Phu Kan" ลูกสาวผู้การ^Thai (The Colonel's Daughter) and "Maem Pla Ra" แหม่มปลาร้า^Thai (The Fermented Fish Paste Lady), which he had originally intended for Sornkiri Sriprachuap before Sornkiri's untimely death. This attendant was none other than Sayan Sanya, who rose to immense fame with these very songs. Sayan's success subsequently prompted Mont Muang Nuea to call Chonlathee back to Bangkok to compose more music, leading to a continuous stream of successful works.

3.3. Singing Career

While primarily known as a composer, Chonlathee also had a career as a singer. He recorded several of his own songs that achieved popularity, including "Luea Mai Tao Gao" เหลือไม่เท่าเก่า^Thai (Not as Much Left as Before), "Malai Rak Jak Fan Pleng" มาลัยรักจากแฟนเพลง^Thai (Love Garland from Fans), "Yok Hai Phu Ying" ยกให้ผู้หญิง^Thai (Give It to Women), "Khong Plom" ของปลอม^Thai (Fake Item), and "Dang Waek Talat" ดังแหวกตลาด^Thai (Breaking the Market). His first recorded song was "Ruean Hor Tee Rai Nang," followed by "La Gon Kwam Rak," "Ruea Jang Tha Phra Chan," and "Fashion Mai."

3.4. Mentoring and Influence

Chonlathee Thanthong played a pivotal role in discovering and nurturing new talent, shaping the careers of numerous luk thung stars. His ability to identify potential and craft songs perfectly suited to their voices made him a respected figure in the industry. Beyond Sayan Sanya, he helped launch the careers of many other renowned artists, including:

• Sekkasak Phukantong (who gained fame with "Thahan Akat Khat Rak" ทหารอากาศขาดรัก^Thai, "Airman Lacks Love")
• Yodrak Salakjai
• Sornphet Sornsuphan
• Sodsai Rungpho Thong
• Seri Rungsawang
• Ekapot Wongnak
• Ad Carabao
• Montsith Khamsoi
• Damrong Wongthong
• Chalermphol Malakham
• Got Jakraphan

His legacy as a mentor profoundly influenced the development and cultural landscape of Thai music, ensuring the continued vibrancy of the luk thung genre.

3.5. Business Ventures

Chonlathee Thanthong also ventured into the business side of the music industry by establishing and managing his own luk thung band. One notable endeavor was setting up a band for Suriyan Songsaeng สุริยัน ส่องแสง^Thai. However, this venture faced a tragic setback when the lead singer was fatally shot, leaving Chonlathee with significant debt.

5.1. Notable Compositions

Chonlathee Thanthong composed over 2,000 songs, many of which became immensely popular and helped launch the careers of numerous luk thung singers. Some of his most recognized compositions and the artists who performed them include:

• "Por Rue Yang" (พอหรือยัง^Thai) - Sayan Sanya
• "Jampa Leum Ton" (จำปาลืมต้น^Thai) - Sayan Sanya
• "Ai Noom Rot Tai" (ไอ้หนุ่มรถไถ^Thai) - Sayan Sanya
• "Wan Nee Rak Wan Nee Leum" (วานนี้รักวันนี้ลืม^Thai) - Sayan Sanya
• "Katha Mat Jai" (คาถามัดใจ^Thai) - Sayan Sanya
• "Pit Hong Rong Hai" (ปิดห้องร้องไห้^Thai) - Sayan Sanya
• "Nang Fah Yang Ai" (นางฟ้ายังอาย^Thai) - Sayan Sanya
• "Pop Rak Pak Nam Pho" (พบรักปากน้ำโพ^Thai) - Sayan Sanya
• "Kham Sang Triam Prom" (คำสั่งเตรียมพร้อม^Thai) - Sayan Sanya
• "Khon Sue Tee Rai Kwam Mai" (คนซื่อที่ไร้ความหมาย^Thai) - Sayan Sanya
• "Thahan Akat Khat Rak" (ทหารอากาศขาดรัก^Thai) - Sayan Sanya
• "Fak Jai Wai Tee Duean" (ฝากใจไว้ที่เดือน^Thai) - Sayan Sanya
• "Nak Pleng Khon Jon" (นักเพลงคนจน^Thai) - Sayan Sanya
• "Maem Pla Ra" (แหม่มปลาร้า^Thai) - Sayan Sanya
• "Yin Dee Rap Den" (ยินดีรับเดน^Thai) - Sayan Sanya, Seri Rungsawang
• "Rak Thoraman" (รักทรมาน^Thai) - Sayan Sanya
• "Nam Ta Esan" (น้ำตาอีสาน^Thai) - Sayan Sanya
• "Look Sao Phu Kan" (ลูกสาวผู้การ^Thai) - Sayan Sanya
• "Kin Arai Teung Suay" (กินอะไรถึงสวย^Thai) - Sayan Sanya
• "Khong Khwan Jak Fan" (ของขวัญจากแฟน^Thai) - Sayan Sanya
• "Long Ruea Ha Rak" (ล่องเรือหารัก^Thai) - Sayan Sanya, Yodrak Salakjai
• "Ai Noom Tang Ge" (ไอ้หนุ่มตังเก^Thai) - Sayan Sanya
• "Khong Khwan Hai Fan" (ของขวัญให้แฟน^Thai) - Sayan Sanya
• "Khong Khwan Khon Jon" (ของขวัญคนจน^Thai) - Sayan Sanya
• "Thepphida Pha Sin" (เทพธิดาผ้าซิ่น^Thai) - Seri Rungsawang
• "Jot Mai Jak Mae" (จดหมายจากแม่^Thai) - Seri Rungsawang
• "Noom Thung Krajoam Thong" (หนุ่มทุ่งกระโจมทอง^Thai) - Seri Rungsawang
• "Rong Pleng Puea Mae" (ร้องเพลงเพื่อแม่^Thai) - Seri Rungsawang
• "Khon Klom Lok" (คนกล่อมโลก^Thai) - Seri Rungsawang
• "Kot Kae Jon" (กอดแก้จน^Thai) - Seri Rungsawang
• "Rak Antarai" (รักอันตราย^Thai) - Seri Rungsawang
• "Ai Noom Rot Sung" (ไอ้หนุ่มรถซุง^Thai) - Seri Rungsawang
• "Riak Phee Dai Mai" (เรียกพี่ได้ไหม^Thai) - Seri Rungsawang
• "Pik Ban Hao Toe" (ปิ๊กบ้านเฮาเต๊อะ^Thai) - Seri Rungsawang
• "Jot Mai Jak Naew Na" (จดหมายจากแนวหน้า^Thai) - Yodrak Salakjai
• "Sao Pak Hai" (สาวผักไห่^Thai) - Sornphet Sornsuphan
• "Hom Thong Non Tai" (ห่มธงนอนตาย^Thai) - Yodrak Salakjai
• "Ngoen Chai Mai" (เงินใช่ไหม^Thai) - Yodrak Salakjai
• "Khon Ban Nok" (คนบ้านนอก^Thai) - Yodrak Salakjai
• "Sawan Ban Thung" (สวรรค์บ้านทุ่ง^Thai) - Yodrak Salakjai
• "Lueat See Diaw Kan" (เลือดสีเดียวกัน^Thai) - Yodrak Salakjai
• "Na Yang Thoe Ja Rak Khrai Jing" (หน้าอย่างเธอจะรักใครจริง^Thai) - Sodsai Rungpho Thong
• "Ai Thong Rong Hai" (ไอ้ทองร้องไห้^Thai) - Sornphet Sornsuphan
• "Mai Rak Ya Mong" (ไม่รักอย่ามอง^Thai) - Sornphet Sornsuphan
• "Khon Jon Yang Phee" (คนจนอย่างพี่^Thai) - Sornphet Sornsuphan
• "Wan Nee Suay Kwa Muea Wan" (วันนี้สวยกว่าเมื่อวาน^Thai) - Got Jakraphan
• "Metta Tham" (เมตตาธรรม^Thai) - (Charity song for Thai Children's Fund)
• "Yang Rak Samoe" (ยังรักเสมอ^Thai) - Damrong Wongthong
• "Duean Kreung Duang" (เดือนครึ่งดวง^Thai) - Damrong Wongthong
• "Phu Ying Khon Sut Tai" (ผู้หญิงคนสุดท้าย^Thai) - Damrong Wongthong
• "Thahan Gor Mee Hua Jai" (ทหารก็มีหัวใจ^Thai) - Damrong Wongthong
• "Rao Ror Khao Leum" (เรารอเขาลืม^Thai) - Ekapot Wongnak
• "Ai Noom T.Ch.D." (ไอ้หนุ่ม ต.ช.ด.^Thai) - Ekapot Wongnak
• "Aep Fan" (แอบฝัน^Thai) - Ekapot Wongnak
• "Chuea Phom Thoe Na" (เชื่อผมเถอะน่า^Thai) - Ekapot Wongnak
• "Sao Rong Ngan Khon Suay" (สาวโรงงานคนสวย^Thai) - Ekapot Wongnak
• "Hom Fang Tang Pha" (ห่มฟางต่างผ้า^Thai) - Montsith Khamsoi
• "Mai Rak Tae Khit Teung" (ไม่รักแต่คิดถึง^Thai) - Montsith Khamsoi
• "Thewada Pleng" (เทวดาเพลง^Thai) - Ad Carabao
• "Krathone Bai Mai" (กระโถนใบใหม่^Thai) - Santi Duangsawang
• "Pop Rak Wan Khao Phansa" (พบรักวันเข้าพรรษา^Thai) - Santi Duangsawang
• "Bun Lon Thap" (บุญหล่นทับ^Thai) - Santi Duangsawang
• "Ngu See Teen" (งูสี่ตีน^Thai) - Santi Duangsawang
• "Noom Mueang Phet" (หนุ่มเมืองเพชร^Thai) - Wanachana Koetdee
• "Sia Jai Tham Mai" (เสียใจทำไม^Thai) - Wanachana Koetdee
• "Mae Kha Ja Ya Na Ngo" (แม่ค้าจ๋าอย่าหน้างอ^Thai) - Wanachana Koetdee
• "Noom Na Ha Fan" (หนุ่มนาหาแฟน^Thai) - Wanachana Koetdee
• "Rok Pae Kwam Suay" (โรคแพ้ความสวย^Thai) - Wanachana Koetdee
• "Khuen La Alai" (คืนลาอาลัย^Thai) - Sonthi Sommart
• "Yaek Thang Kan Dern" (แยกทางกันเดิน^Thai) - Nakhon Meechokchai
• "Noom Phetchabun Yang Khoi" (หนุ่มเพชรบูรณ์ยังคอย^Thai) - Nakhon Meechokchai
• "Rak Sao Rong Ngan" (รักสาวโรงงาน^Thai) - Nakhon Meechokchai
• "Por Dai" (พอได้^Thai) - Nakhon Meechokchai
• "Bak Ham Thuk Huay" (บักหำถูกหวย^Thai) - Nakhon Meechokchai
• "Silapin" (ศิลปิน^Thai) - Banthoeng Thanthong
• "Racha Haeng Rachan" (ราชาแห่งราชัน^Thai) - (Song mourning Bhumibol Adulyadej)
• "Fa Rong Hai" (ฟ้าร้องไห้^Thai) - (Song mourning Bhumibol Adulyadej)

5.2. Filmography

Chonlathee Thanthong also made appearances in films:

• Pleng Rak Luk Thung (เพลงรักลูกทุ่ง^Thai, 1972)
• Mon Pleng Luk Thung F.M. (มนต์เพลงลูกทุ่ง เอฟ.เอ็ม.^Thai, 2002) - portraying a contest judge
• Ruam Phon Khon Luk Thung Ngoen Lan (รวมพลคนลูกทุ่งเงินล้าน^Thai, 2013) - guest appearance as Chonlathee

5.3. Writings

Chonlathee Thanthong authored a book providing insights into his life and work:

• Chonlathee Thanthong: The Angel of Songs (ชลธี ธารทอง เทวดาเพลง^Thai, 2004)

5.4. Concerts

Chonlathee Thanthong was featured in several significant concerts celebrating his career and contributions:

• Concert "78 Years, Legend of the River: ครูชลธี ธารทอง" (May 16, 2015)
• Concert "80 Years, Legend of the River: ครูชลธี ธารทอง" (May 2, 2017)

6.1. National Artist Recognition

In 1999, Chonlathee Thanthong was officially honored as a National Artist of Thailand in the category of Performing Arts (Luk Thung Composer). This prestigious designation was granted by the Office of the National Cultural Commission, Ministry of Culture (now the Department of Cultural Promotion, Ministry of Culture), recognizing his exceptional contributions to the nation's cultural heritage.

6.2. Major Accolades

His other significant awards and honors include:

• One Royal Gold Record award for the song "Esao Transistor" (อีสาวทรานซิสเตอร์^Thai) in 1982.
• Three Golden Antenna awards: for "Nam Ta Esan" (น้ำตาอีสาน^Thai) in 1975, "Tai Thun Thoranee" (ใต้ถุนธรณี^Thai) in 1978, and "Hom Thong Non Tai" (ห่มธงนอนตาย^Thai) in 1979.
• A total of seven awards from the Half-Century Luk Thung Thai Festival, Parts 1 and 2:
  • Four awards in 1989 for "Ai Noom Tang Ge" (ไอ้หนุ่มตังเก^Thai), "Mai Riao Khru" (ไม้เรียวครู^Thai), "Sao Tai Rai Khu" (สาวใต้ไร้คู่^Thai), and "Esao Transistor."
  • Three awards in 1991 for "Lon Klao Phao Thai" (ล้นเกล้าเผ่าไทย^Thai), "Thepphida Pha Sin" (เทพธิดาผ้าซิ่น^Thai), and "Raeng Ngan Khao Niaw" (แรงงานข้าวเหนียว^Thai).
• First prize for the Songkran traditional song from the National Cultural Commission in 1990.
• Three outstanding luk thung awards promoting Thai culture: for "Nao Jai Chai Daen" (หนาวใจชายแดน^Thai), "Pop Rak Nakhon Phanom" (พบรักนครพนม^Thai), and "Jong Tham Dee" (จงทำดี^Thai).
• A Certificate of Honor from the ASEAN Music Festival in Malaysia in 1981 for the song "Esao Transistor."
• He was honored with the performance of his song "Lon Klao Phao Thai" at the "60 Years, Recounting the Legend of Thai Luk Thung" event.
• He received the Order of the Direkgunabhorn, 4th Class (จตุตถดิเรกคุณาภรณ์^Thai).

8.1. Death

Chonlathee Thanthong died on July 21, 2023, at the age of 85. He passed away at 5:57 PM after receiving treatment for a bloodstream infection at Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok, where he had been hospitalized for nearly three months.
His funeral rites were conducted with royal reverence. King Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida graciously bestowed royal bathing water for his body, a royal patterned coffin, and royal wreaths to be placed before the coffin. Additionally, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn granted her personal wreath to be placed at the coffin. On Saturday, January 6, 2024, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presided over his royal cremation ceremony at Wat Rai Khing Royal Monastery in Sam Phran District, Nakhon Pathom Province. The ceremony was attended by artists, singers close to Chonlathee Thanthong, and numerous members of the public.

8.2. Legacy and Evaluation

Chonlathee Thanthong's legacy is immense and multifaceted. He is widely regarded as one of the most significant figures in the history of Thai luk thung music. His artistic merit lies not only in the sheer volume of his compositions, which number over 2,000, but also in their enduring quality, poetic depth, and ability to connect with the hearts of ordinary Thais. He revolutionized the genre by infusing it with sophisticated lyrical craftsmanship drawn from traditional Thai poetry while maintaining its popular appeal.
His role as a discoverer and mentor of talent cemented his influence, as he launched the careers of many of Thailand's most beloved luk thung stars, ensuring the genre's vitality for generations. His songs continue to be performed and cherished, reflecting the values and daily lives of the Thai people. Chonlathee Thanthong's contributions have left an indelible mark on Thai culture, ensuring his status as "The Angel of Songs" will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.