Sithao, a popular comedian many years ago whose real name was Jaran Phetcharoen, died of a lung infection early on Monday at the age of 84, media reports said.
Sithao, whose appearance resembled "Theng", a popular character in the traditional nang talung, or shadow play of the South, was born in Muang district of Surat Thani on June 7, 1932 to Mek and Charoon Phetcharoen.
He was brought into the entertainment circle by the late Saneh Komarachun, an actor and film director, initially to dub Thai films. He later became an actor.
He first played a supporting role in the Thai film "Fa Thammathibet" with Pankham (Promsin Sriboonruang) as the lead actor and Wilaiwan Watthanapanich as lead actress, which was first screened on March 8, 1956.
Sithao played in many other films, including "Si Sing Navy" and "Leb Khrut" which were great hits in 1956 and 1957.
He also served in the police force from 1977 until his retirement in 1992.
He was pronounced dead at 2.19am on Monday.