May 8, 2001
National treasures After entertaining us for decades, many stars of yesteryear are now forgotten-and today many of them are suffering in silence due to unemployment and illness. Maybe, it's time for us to give them back a smile Alongkorn Parivudhiphongs Remember these names? Comedian/actor Sompong Pongmitr who made your sides split with his funny facial expressions and comical gags? How about Ratanaporn Intarakamhaeng whose beauty and acting talents made her the beloved superstar of the 1950s and '60s? What about Bang Le, star of comedy ghost stories on celluloid and television? It seems like only yesterday that these actors made us laugh and cry. In their heyday, they were all the trademark of show success. But now that the limelight has faded away, they-and many other actors of their generation-are crying out for assistance due to chronic sickness and unemployment. At 82, national artist Sompong has been jobless for a decade and suffers poor health-diabetes, a heart problem, loss of sight and high blood pressure. Rattanaporn, now 70, has had only one acting job in a whole year and she needs dialysis every month to survive. And after four decades of stardom, 77-year-old Bang Le just passed away a few weeks ago, leaving no money to his impoverished family. "Some get sick and can't afford to pay for their medical bills. Having had no job for years has worsened their living conditions," says Narumol Lomtong, deputy managing director of Chalermkrung Manitads Co which runs Chalermkrung theatre. While the US has several entertainment guilds to look after their actors' welfare, there is no such support for Thai actors. The idea of having an organisation to provide welfare for senior actors was conceived by late Sor Asanachinda, who was respected in the entertainment business. On many occasions he and several stars held events to raise money for the setting up of an organisation for senior actors. Unfortunately, efforts failed due to limited funds, lack of support and poor management, recalled Narumol. Sor passed away eight years ago, but it was only last September that his dream came true with support from Khunying Supatra Masdit, then minister of the Prime Minister's Office. The Asia Pacific Film Festival, held in Thailand in 1999, donated proceeds of 1.2 million baht to set up the fund, Senior Performing Artists Welfare, with prominent actress Juree Osiri as chairperson. The centre is located at the Mass Communications Organisation of Thailand (MCOT), where many television careers have been shaped. With a total capital of two million baht, the fund aims to help senior actors look for work, pay their hospital bills, and financially support those who can't take care of themselves. "After learning about the fund, many senior actors write to us-not to ask for free money. Instead, they ask for a job and a chance to work no matter how small the roles are, to cover medical expenses. They don't want free money," says Narumol, a committee member of the fund. Narumol said most senior actors are suffering from degenerative diseases, partial or full body paralysis, and other complications. Ten senior actors have received help, mainly for medical bills. Others have received financial aid while the fund committee is trying to help find them acting roles. "Famous senior actors who can support themselves don't need our help. But for those whose faces are familiar but you don't recall their names, those are the ones who need our help the most," said Narumol. To qualify for assistance, the recipients must be more than 60 years old with acting achievements and social contributions. Most importantly, they must be in serious and urgent need of help. "We don't support senior actors who are not willing to work, or those who have lived their lives in liquor bottles. They must deserve the help," said Juree. The fund is managed by a 19-member committee, most of whom are respected personalities from the local entertainment industry such as actor Kamthorn Suwanpiyasiri, actress Nunthawan Mekyai, actor-cum-director Suprawat Patamasutr, singer/actor/producer Settha Sirachanya, and director Yutthana Mookdasanit. "Knowing our limited fund is from donations, we try to avoid public criticism of how we manage the fund," Juree said. There are some exceptions, however. For instance, the fund committee recently paid for medical expense for Anochao Yordbutr, now 43, who has been in a coma for 18 years after an accident during a film shooting, and for urgent surgery costs for senior actress Maria Gatelaykha, who has appeared on TV soaps in supporting roles for more than two decades. "Although they are not 60 years old yet, they are senior in terms of their profession. Their contributions to society and the entertainment industry are well known," Narumol explained. "These senior actors worked at a time when acting was not a lucrative career. Some received only 50 baht a day and had to support the whole family," said Piyasuda Chatarasook, an entertainment reporter at Dara Phabpayon magazine who is also a committee member. "The fund helps those who worked hard all their lives but can't find the money for soaring medical bills," added Piyasuda. Unemployment is another major cause of senior actors' difficulties. Over the past decade, the local entertainment industry has been dominated by young stars and new faces. Senior actors struggle to survive. National artist Lor Tok, for example, joined a new comedy troupe. Leading comedian Si Thao found himself small roles in television dramas. But many of their generation are not as fortunate. "It's not that they can't adjust to the new world. Many senior actors realise the ups and downs in the industry, but they have standards. They still want appropriate roles," Piyasuda explained. She also pointed out that the industry spoiled the market by having young actors play the role of senior characters. It's not surprising to see stars of 20-something as mothers and those of 30 sometimes acting the roles of grandparents. "The industry ignores the talents of these senior actors-those with professional talent and years of experience," she commented. But there are helping hands. Many events have donated proceeds to the fund. For example, the talk show Showtime, the classical concert Dao Pradub Fah by Chalermkrung Manitads, a drama-tie-in concert on TV Channel 9, the gay-themed play Phleng Rak Dok Mai Baan Kratholo and Xact's new musical Baanlung Mek. Next month, JSL studio will hold a televised classical music concert to raise funds. A collaboration between senior stars and new blood, it will feature music from many famous show. "I am happy to see so many people trying to make this foundation take shape," said Juree. After the fund becomes a foundation within the next two months, it will be run by an 11-member committee which, apart from senior actors, will include leading names in the entertainment world, including actor Panudej Wattanasuchart, producer Warayuth Milintajinda and Saithip Montreekul na Ayutthaya, better known as DJ Chod. "We hope that these people will be the bridge between generations so the foundation will be sustainable," says Juree, who will remain chairperson of the foundation. Once a foundation, only the interest of the seed money can be used. This means more donations are needed. "I wish we could solicit more donations from high-society people, in return for our appearances at their functions," joked Juree with a chuckle. Meanwhile, Narumol and the team are compiling a list of senior actors so they have a directory to present to interested producers or drama troupe organisers. The committee is also negotiating with a few hospitals for cheaper medical treatment for the senior actors. "We have to find and contact them first and let them know about the foundation. We will request their membership-free of charge-so they can show the card at the hospital in the project," said Narumol. From a recent survey, there are more that 40 actors in need of urgent assistance. "These old actors and actresses are not beggars. Your help is worth more than easing difficulties in times of need: It provides much-needed comfort that you still like them and cherish their past work in your hearts," said Juree. INFORMATION FOR DONATIONS - Name of organisation: The Fund for Senior Performing Artists Welfare. - Contact person: Narumol Lomtong, 66 Sala Chalermkrung, New Road, Bangkok 10200. Telephone: 225-8757-8 or 623-8148-9. - Bank account information: Savings account number 015-1-42410-1; Account name: The Fund for Senior Performing Artists Welfare; Krung Thai Bank Asoke branch. The foundation especially welcomes help from producers or show organisers who can provide jobs for senior talent and from hospitals which can provide medical services at special prices. - "We care" is a fortnightly series honouring people who believe in giving. In addition to supporting these causes, you can let us know about people who unselfishly help others so we can make more people aware of their efforts. Fax "We care" on 240-3668 or call 240-3700 ext 3208 or 3212. Email can be sent to sanitsuda@bangkokpost.net. For a comprehensive list of charities covered by Outlook's "We Care" series, see the Bangkok Post Web site at www.bangkokpost.net/outlookwecare.		Daily Main Entrance Page Local News Business Outlook Weekly IT news Horizons Travel NiteOwl (Trink) Real.Time Motoring Student Weekly Entertainment & Lifestyle NEW!Breakfast in Bangkok Holidays online What's on Dining out Recipe of the week Movies Music Book Review Beauty Fitness Nutrition NEW! Prominent Businesses Travel Thailand & beyond Special Publications Current Issues in Thailand Silpa Thai site 2000 Mid-year Economic Review Post Database 10 years Annual Report 1999 Education Learn English with the Bangkok Post Society We Care Phudhong Leper Colony Foundation Bangkok Post Newspaper Foundation Past Issues Calendar Page for recent issues Bangkok Post Complete Archives Classifieds Classifieds index Jobs Property Entertainment Investment Education Travel Sales Bookstore Post Books Company Services Contact Us Subscriptions Internet Advertising Classified Ads Allied Printers
© Copyright The Post Publishing Public Co., Ltd. 2001 Last Modified: Tue, May 8, 2001 For comments and letters to the editor see : notes Privacy Policy Comments to: Webmaster Advertising enquiries to Internet Marketing