The renowned poet and National Artist Angkarn Kalayanapong died on Saturday morning at Samitivej Hospital after suffering from long-term heart disease and diabetes. He was 86.

Born in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat on Feb 13, 1926, Angkarn graduated from the faculty of painting, sculpture and graphic arts at Silpakorn University.

A leading contemporary poet, he was named a National Artist in 1989 for Literature and won the SEA Write Award for "Panithan Kawee" (The Poet's Pledge) in 1986.

He began writing in the late 1950s and was initially criticised for his transgressions of poetic conventions and use of raw language.

Angkarn was also famous as painter. He created priceless drawings and paintings through his career including "Prints of Himmapan."

Bathing rites were to be held at Wat Tri Thossathep at 5pm on Saturday.