PHITSANULOK: Fans flocked to a private museum in Muang district of this northern province on Sunday for a ceremony to mark the 47th anniversary of the death of movie legend Mitr Chaibancha.
Mitr died at age 36 after falling from a ladder hanging from a helicopter over Dong Tan beach in Pattaya, Chon Buri. The tragedy occurred during the shooting of the film "Insee Thong" on Oct 8, 1970.
Bancha Wajasuwan, the owner of Bancha Museum, said he has organised a religious rite on Oct 8 of every year for Mitr, with support from a group of his fans. The ceremony is usually followed by screenings of his movies.
However, this year there will be only an exhibition of posters of Mitr's films.
Mitr, whose real name was Pichet Poomhem, was born on Jan 28, 1934, in Phetchaburi province. A former air force non-commissioned officer, he made his debut in the film industry in late 1956. He acted in more than 300 movies during 1957-1964, the peak period for 16mm films.
Mitr dominated the local movie industry with many hits, especially the ones he starred in with Petchara Chaowarat, his female lead in 192 films.
Mr Bancha, a staunch admirer of Mitr, is a former news reporter in TV Channel 5's Phitsanulok studios. He has amassed a large collection of posters of the legendary Thai actor's films.
(Video YouTube/Nakarin Pincharoensuk)