Thai comedians stand united: an open-hearted confession. Ped Chernyim. After organizing the concert “A Man Named Deaw Doksadao” that united comedians nationwide to raise funds for treatment, following Deaw Doksadao's stroke illness, Ped provided the latest health update and addressed rumors of medical costs reaching 10 million baht. He also revealed their 48-year relationship, admitting his current success is thanks to Deaw’s influence, speaking on the Kooi Zab Show, One31 channel.
How did the recent concert come about? Who came up with the idea?
"I was the one who thought of it. I considered visiting P’Deaw during his physical therapy. Monthly expenses were about 35,000 baht, plus 10,000 baht for diapers, totaling around 40,000 baht. I asked his daughter where the income was coming from because P’Deaw seemed likely to have a long recovery. Ekaphon and others helped out."
"So I asked permission to see if organizing a concert was possible. His family supported it. I was concerned about any problems, but Ploy said it was okay. I didn’t want to hurt anyone by doing it. Deaw Doksadao is famous and wealthy; why would we do this otherwise? We’re not focusing on illness but rather on the concept of students loving their teacher, juniors loving seniors, friends loving friends. That’s how the concert for Mr. Deaw Doksadao was born."
What did Deaw’s family say?
"I talked with Ploy and told her I wouldn’t touch the money at all. Ploy agreed and had a lawyer draft documents to ensure the funds would be used monthly for Deaw’s care, including center fees and diapers, about 40,000 baht per month. The lawyer wrote this officially. So it’s clear that we won’t interfere; the money is Deaw Doksadao’s to support his care."
Did Deaw know about the concert?
"When I first visited the center, he had an infection. I asked who was paying the 40,000 baht monthly expense. Ekaphon had paid 100,000 baht, and I transferred another 50,000 baht, totaling 150,000 baht. I joked with him; our relationship is beyond words — student and teacher, junior and senior, friends in many ways."
"I’m the only one who dares scold him. No one else does. When he smokes, I tell him, ‘You’ll get slapped, for sure.’ I tease him because I love him the most."
"So I said we need to find a way to support him continuously. Aroi Phairoj visited and donated, Mum visited and donated, whoever visits donates a little. It was somewhat sufficient at first but not stable or long-term. So I asked permission to organize a concert and spoke with Jae Gift and Mum to join."
"Mum handled the artists; Na helped partly; I helped with music artists partly; the tables were partly arranged by Mum, me, and the comedian association led by Khun Oba. We had 50 tables at 20,000 baht each, raising one million baht. We paid 500,000 baht for food, leaving 500,000 baht. Ticket sales on that day were full with 1,800 seats."
After the concert, did Deaw post a thank you message?
"I read it. He wrote his thanks even though I hadn’t visited. I keep teasing him and chatting. I asked, ‘Little guy, what’s your plan? The concert is starting. How many songs will you sing?’ He held up five fingers, meaning five songs, but when time was short, he held up two fingers for two songs."
"He’s improving now. During the day he’s breathing without a tube, but still needs it at night. There is progress, but it’s challenging because the tiny blood vessels in his brainstem ruptured."
"Since March 29, when he was supposed to perform at the Chernyim Chernyor market event, I told him not to go as he had been ill for three days but didn’t inform me. Usually, he messages every morning. Suddenly, he was sick for three days and couldn’t attend."
"He said he couldn’t go. I told him to rest. I asked the secretary to contact his family to find out which hospital he was in to visit him. They said it was normal for elderly people and not a problem, so I felt relieved. I saw him walking without a cane, so I thought he was fine and was happy."
"Then around May 24, he went to work or review some products. After leaving home, he collapsed and was hospitalized."
Did he show symptoms before? What were they?
"At first, his tongue was stiff, legs weak, hands powerless, and speech unclear, indicating a stroke was beginning but the blood vessel hadn’t ruptured yet. Initially, he could walk with a cane. His wife filmed it, saying, ‘See? A stroke patient can walk and is strong.’ I thought, ‘Great, he’s recovered,’ and sent the clip to Mum saying Deaw was getting better."
What is the latest update on his condition?
"He’s gradually improving. I think it won’t be long now. Recently, he can sit, ride in a car to physical therapy with his daughter, laugh quietly, and is fully aware. He said he was going to sing and had placed a 50,000 baht deposit. I told him, ‘You have to hurry, or they’ll take back the deposit.’ He cried and gave a thumbs-up. His brain is still very good, 100 percent."
Is Deaw’s daughter the only one taking care of him now?
"I’m not sure how many people are involved, but when coordinating, I communicate with Ploy, who is the daughter of his ex-wife and takes care of him. She and her father probably love and care for each other."
Will the care expenses reach 10 million baht by the time he recovers?
"I don’t think it will reach 10 million. Over decades, probably not that long. I think that number is exaggerated. In reality, I want to do what I can. No matter what happens, if I ever become prosperous and stable in business or otherwise, I will never abandon this man. Let me be clear: I will never abandon him."
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