It marks another loss for the Thai entertainment industry with the passing of Namngern Boonnak also known as Suang Jaruvijit a beloved and respected senior actor in the industry, who passed away peacefully from natural aging at 86, amid the deep sorrow of family, friends, and fans.
Kai Arnarong Jaruvijit, the only son of Grandma Namngern, opened up about her passing, saying his mother died naturally due to old age. Over the past two to three months, her body had slowed down with age, and she had declined acting roles to rest.
On the day of her passing, in the morning, a younger sibling from work came to visit but could not enter the house. He then opened the door and found his mother peacefully asleep, having passed away quietly without any pain.
Later at 4:00 p.m., a water-pouring funeral ceremony was held at Sala 11, Nuanchan Temple, to pay respects to Grandma Namngern. The atmosphere was filled with sorrow and warmth, with many from the entertainment world—including producers, veteran actors, popular stars, and fans—continuously coming to express their condolences for this masterful senior actor.
Namngern Boonnak, whose real name was Suang Jaruvijit, was born on 24 January 1940. Those close to her called her "Piak." She had four siblings and graduated from Kattiya Niyapadung School.
She entered the acting world in 1955, introduced by Mom Luang Songsang Thikhamphon. Her first film was "Sap Sawun" (1956), where she used the stage name "Namngern Boonnak," playing the child heroine "Rungthip," alongside famous actors of that era such as S. Asanjinda, Chao Klaewklong, and Jutharat Jinrat.
She rose to fame with the film "Chat Suea" (1958), starring opposite the legendary leading man Mitr Chaibancha and Rewadee Siriwilai. She continued acting in films and television dramas for over half a century.
With her sharp acting skills and deep character portrayal, Namngern Boonnak was honored with the highest acting awards by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great (Rama IX) for two consecutive years: the Royal Suraswadi Award (Golden Doll) for Best Supporting Actress in the film "Miss Phoradok" (1965) and the Golden Doll Award for Best Supporting Actress for the film "Kawao" (1966).
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