Regarding the case of the former young singer, Tae Thaman Taepan, or, Tae Dragon Five, who passed away after rescue volunteers found his body in the Chao Phraya River near Rama VII Bridge in Nonthaburi Province, becoming a heartbreaking news story that shook the entertainment industry.
Most recently, this past evening, Yuan Kawinrat Yosamronsunthorn, or, Yuan Dragon Five, arrived at the Nonthaburi City Police Station to see Tae Dragon Five’s body one last time. Upon learning from officials that a heavy stone was found in the bag Tae carried with him, Yuan exclaimed, “Damn!”
When Yuan spoke to the media, he described his relationship with Tae and broke down in tears recalling the sudden loss of his senior friend.
First, may I express my condolences?
Yuan: Thank you all very much. Since Tae went missing, many local pages from Nonthaburi, various social media pages, and all the news outlets have done their utmost to help search for him. I truly want to thank everyone on behalf of the family. Thank you so much.
How painful was it for you as a friend when you learned there was no miracle for Tae?
Yuan: Actually, today I was filming a movie near Pathum Thani. I couldn’t sleep at all last night. I had to rest well for filming, but I woke up startled at 2 a.m. for no clear reason and felt uneasy. So I checked my phone.
When I looked, the younger friends told me that Tae had gone missing from home. I reposted and urgently asked everyone to help search. They told me to rest because I had filming early the next day, but I couldn’t sleep until dawn.
I planned to focus on filming, then continue working afterwards. Since I volunteer with Poh Teck Tung Foundation, I coordinated with them to help search in many areas, hoping they would find him.
After filming ended, the first call I got was from my manager. My phone was ringing nonstop. When the manager told me, I couldn’t believe it at first. I wondered if it was really true, if they had confirmed it. I asked if they had seen the body.
Being part of Poh Teck Tung’s team, I talked with them to confirm. They asked if I could handle it. At first, I couldn’t. After calming down, I asked them to send me proof because I wanted to see if it was really my friend.
I recognized him immediately—the tattoo of the number 8, his physique. Tae was about as tall as me, around 186-187 cm, wearing his favorite cycling outfit.
Had you talked to him recently or noticed any signs of stress?
Yuan: Tae would call me when he had something to share. Not every day, but regularly. Before this happened, he called friends and posted in our group a clip from our Dragon Five concert from a year or two ago, which made me think he was reminiscing.
Every time he called, we talked about how we were doing. He would consult me if he had issues because I was someone who listened. I'd reassure him, saying, “It’s okay, we’re in this together. If you need help, I’m here. Don’t be afraid. We’ll face it together.”
I still find it hard to believe because Tae loved his family deeply, especially his mother. He never caused trouble and took good care of his family. I spoke with his mother and family, and there were no signs of trouble at all.
Did Tae often call his friends?
Yuan: Yes, he called regularly. We talked frequently, and he’d check in on how I was doing.
Were your conversations mostly about problems or other topics?
Yuan: They were a bit personal, more like consulting each other. But nothing serious or stressful—just normal daily talk. Nothing bad at all.
I always felt, “It’s okay, we’re together, we can help each other.” Tae even did TikTok live streams. He didn’t show signs of depression, right?
Yuan: Well, everyone has stress sometimes. I think Tae was under some stress because he ran a barbershop business, cared for his staff like family, taught and gave free haircuts here and there. He was very kind and looked after his fans. We just celebrated his birthday recently; he joined the party on the day I was working. I couldn’t attend, but the others did. I feel his life still had many good things.
His mother said he was preparing to ordain, is that right?
Yuan: Yes, his mother was very happy. Tae was going to ordain and had already completed the paperwork with documents in hand. From my perspective, people who feel bad tend to avoid problems, but Tae always faced and solved his problems. So I felt it didn’t add up. There were many things his mother told me that made me wonder if it was really true.
How do you feel about the stone found in the bag Tae was carrying?
Yuan: I really can’t comment on that. It’s not something I can speak about. That’s for the police to investigate and find out what really happened. I’d prefer the family to address this publicly since I’m close but not as close as his family. I want them to clarify the truth. Please understand.
What are the next steps for handling the body?
Yuan: The family will handle the arrangements and remove the body tomorrow. It will be taken to Bua Khwan Temple for the funeral rites. His mother said anyone who loved Tae can come. I’m coordinating fully through Poh Teck Tung Foundation, which is managing all transportation and expenses at no cost. I’m also providing other support.
Have you spoken with the family about how many nights the body will remain or the funeral duration?
Yuan: His mother talked briefly about it. Everything happened so suddenly. It will be around five days, starting tomorrow with the first ceremony at the temple.
May I ask, if you could say something to Tae, what would it be?
Yuan: It feels too soon for me. I feel like we haven’t fully supported each other yet. Tae was just a year older than me. I feel we still have a long way to go, many things we planned to do.
He made me realize many things (crying). If you want to do something, do it now. Don’t wait. Tae was someone who clearly said he loved you, missed you, and apologized when wrong. No hesitations with family or loved ones because sometimes things happen so fast you can’t keep up (crying heavily).
I want to say that my love will continue by caring for Tae’s family, especially his mother, because the family is broken apart now.
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