Regarding the case of the former young singer Tae Thaman Taepan or Tae Dragon5 who disappeared from his home since the early morning of 6 Aug 2026, before rescue volunteers from Ruamkatanyu Foundation found Tae's body in the middle of the Chao Phraya River near Rama 7 Bridge, Nonthaburi Province, at 14:10 on 7 Aug 2026. His bandmate, young singer Andy Khemphimuk, also known as Andy Dragon5, immediately went to the scene as reported earlier.
Recently, the family held a funeral ceremony for Tae Dragon5 at Wat Buakwan, Sala 5. Andy attended the event and spoke about performing a ritual to invite Tae's spirit to the temple to meet everyone. He also confirmed that Tae had no history of depression and shared updates on the investigation into Tae’s death. He appealed to the public not to blame Tae Adisorn Attakrit or Tae Dragon5 for not visiting Tae, assuring that Tae will definitely attend Tae's cremation ceremony.
Asked about performing the spirit-inviting ritual?
Andy: We went to the place where Tae was found. Yesterday, we invited my monk from Wat Benchamabophit to perform a chanting ritual called "Sot Thon," asking Tae’s spirit to know it’s no longer necessary to stay there, and to come to the temple where his mother and everyone are waiting. I told the media that with love.
Was it done with love?
Andy: Of course. We've been like siblings for 26 years, living together. But I was surprised because normally I have some senses; I often smell incense at Thai funerals or places like that. But last night, when I was talking to Tae in my mind, I said, "Hey Tae, where are you? Are you coming? If you want to come, come." But I didn’t smell any incense. So I woke up this morning thinking I had to invite him somehow.
But you believe your friend was aware, right?
Andy: Yes, I sensed it. When we went earlier, I smelled Tae’s scent yesterday, but still no incense smell.
Did you say anything to him?
Andy: I told the monk while sitting in the car. After turning into Oyuwa, suddenly the scent came. Then the monk responded accordingly.
How did yesterday’s and today’s scenes make you feel differently?
Andy: It’s still hard to erase because he was my friend, my younger brother. Seeing his mother cry makes me sad too. I tried telling her not to look at those forwarded images. I ask everyone to have mercy on her. Seeing her cry breaks my heart.
From the news, it’s clear Tae was deeply loved?
Andy: I’m really glad. Thank you to all media outlets and social media channels. Yesterday, I saw many posts. Thanks to all news anchors for speaking well of Tae. May I say this? Please don’t hold it against me. I want to say that all Dragon 5 siblings love Tae. There were some who criticized Tae for not visiting, but honestly, I learned about Tae because of Tae himself. Tae has been in China with his family for 2-3 days. He asked me to tell everyone he will return on the 10th and will visit Tae then.
How is Tae feeling?
Andy: Some people blamed him, saying, "What kind of friend doesn’t visit?" It seems all the credit goes to me or Yuan or someone else. Actually, Tae calls me all the time and worries a lot. He’s very sad.
Did anyone notice any warning signs?
Andy: No. Tae didn’t say anything. Honestly, someone like Tae wouldn’t do this because he’s not that kind of person. He must have been dealing with something none of us knew. Yesterday I asked friends and even his mother and relatives—no one knew. His mother said, just like me, that Tae never told anyone even a little bit.
Did he have any medical history or depression?
Andy: No, Tae definitely did not have that. He was a cyclist, always busy doing things, thinking of his mother, and loved his girlfriend very much. He would post short clips or messages in the group chat. I can say with certainty that Tae was not ill.
You met him just last month, right?
Andy: We didn’t meet, but we talked. (About Tae posting a clip with five people?) No, that clip was from a concert; we hadn’t met for over two years. That was the first day we filmed a show and met.
What kind of friend was Tae?
Andy: Tae was very lovely. As I said, even though I’m the oldest in the band, Tae was the one who always compromised for everyone because I tend to speak bluntly. Tae would say, "Hey, calm down." It felt like a dream, like slapping myself, wondering if this was really Tae or if I was dreaming.
Dragon5 has five members. Today, many feel saddened by Tae’s passing. How do you feel as a band member?
Andy: Tae often told me and the band he wanted to reunite. It didn’t matter how much the job paid. He wanted to see all five of us dance and sing together. But everyone has their own work and little time. It’s a pity, but now there are only four of us left. We probably won’t reunite soon or in the future because there’s no project. Oak initially said maybe after the concert there’d be a song together, but it hasn’t happened. I still keep doing my work.
There’s a rumor that Tae wanted to ordain?
Andy: I didn’t know until yesterday at the police station when his mother showed me a paper saying Tae had told her he wanted to ordain. I was like, "Oh... another one."
Does his mother have any concerns about the case?
Andy: I spoke with his mother. She asked me to apologize to everyone because she can’t do interviews now. I have her permission to speak for her. As a mother, she certainly has questions. But from everything we’ve seen, it points in one direction. The bicycle has not been found yet.
I just told everyone I spoke with the deputy investigator. They’re not sure if the police have sent the footage yet, but they saw a brick under Rama 7 Bridge and saw Tae climbing the stairs under the bridge carrying his bicycle. The investigation continues to determine if he got down or not. If he didn’t, that’s the location.
Do you have any lingering doubts about what happened?
Andy: Yesterday, I had a bit of doubt—wondering if someone hurt my friend. I was angry and refused to accept that. But after reviewing everything and talking with the foundation and friends, I believe Tae was brave and strong. When driving here just now, I called the deputy investigator who said it’s 70-80% likely that... well... but not 100% yet. They’re waiting for rendered footage of him descending the bridge. If he did, then it’s not as suspected.
So he was carrying the bicycle when he went up?
Andy: Yes, they saw it. I understand he leaned the bicycle because he had to carry it up. There’s only one shot left to render, which takes time. It should be ready today. The deputy investigator thinks it’s correct but wants a 5% confirmation.
People want to know the cause of his decision. He was involved in many businesses but faced obstacles. What do you know about this?
Andy: I just talked to his business partner who runs a barber shop. The income is good. I don’t know if Tae was planning something big. But I know Tae was a good person who did everything for his mother. He often asked about friends, how they were doing, like testing the waters.
He thought about business and making money because he had only one mother, a girlfriend named Namkhaeng, students learning hairdressing, and cycling friends. I’m certain Tae was not depressed because he had many friends and people who loved him. There was no sign of this. I’m still puzzled. Last night I talked to him spiritually, saying, "Tae, why did you do this? What are you doing? Where are you? Come talk to me." But he didn’t come. So today, I invited him to the temple.
Regarding rumors that he borrowed money from friends to support his business?
Andy: Borrowing is natural among friends. I don’t know about others, but I lent him money, and he always paid back. Tae never cheated anyone.
You don’t think this was a problem?
Andy: Honestly, Tae was very meticulous. Whatever he did, he planned carefully. Given what he accomplished, he thought it through. Ultimately, I believe everything has an answer, and the person who knows best is his mother.
Any message for the fans?
Andy: Thank you to everyone who still loves Dragon 5 even though we have no concerts or new songs. Thank you very much. I’m still making music and always think of my friends when recording. I want to invite them to sing together. Please stay tuned. There might be a Dragon 5 song for you soon.
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