Papangkorn Lerkchaleampote, also known as Beam, was a rising Thai actor who starred in several Netflix original series, such as The Stranded, Thai Cave Rescue, and Water Boyy. He was widely praised for his talent, charisma, and good looks. However, his promising career and life were cut short when he died in his sleep at the age of 25 on March 23, 2022. What was the cause of his death and how did his fans and co-stars react to the tragic news?
The Sudden and Mysterious Death of Beam
According to The Cinemaholic, Beam was found unconscious in his bed by his mother, who tried to wake him up at his condo in Chatuchak, Bangkok. She realized that he was not breathing and called for an emergency. He was rushed to the nearby Siriraj Piyamaharajkarun Hospital, where doctors tried to resuscitate him but failed. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The cause of his death was initially reported as heart failure by his agency, but later it was speculated that he might have suffered from a rare condition called Sudden Unexpected Death (SUD) phenomenon. This is a term used to describe cases where a person dies suddenly and unexpectedly without any apparent cause or explanation. The exact mechanism of SUD is unknown, but it is believed to be related to genetic factors, cardiac abnormalities, or neurological disorders.
Beam’s family requested an autopsy to confirm the cause of his death, but no official results have been released yet. His agency stated that they would provide updates if there were any new developments.
The Legacy and Tribute of Beam
Beam started his acting career in 2015 with his first major role as Muek, a handsome swimmer, in the romantic comedy Water Boyy. He then appeared in many Netflix original series in Thailand, such as Nong Mai Rai Borisut, Mister Merman, Sleepless Society, Bang Rachan, Blue Wave, and The Stranded. In The Stranded, he played the main lead Kraam, a student who gets stranded on a remote island with his classmates after a tsunami. His last completed project was Thai Cave Rescue, where he portrayed Coach Eak, one of the heroes who helped rescue the 12 boys and their soccer coach from a flooded cave in 2018. He was also working on a romantic comedy called Love Destiny 2 before his death.
Beam was widely loved and respected by his fans and co-stars for his talent, personality, and professionalism. Many of them expressed their shock and grief on social media after hearing about his death. His Water Boyy co-star Anupart Luangsodsai wrote on Instagram: “I didn’t think it was real, my friend. At least you and I were in some part of each other’s lives. I’m glad to be your friend, work with you and travel with you. I want to work with you again, but there won’t be another chance. Don’t worry anymore, my friend. Rest in peace.”
Netflix also paid tribute to Beam by dedicating the Thai Cave Rescue series to him with a credit reading: “For Beam 1996-2022”. Many fans thanked Netflix for honoring Beam and praised his performance in the series.
Beam’s death was a huge loss for the Thai entertainment industry and his fans around the world. He will always be remembered for his bright smile and brilliant acting skills. May he rest in peace.
