Dr Voratha Wattanachayangura, better known as Apiwat, died after a twoyear battle with cancer that had spread to his liver.

His funeral begins today at Debsirin Temple.

Born in 1957, Apiwat obtained a bachelor's degree from Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Education. He then furthered his studies overseas. On returning to Thailand, he held a Master of Education degree (Educational Management and Supervision) and a Doctorate in Education from the United States.

He made his name cohosting the TV talk show Chan Kaprib (Blinking Moon).

He also cohosted Khon Khon Khon lifedocumentaries and served as the vice president of JSL Company Limited, one of the country's leading television production houses.

The firm has also managed many major international and domestic events and, of late, merchandised international cartoons.

Apiwat renamed himself Voratha Wattanachayangura earlier this year.

He said his new name and surname were a combination of auspicious letters.

"It's like a blessing for my life," he said.

Apiwat was diagnosed with colon cancer on August 6, 2004. Just five days later, he underwent an operation to remove the tumours. The following month, doctors found Apiwat also had liver cancer and thus he began receiving a combination of treatments, including chemotherapy and drugs.

He then underwent a series of operations to remove malignant cells.

Apiwat initially hoped to recover from the fatal disease. He cut back on his busy lifestyle, which he believed was a likely cause of his illness.

"I think I have been under stress for too long, but without recognising it - I simply got used to it ... I don't think I'll live my life that way anymore," he once said in an interview.

The Nation