A saying went that a band or artist could not get on the programme unless their music was going to be a hit. "It was an honour to be on his programme," a fan said at pantip.com when hearing of his illness.

Despite its influential role, the programme took a neutral stance and invited artists from all music labels. The programme was among the 20 most popular of its time.

"I'm sad to hear this. I remember 'Lok Dontri'. It was the only show for teens of my time," another said at pantip.com.

A Seksan trademark remembered by fans was his end-of-show quiz where he gave away a wristwatch each to one woman and one man in the audience.

"Today is yet another with a record number in the audience," another fan recalled as a frequent Seksan remark.

Capitalising on his popularity, Seksan allocated air time to charities. He would read lists of school or village heads. They would receive items they needed when they travelled to Bangkok.

Apart from a television audience of millions Seksan always drew a big crowd and caused traffic jams in front of Channel 5 when he appeared.

The show's popularity gradually faded and it moved to iTV with a new host, but Seksan remained an icon of live concerts.

He fell ill in May.

Members of the entertainment industry are helping to pay his medical bills, which Seksan had difficulty meeting.

Fans frustrated by a perceived indifference from other stars pooled donations. Others promised to do so when they were paid, they said at siambass.co.th.

Seksan is survived by a daughter. Funeral rites are being held at Wat Phrasrimahathat Bang Kaen.