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His family, friends and fans took the singer's body from Praram 9 Hospital to Rai Khing Temple in Nakhon Pathom's Sam Phran district yesterday afternoon for religious ceremonies.

Many are shocked by his untimely death and expressed their condolences to Yodrak's family. Some of those who went to the hospital wept.

The singing legend is survived by his wife Ladda and their only son Kriangkrai, 32.

Yodrak first learned he had cancer when he was admitted to hospital late last year with severe stomach pains. On his 52nd birthday in February, he disclosed that he was in the final stages of cancer.

When readmitted to hospital a month ago, Yodrak informed his doctors that he did not want life support.

His case triggered a widespread debate on patients' right to die, which has been guaranteed in a new health law.

Yodrak Salakjai is the stage name of Niphon Phraiwan. He was born on February 6, 1956, in Phichit. He was the last of eight siblings born to Boontham and Bai Phraiwan.

Yodrak had to leave school after completing grade 4 because his family could not afford to keep sending him.

His singing talent became obvious at a young age. At 12, Yodrak was hired as a singer in a local ramwong dance hall.

He was later discovered by a local radio disc jockey who gave him his stage name and introduced him to composer Chonlathi Thanthong. It was Chonlathi who wrote many of the singer's hits, the first being "Jotmai Jak Naewna" (Letter from the Frontline) in 1975.

In addition to his many albums, Yodrak starred in numerous movies and TV dramas, most of them with a musical theme.

He managed to find time to attend non-formal education courses and completed grade 9. Later, he graduated from the Police Privates School and served as a police lance corporal.

He also obtained an honorary bachelor's degree in music and performing arts from Thon Buri Teachers College in 1994.