Veteran magician Naren Saraphaiwanich died of liver cancer yesterday. He was 66 years old.
The former chairman of the Magic Society of Thailand was also suffering from intestinal cancer and chronic heart disease. His funeral is being held at Wat Bueng Thong Lang, from yesterday to next Wednesday.
He is survived by wife Ratree, a third wife, and five young children. He was divorced from a second wife, with whom he had daughter Panjanuch, after his first wife died many years ago.
Panjanuch later dismissed news reports that she had conflict with Ratree over where to hold Naren's funeral, saying it was easier for people to attend at the Bangkok-based temple, than at his home province of Nakhon Nayok.
Ratree had said earlier that Naren told her to hold his funeral at Wat Phrome Mana Chula Manee Phromma Rangsee, whose abbot Phra Palad Worruwuth also confirmed Ratree's claim.
Naren was known for years for his performances, but his immediate family was facing financial problems when he became ill and began to receive hospital treatment three years ago.
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