CHIANG RAI – The governor of Chiang Rai led tributes for Narin Toramas, better known as M Muang Pan, who served as a trusted student and personal secretary to artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. A big bike crash claimed his life in Mae Suai district on the evening of April 3.
Friends, family, and Chiang Rai artists joined the procession. It started from the multipurpose hall at Wat Rong Khun in Pa Ao Don Chai subdistrict, Mueang district. Then it moved to the Rong Khun crematorium in San Sai Noi. Chalermchai attended along with many from the Khua Art Association. Governor Chuchai Pongchai, Police Region 5 Deputy Commissioner Manit Senakul.
Mr. Chalermchai spoke to the crowd and denied rumors online that he planned to quit riding motorcycles because he led his disciple to death. However, that never happened. In fact, he was in Japan with his wife, kids, and friends for six nights. After that, he flew back to Bangkok and Chiang Rai.
Mr. Chalermchai said he often warned M about safety gear. For trips abroad or far away, M wore it. But for short rides around Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai, he skipped it. Most times, no helmet. Their gear costs over 20,000 baht. Suits ran 120,000 baht each. Helmets cost 30,000 to 40,000 baht.
“If M had worn that stuff, he might still be alive,” Chalermchai said. Instead, M chose shorts and flip-flops. Chalermchai added another warning. He told M to helmet up on mountain roads. Once, M crashed into a hill but saved his head thanks to the helmet. This time, the heavy BMW big bike made it worse.
Besides, M loved chatting on the phone. He held the bars with one hand. Chalermchai scolded him for it. “Why so much business on the road?” Now, Chalermchai thinks M reached for his phone at a curve. That distraction, plus speed and no gear, caused the fatal crash.
“Don’t grieve too hard,” Chalermchai urged. “M’s gone, and it’s for the best. But learn from this. Riders, stay sharp. Grip the bars tight, especially on curves. Wear full gear no matter the bike size. Skip the phone.”
Chalermchai shared a personal note. “M’s death stops me from riding. Not because I took him out. I just can’t ride without him. I had 4 or 5 riding buddies. But without M, it’s over. I love him too much.” So he parked his big CC bike for good.
The group held a northern Thai cremation rite. Phra Kru Wichit Silpachan, Wat Rong Khun abbot, led the monks. The governor and guests laid jasmine wreaths to close the ceremony.
Big bike riders who knew M well came in force. They toured spots with him before. At the cremation, each fired up their favorite bike. They revved the engines loudly one last time. It honored their friend.
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