Sorapong Chatree, nicknamed Ek, (formerly Pittaya Tiamswate) was an actor born in Ayutthaya, Thailand. In 2009, he received an honorary Doctorate of Arts degree in Social Science for development from Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University. He had frequently starred in the films of Prince Chatrichalerm Yukol, as well as in Cherd Songsri's classic romance, "Plae Kao". Sorapong became one of the top male stars by the mid 1970s, eventually displacing the older Sombat Metanee from the lead position. As he aged, he retained his popularity and was well known today as a major supporting actor. He was named a National Artist of Thailand in 2009. Chatree died from lung cancer at Bumrungrad Hospital in Bangkok on 10 March 2022 at the age of 71.
