Yodrak Salakjai

Police corporal Niphon Plaiwan (Thai: สิบตำรวจโทนิพนธ์ ไพรวัลย์) or stage name Yodrak Salakjai (Thai: ยอดรัก สลักใจ) was a famous Luk thung singer.

1956–1972: early life

His nickname is Aew (Thai: แอ๊ว). He was born on February 6, 1956 at Phichit Province. He was a son of Boontham and Bai Praiwan. He finished educated from Thonburi teacher's college.

His family life, he was married with Ladda Praiwan.

1972–2008: Entertainer

When he was young, his family financial status was very poor. He was a singer with Ked Noi Watthana Ram Wong Band, with he gain 5–10 baht.

Until he sang a song in a restaurant in Nakhon Sawan Province, Dedduang Dokrak a famous Thai radio DJ was in the restaurant, where he was singing. His music tone was heard by Dedduang and Dedduang invited him to start on stage, with first stage name Yodrak Lukphichit (Thai: ยอดรัก ลูกพิจิตร), and he recorded three studio albums, but was not popularised. Until in 1976, Chonlathee Thanthong composed a song titled Jod Mai Jak Naew Naa (Thai: จดหมายจากแนวหน้า) which Yodrak sang, and became popular. He renamed his stage name from Yodrak Lukphichit to Yodrak Salakjai.

In 2008, he went to get health checked. The doctor found that he had liver cancer, but he did no want his cancer treated. His health began to deteriorate and he died at the age of 52 at 1:05 am, on August 9, 2008.

• Jod Mai Jak Neaw Na (จดหมายจากแนวหน้า)
• Hom Tong Non Tay (ห่มธงนอนตาย)
• Khad Khon Hung Kaw (ขาดคนหุงข้าว)
• Ai Num Too Pleang (ไอ้หนุ่มตู้เพลง)
• Khad Nguen Khad Rak (ขาดเงินขาดรัก)
• Sam Sib Yang Jeaw (สามสิบยังแจ๋ว)
• Aao Nae (เอาแน่)
• Jam Jai Doo (จำใจดู)
• Long Luea Ha Rak (ล่องเรือหารัก)
• Kha Tha Ma Ha Ni Yom (คาถามหานิยม)
• Ar Ray Koe Koo (อะไรก็กู)
• Khob Khun Fan Pleang (ขอบคุณแฟนเพลง)