The title he bore most often was simply Arjan (Teacher). While his formal name was Kittisak Suwanpokin, his students and people in the film industry knew him universally and affectionately as Arjan Daeng.
His recent passing has illuminated the immense and enduring impact he made on the entirety of Thailand’s theatre and film industry. His deep passion and profound knowledge struck a chord with every generation, influencing artists from the earliest Baby Boomers to today’s Gen Z.
The massive outpouring of mourning across social media reflects the loss of a great man whose life focused on a singular, noble mission: to be a good teacher and share his expertise.
Arjan Daeng required no academic rank or social status to be remembered; his legacy is measured in the uncountable seeds of talent and vision he planted within the Thai creative community.
Ajarn Daeng was a pioneering voice in the world of Thai film and theatre writing and critiques. His passion for cinema began in his youth, when he was entrusted with selecting and renting 16 mm films for weekly screenings at his boarding school in Bangsaen, Chon Buri province.
This early spark grew into a lifelong dedication to the art of film. While studying political science at Chulalongkorn University, he began writing film reviews for Pim Thai Daily, marking the start of a prolific career spanning more than four decades.
Kittisak’s byline appeared in leading publications, including Siam Rath, Prachachart Weekly, Starpics Magazine, and Praew Magazine.
Film buffs back then knew him as “Tulip” - a movie critic for Starpics magazine.
He was also a noted author and translator of influential works, including “The Postman Always Rings Twice,” “America America,” and critical texts such as “American Films: History and Classics” (1995) and “Musicals” (2007).
In addition to his work as a critic and writer, Kittisak enjoyed a distinguished career in advertising as a copywriter, producer, and commercial director for more than 30 years.
Photo courtesy by Thai Film Archive
He made significant contributions to Thai theatre through his Thai-language adaptations of classic plays and films and served as a guest lecturer and curriculum advisor for numerous universities across the country.
A lifelong advocate for film education, he initiated public film literacy courses that helped shape generations of cinephiles and professionals.
He was also the unwitting inspiration for all in the film industry, from film critics and independent filmmakers to international award winners and makers of blockbusters.
As a trusted advisor to Film Archive (Public Organization), Thailand, Ajarn Daeng leaves behind a profound legacy as a teacher, critic, and cultural figure who inspired respect, admiration, and a lasting love of cinema.
The following are the heartfelt obituaries written by those who appreciate his enduring contribution to the nation’s arts and culture scene.
"Ajarn Daeng created an extraordinary body of work throughout his life, including legendary film criticism such as the “We Read Your Mail” column in Starpics Magazine, written under the pen name Tulip, as well as acclaimed film translations and stage play adaptations.
His deep knowledge and prolific contributions earned him the reputation of being the “Encyclopedia” of Thai film culture.
Beyond his own work, Ajarn Daeng was a true pioneer of film and theatre criticism in Thailand, mentoring generations of students who would go on to become leading producers, directors, and key figures in the entertainment industry.
True to his spirit, he continued to share his insights until the very end — most recently at the event “Long and Winding Roads of Short Films,” held in celebration of his 80th birthday this past June.” - GDH, Thailand's leading film studio
“Thank you for all knowledge about films that you gave us.” - House Samyan, an art house theatre
“Khru (Arjan) Daeng was a highly respected figure and a pioneer in the field of film and performing arts criticism in Thailand. He dedicated his life to teaching and sharing his profound knowledge of film and theatre.”
“For decades, he continuously taught the course ‘Criticism of Film and Theatre’ to students of the Department of Dramatic Arts with remarkable care, depth, and kindness, inspiring generation after generation to engage with art through both intellect and heart. The (Drama) Department gratefully honors Khru Daeng’s immense contributions and lifelong devotion to the arts and education.” - Drama Arts Chula.
“My heart aches deeply… the greatest theatre audience I’ve ever had is gone. Farewell to Phi Daeng, Khru Daeng — Kittisak Suwanpokin — the finest audience of Moradokmai’s theatre.” - Janaprakal “Kru Chang” Chandruang, National Artist and founder of Moradokmai theatre
“The Phi Daeng I’ve known for more than 50 years was a genuinely kind person who never changed, no matter how much time passed — always warm-hearted, straightforward, and endlessly generous with his knowledge to his students.
“I still remember our first meeting at his desk on the second floor of Starpics Magazine at Bang Khun Phrom intersection. After that, we met every two months at the Montien Theatre, where Phi Daeng kindly gave me honest and thoughtful feedback throughout nearly 10 years and 54 stage productions.” - Theeraporn Virunlak
“Looking back, my memories of Ajarn Daeng span two decades—from the high school days before I ever made a film, to the moment he was critiquing my latest work. He was the essential critic at every student film screening, so ubiquitous that if you didn’t know him, you eventually would.”
Photo courtesy of Thai Film Archive
“His unique charm lay in his critiques: he might start talking about a film before suddenly fixing on a scene’s location, like the Giant Swing, and launching into a long, fascinating history lesson. By the end, you often remembered the story of the place more clearly than the short film itself. As my own filmmaking grew, so did our connection; I went from quietly eavesdropping on his chats at video shops to receiving his comments on my short films.”
This relationship culminated years later when I directed the documentary The Master. My intention was to record the faces and voices of those who shaped Thai cinematic culture, and including him felt like a monumental step—leveling up from a kid in the audience to a colleague.”
“Seeing his portrait from that interview today, I realize photographs truly do preserve people, capturing him exactly as I first saw him in high school. Though we rarely saw each other in person after The Master, our bond was recently affirmed when, for his 80th birthday, he chose my film 36 for a special screening."
"For someone who constantly feels the need to prove himself, having someone I deeply respect embrace my work felt like a warm, reassuring hand on my shoulder. I’m surprised by how little we physically saw each other, yet how often we met through the sacred space of cinema. Film created the quiet connection that kept our paths crossing over 20 years. Thank you, Ajarn Daeng Kittisak Suwanpokin, for every encounter, and rest in peace.” - Nawapol Thamrongrattanarit, film director
“Back in a time when film knowledge wasn’t just a fingertip away like it is today, it was Ajarn Daeng’s writings that nourished our minds. He was, and will always be, a teacher to all who love cinema.” - Kongdej Jaturanrasmee, film director
"If I hadn’t taken Ajarn Daeng’s film analysis class, I probably wouldn’t have understood many of the so-called great films. I wouldn’t have known how to direct, edit, shoot, or tell stories through the true language of cinema. You’re always in my mind every time I watch a film." - Alongod Uabhaibool, film director
Kittisak Suwanpokin’s life was a masterclass in dedication, establishing him as a foundational pillar of Thai cinematic literacy.
His relentless focus on sharing knowledge ensured that the seeds he planted grew into a robust ecosystem—one that produced talented writers, award-winning directors, and discerning industry leaders.
Crucially, his most profound, widespread contribution was the cultivation of a refined and appreciative audience. Because of Arjan Daeng, countless individuals across Thailand were empowered not just to make art, but to understand, value, and demand finer art, permanently elevating the critical and cultural landscape of the nation.
Farewell, Arjan Daeng.
