Industry mourns Thai creative Nantawat 'Golf' Chaipornkaew

Thailand creative Nantawat 'Golf' Chaipornkaew died suddenly yesterday in Bangkok. He was 41.

Hundreds of comments fondly remembering Nantawat and expressing condolences to his family are pouring in on what appears to be his last Facebook post. The post, dated November 30, carries a quotation attributed to Buddhadāsa Bhikkhu, which makes reference to suffering. 

Nantawat's career included stints with Saatchi & Saatchi in Thailand, Ogilvy Shanghai, BBH in Singapore and London, Jung von Matt in Hamburg, JWT in Tokyo and Y&R in Hong Kong. He was most recently founder and creative synergist at NAWIN Consultant, his own company.

He won gold at Cannes Lions as well as awards at Spikes Asia, D&AD, Adfest and more.

Publicis Thailand issued the following statement:

We have come to know Golf during his time with Saatchi & Saatchi. Throughout the time that he is working with us, he is one of the most talented members that we have an opportunity to work with. Many of his great works are still inspirational and memorable to many of us. After his time at Saatchi & Saatchi, Golf has opened his own business and we continue to follow his work. Definitely, many of his great works continue to be tremendously successful as always. We are saddened by this news and would like to share our condolences to his family and all his beloved ones.

Campaign Asia-Pacific also extends sincere condolences to Nantawat's family and the Thai creative community.

November 30 post on Nantawat's Facebook