Thailand's leading astronomer Prof Dr Rawee Pawilai died peacefully today of old age at 92 years old.

His family said he died at 01.15 am Friday.

A former scientist at Chulalongkorn University and a famous astronomer, Prof Dr Rawee was named a national artist in literature in 2006.

By profession, Prof Rawee was lecturer at Chulalongkorn’s Faculty of Physics where he started working at the age of 19 and stayed until his retirement in 1986.

However, his works diversified to many fields, ranging from science, astronomy, to philosophy and religion. He translated a number of classical works, in particular by Asian scholars Rabindranath Tagore and Kharil Gibran.

Prof Rawee was a member of Thailand’s Royal Institute and former president of the Thai Astronomical Society.

Family said dates for religious ceremony will be informed later today.

National artist Prof Dr Rawee Pawilai dies peacefully today - Thai PBS English News