Suphin Hemvijit (Thai: สุพิณ เหมวิจิตร;[1] 22 October 1971[2] – 26 February 1992), known professionally as Honey Sri-Isan (Thai: ฮันนี่ ศรีอีสาน), was a Thai Mor lam and Luk thung singer from Isan area.[3] She recorded two albums during her musical career and, despite her short discography, enjoyed a good bit of fame.[4] She was active for only two years due to her death in 1992 caused by a road accident.[5] After her death, she is believed to have become a spirit and her fans have erected a shrine at the place of her death.
Honey Sri-Isan | |
|---|---|
ฮันนี่ ศรีอีสาน | |
 Honey Sri-Isan in 1991 | |
| Born | Suphin Hemvijit 22 October 1971 Ban Moei, Dong Ling Sub-district, Kamalasai District, Kalasin Province, Thailand |
| Died | 26 February 1992 (aged 20) |
| Cause of death | road accident |
| Other names | Sao Sieng Kammayee (Ailas) Phin (nickname) |
| Occupation | Singer • Actress |
| Notable work | Nam Ta Lon Bon Tee Non (1991) |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | |
| Instrument(s) | Vocal |
| Years active | 1986–1992 |
| Labels | Yenawee Promotion |
Early life
Honey was born as Suphin Hemvijit on 22 October 1971 in Ban Moei, Dong Ling Sub-district, Kamalasai District, Kalasin Province in northeast Thailand. She was the daughter of Khamtha and Mee Hemvijit.[6] In 1982, she completed her primary education.[6]
Musical career
Sri-Isan began her career in 1986 as a member of Mor lam band.[6] In January 1991, she signed on as a singer with Yenawee Promotion.[6] Her first studio album, Nam Ta Lon Bon Thee Non (น้ำตาหล่นบนที่นอน), was released on 25 January 1991, with songs written by Dao Bandon[7][8] and produced by Num Phuthai. It was a success.[6]
On October 8, 1991, she recorded her second album "Won Phee Mee Rak Dieaw" (วอนพี่มีรักเดียว), which was also well received by listeners.[6] After that, she founded her own music band at the request of her fan club.[6] Because of her premature death, her career in the music industry was short-lived.
Death
Sri-Isan died in a road accident while returning from a show on 26 February 1992, in Sisaket Province, at the age of 20.[9][10]
A shrine was built at the place of her death. Every year since her death in 1992, famous singers perform a concert in her memory. Many villagers believe that her spirit is still circulating in the area and still has not left the physical realm.[11] As in the cases of Mae Nak and Mae Takien Thong, the spirit of Honey Sri-Isan is said to be a force of both benevolence and retribution. A handbook mentions that she sought revenge against a policeman who had touched her corpse in an inappropriate way, but she has also granted winning lottery numbers to the fans who created and expanded her shrine.[12][13]
In 2015, a shrine was built in her home town Ban Moei.[11]
Discography
| Title (Thai) | Title (Romanised) | Release date |
|---|---|---|
| Yenawee Promotion | ||
| น้ำตาหล่นบนที่นอน | Nam Ta Lon Bon Thee Non (English: Tears on the Bed) | January 1991 |
| วอนพี่มีรักเดียว | Won Phee Mee Rak Dieaw | October 1991 |