1956–1972: early life

His nickname is Aew (Thai: แอ๊ว). He was born on February 6, 1956, at Ngio Rai County, Taphan Hin district, Phichit province. He was a youngest of the eight children of Boontham and Bai Praiwan. He finished educated from Thonburi teacher's college.^[2]

In his family life, he was married to Ladda Praiwan and they had one son.

1972–2008: Entertainer

When he was young, his family financial status was very poor, his father passed away when Salakjai was seven. He left his family at age 11 to become a singer. He was a singer with Ked Noi Watthana Ram Wong Band, where he gained 5–10 baht.

Until he sang in various nightclubs and restaurants in Takhli district, Nakhon Sawan province (which at that time was a red-light district because it was home to a United States Air Force Base during the Vietnam War), 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 Tharnthong 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.

Throughout his 36 years in the showbiz he has performed 4,200 songs and has also starred in some films such as 1998's Crime Kings. One of his most popular songs Sam Sib Yang Jeaw (Thai: สามสิบยังแจ๋ว) has been re-recorded by young performers many times in various genres, not even alternative rock.