BK: What’s your family background?
Anthony: My American dad was born in Myanmar because my grandparents worked there before moving to Chiang Mai. Then my dad met my mum, who belongs to the Rawang ethnic group, who mostly live in Myanmar and southern China. She came from Myanmar to Chiang Mai when she was only 17. They fell in love and got married before my father moved to California to study. I was born in America.

BK: When did you study in Thailand?
Anthony: We moved back to Chiang Mai when I was three years old after my father graduated. I went to Chiang Mai International School, then went to study philosophy and religion at a university in the US and then stayed there for 10 years. 

BK: What did you do there?
Anthony: I did a lot of jobs in the US as a writer, photographer, historian, tour guide, archaeologist, extreme-sports man and a sushi chef because my uncle ran a sushi shop. 

BK: Why did you end up doing so many different jobs?
Anthony: I knew from a young age that I didn’t want to work in an office. I knew I would feel trapped, go crazy and want to jump from the building.

BK: Why did you choose to do philosophy and religion as your major?
Anthony: I always wondered where beliefs came from and why we needed religion. You have a community of faith when many people believe similar teachings, and this reaches a large scale, at the national and global levels. Not to mention that history and religions have always been connected to things like architecture through their temples and churches.  

BK: How did you land the Hidden Cities series job?
Anthony: In 2009, while I was staying in Chiang Mai, I heard that the History Channel was looking for a host for their new series. I found out two days before the deadline, so I went to Mueng Mai market to make a video clip to introduce myself. I finished it in one day, and luckily I was the one they picked.

BK: Why did you decide to do it?
Anthony: I was challenging myself. I was taking a chance, taking a risk. When I applied I thought this is a crazy dream—there are other people who are more capable at this.

BK: Were there any weird experiences while filming?
Anthony: Yes. While we were filming in an old military hospital, we heard the sound of marching all the time, even though there was nothing there.

BK: Do you believe that Thailand still has a hidden city?
Anthony: I think every place has its own story. You just have to be interested in the story behind the bricks.

Growing up with music made me have big dreams about it. I always imagined elevating Thai music to an international level when I saw the success of Sukiyaki from Japan.

I used kitchenware like chopsticks, pots, boxes and basins as my homemade drum set. I was happy playing music alone.

I was lucky to grow up in an era that had various kinds of music and where the artists were real artists. They produced their own music and were unforgettable, like Elvis, Elton John, Queen, Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin.

People might not know that I also listen to classical music.

My first instrument was a B300 guitar that I bought by saving up my pocket money.

In others countries, many heroes of society are artists and actors but in Thailand, we label them as odd jobs. No one thinks that music, arts, culture and sports are indicators of the human qualities of a country.

I chose the alias “Tik Shiro” after I worked as a DJ at a club with a Japanese guy named Yoshi. I thought it would be nice if I had an alias similar to his name. Shiro means white.

I put my music skills to the test by forming a band with friends at school. We went to any contest and gig to show our talent. My big break came when I was invited to be the drummer of Ploy band. When they broke up, I was signed to Nitithat Production.

I always take myself seriously at work even though I’m usually quite fun and easy-going.

My life has passed through a lot of storms that caused me to fail. I used to have an import business that collapsed in the 1997 financial crisis.

The teachings of Buddhism have helped me cope. No matter how badly you fail, don’t cling to things. Find a way to solve the problem. Fix things at the root.

After failing in business, I went to study a mini-MBA to learn how to run a business. Then I got a Master’s degree in political science and now I’m working towards a Ph.D. in political science.

I believe that as we grow old, we shouldn’t only be aging. Our qualities should be growing as well. Other people know things better than us, so why not learn from them?

I don’t like to let time go by. I always manage my time so I can do everything I want to do. Now I’m writing a pocket book and I’m often working as a lecturer at various universities. I’m also a painter and used to go aboard to exhibit my paintings.

I predicted 10 years ago that the music industry would be in a bad state and today it’s true. It will sink further because we’re still fixing the problem by chasing it, instead of trying to prevent it.

Technology makes things change. The era of producing an album with hundreds of thousands of baht is gone. An artist can produce his work with only a few thousand.

Concerts are a way to survive in this business.

One drawback of this era is quality screening by both artist and listener. The audience is now getting used to downloading songs, which devalues the work of the artist, while the artist produces work too quickly and easily without stopping to think.

I think the 60s, 70s and 80s were the peak of the music industry. Everyone knew who the artists and the songs were. Today people don’t even know whose song they are listening to.

In these times, it’s hard to create legends. Many people keep asking me, “Are we going to have the next Michael Jackson?” I say it’s difficult to find a person who is willing to sacrifice themselves for music.

New artists shouldn’t be worried about whether or not their music will become legendary. If you’re born to be an artist, you will find your own way of making it.

I always give love to my family. I hug my children everyday. They’re my rewards in life.

The way to be successful has to go together with morality. Then you will find great success. Interview by Monruedee Jansuttipan

In Kanchanaburi, a man drowns after jumping off a bridge for a dare. During a company trip to the River Kwai a 30-year old man is dared to jump off the famous bridge. The man who, had been drinking, suddenly leaps off the bridge and plunges into the river. When he fails to resurface a rescue team is called, who eventually discover the victim’s drowned body.

In Kalasin, a man dies after eating a cobra. The 27-year old is riding home from work when he spots a cobra in the middle of the road. Thinking it’s dead he grabs it but it bites him on the right hand. He kills it to make it let go and then decides to take it home and eat it. The next morning he feels his chest tighten, before passing out. He is rushed to hospital but dies of heart failure caused from consuming the snake venom.

In Ratchaburi, a women is electrocuted while rubber necking a crash scene. A car crashes into an electricity pole, uprooting the pole and plunging the nearby village into darkness. A 26-year old women is one of the villagers who flocks to the scene. She accidentally steps on a live cable, which broke free during the collision, and is killed instantly by the high voltage.

In Petchburi, A man chokes to death while competing in a pad thai eating contest. The 66-year old man enters the competition at a local fair. As he is finishing his second serving he starts to choke and then falls unconscious. He is rushed to hospital but doctors are unable to revive him. The victims daughter says she is not even sure why her father entered the competition in the first place because he didn’t even like noodles.

Thitiwat Thiankasem, 23, personal tutor
“I want to ask Michael Jackson why he had to go so fast. He still had a lot to do, so why rush?”

Andy Thompson, 29, service manager
“Jimi Hendrix and ask him for some tips on playing the guitar and teach me if he has time.”

Piyanit Watjanarat, 27, course consultant
“William Shakespeare. I want to ask why did he have to write something so difficult. It’s so hard to translate!”

Chomponuch Jongsomjit, 27, service officer
“I want to talk to Mitr Chaibancha. I want to know why he didn’t use a stuntman and acted by himself on the day he died at the movie set. I want to ask for the cause of the accident too.”

Chatchawal Chantarasa, 32, engineer
“I want to ask Elvis Presley if he is still playing music up there because his music is still popular on earth.”

Lanu Srichainat, 32, programmer
“I would talk to my relatives who passed away and ask them how they are doing.”

You might have wondered what life after death is like but have you ever considered what life is like for those who spend their days with the dead? This Halloween, while so many people are talking about ghouls and ghosts, BK introduces you to the people whose jobs involve meeting real dead bodies every day.

Dead job #1

Burn after praying

Tri Kulchart, 40-year-old mortician at Hualampong Temple. For over ten years Tri has been caring for and preparing the bodies that come to the temple ready for their cremation.

How did you start doing this job? I used to be a street vendor before I got a job as a construction worker at Hualampong temple. Then my brother said, “Why don’t you stay at the temple?” I’d always felt like the outside world was too fussy anyway, so I just gave it a try. I have now been at the temple since 1998.
What was seeing your first body like? The first bodies were tough but you eventually get used to it.
What’s your general routine with the body? I clean, dress and then put the bodies into the coffin and then sleep with the coffin at night. Then I lead the prayer at the ceremony until the cremation, before collecting the bones and ashes for the relatives. In some cases, I also go out to bring the bodies back to the temple. The worst cases are the ones that have been hit by cars. They come in piece by piece.
What are people reactions to what you do for a living? It really depends but most are fine with it. They just always ask, “Don’t you feel afraid?” I don’t.
How much do you earn? It depends on what the relatives give me. We receive no official salary.
Do you believe in ghosts or spirits? Yes. Normally, I am not afraid of the bodies that come to the temple, but I get scared if I knew the person when they were alive.
Any supernatural experiences? Yes. I recently saw the spirit of a guy I knew. He was stabbed to death. I saw his spirit walking around the temple where he used to live. I thought it was odd that he was still around. Then I went to the hospital and found that no-one had taken his body home yet. So I contacted his family to come and get him and I didn’t see his spirit again.
Has it changed your attitude towards death? Yes. 12-years of working here and I now see death as natural. I have also realized that you don’t need to chase things for a happy, simple life.
Philosophy? Do the best to send them off peacefully.

Dead job #2

Searching for Truth

Pol. Maj. Napapat Nattasumon, 31, is the forensic medical doctor at the Institute of Forensic Medicine, Police General Hospital where she examines bodies to discover the real cause of death.

How did you start doing this job? I chose to become a forensic doctor because I loved to watch crime investigation movies. I was so fascinated by the way they searched for the truth. While others were scared watching horror movies, I was like studying it, thinking why was the blood there? How they did make it look that real? Why did the bodies look like that? So I studied medicine first and then later on I started working at the Police Hospital where I requested a scholarship to study forensic science for three years.
What was seeing your first body like? My first was at the Forensics Museum at Siriraj University while studying at medical school. I was kind of freaked out early on that this was what I had to deal with, but things changed after I began doing meditation. I started to understand how things really were.
What are people’s reactions when they find out what you do? They’re curious about how I can work with dead bodies.
How much do you earn? That depends on our police ranks. Now I get B17,000 plus professional fees and public servant welfare.
What’s your general routine when you receive the body? First of all, I have to check what bodies are waiting to have an autopsy. There are normally about 15 bodies a day split between two of us. Our job is to track down the true cause of death by carrying out a thorough medical examination. Then we tell the relatives and the police what exactly happened to the body. Sometimes, we will go out to check the body at the crime scene if the police ask us. In my team, we also spend time in the southern provinces due to the high number of deaths down there.
Do you believe in ghosts or spirits? Yes.
Any supernatural experiences? Well maybe. I am not sure if it was truly supernatural or not but there was one case where the relatives didn’t want us to perform an autopsy. I prayed to the body of the dead man and told him that if he wanted his family to find out what made him die, please convince them to let me perform the autopsy. Out of nowhere, his relatives gave me the green light. I found that the cause of death was bleeding in the stomach, a genetic condition that could have killed all his relatives if it had gone undiscovered.
Has it changed your attitude towards death? After seeing lots of causes of death, I have prepared myself for death and made sure that there will be no burdens for my family.
Philosophy? Bringing justice to the dead because they can’t speak.

Dead job #3

Guardian Angel

As ICU nurse manager at Samitivej Hospital, Nitorn Washirasawass, 39 is on the front line of the struggle between life and death and the first person to help relatives with the grieving process.

How did you start doing this job? I had a girly dream to become a nurse after watching lots of movies where nurses save the patient’s lives. That impressed me. I studied nursing at Chiang Mai University before deciding to become a nurse in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in 1993. I felt I could use my knowledge best in this unit.
What’s your general routine with the body? I usually deal with the patients, but after they pass away, the most important people are their relatives. We will ask them what they want to do with the body and we will help them organize that. We will do everything possible to honor the dead and their memory […in tears]. I never let my tears fall in front of the patients or their relatives though. We have to be strong when they are in sorrow. They need someone to soothe them and make them feel better.
What are people’s reactions when they find out what you do? They ask me why I don’t choose another unit that doesn’t have so many critical patients or deaths.
How much do you earn? Depends on your experience and level and the hospital.
Do you believe in spirits or ghosts? Yes.
Any supernatural experiences? No.
Has it changed your attitude towards death? It’s made me appreciate that it’s a natural thing.
Philosophy? Make every minute of your life worthwhile and valuable while you’re still alive.

Dead job #4

Real-life CSI

Pol. Capt. Saralnuch Choo-klin (right), 28, and Pol. Lt. Sommhai Saengkaew, 28, are both scientists (Level 1) at the Crime Scene Investigation Sub Division of the Royal Thai Police. It’s their job to visit crime and accident scenes and pick up valuable evidence to help solve the case.

How did you start doing this job? We both graduated in science from university with the hope of working in the industrial sector, but we heard that the Royal Thai Police were recruiting scientists. We decided to take the test and after studying for two years, we became part of the Crime Scene Investigation Division.
What was seeing your first body like?
Saralnuch: Because you spend two years studying existing cases where you see lots of pictures of bodies, I actually handled it better than expected.
Sommhai: Yes, I was also already prepared for it.
What are people’s reactions when they find out what you do?
Saralnuch: They seem a little afraid of what we’re doing.
Sommhai: Some people ask us, “Are you really a CSI officer?” Because of our girly looks.
What’s your general routine with the body? Collecting evidence on and around the body, fingerprints, blood samples or any other on-scene evidence. The witnesses might change their testimony in court so we need solid evidence in a murder or robbery case. For cases of fires, we have to find if it was on purpose or an accident.
How much do you earn? Depends on your police rank.
Do you believe in ghosts or spirits? Yes.
Supernatural experiences? Never.
Has it changed your attitude towards death?
Saralnuch: I’m more alert about what I am doing.
Sommhai: Yes, I am more cautious in my everyday life.
Philosophy? Giving justice for the dead people.

Dead job #5

Real life Hero

As a rescue volunteer at the Ruamkatanyu Foundation, Anyawuth Poampai, 37, is usually one of the first on the scene of motoring accidents.

How did you start doing this job? I used to be a waen boy racing my motorcycle around. One day, I was 15, I went to drink with friends and on the way home I came across a female driver who had hit an old man. She was in shock and didn’t know what to do, while the old guy lay on the road bleeding. I parked my moto and asked her “Why don’t you help him?” and she just said, “I can’t move.” I ended up driving the old man to the hospital in her car even though I didn’t know how to drive, she had to guide me. At the hospital, the old man’s relatives were so thankful for what I had done. At that moment, I decided I wanted to be a rescue volunteer and I have now been doing it since 1989. I am now part of a permanent rescue team.
What’s your general routine? I am stationed at the Rama 9-Ratchada area from 8am-8pm. I will monitor any accidents and help transport casualties to the hospital as fast as possible.
What are people’s reactions when they find out what you do? Most people are a little afraid and ask how I cope with the blood and bodies.
How much do you earn? B13,000.
Do you believe in ghosts? Yes.
Any supernatural experiences? Yes. I once smelled a dead body in my apartment. I went out to work and was radioed that a body had been found in a building elsewhere in my area. When I arrived at the scene the scent of the body was the exact same smell as at my apartment. I think the dead man might have come looking for me to help him.
Has it changed your attitude towards death? I don’t drive or do things recklessly anymore. We can die so easily.
Philosophy? Everyone has their loved ones. Help them survive as much as possible.

Dead job #6

autopsy assistant

Squad leader Pol. Snr. Sgt. Maj. Banjong Thonghai, 39, is responsible for placing the bodies into the mortuary at the Institute of Forensic Medicine at the Police General Hospital before preparing them for autopsy.

How did you start doing this job? I graduated from the Royal Police Cadet Academy as a police lance corporal and became a crime scene police officer for six years. Then I applied to the Institute of Forensic Medicine as I thought it would be interesting.
What was seeing your first body like? I thought I was already familiar with seeing bodies at crime scenes. But in fact, I found that I really couldn’t handle seeing the bodies undergoing the autopsy operation. I couldn’t eat for weeks.
What’s your general routine with the body? I take any new bodies that have arrived to the mortuary room, then take the bodies that we received the day before to the autopsy room to prepare them for the doctor. I had to practice cutting open the bodies, as we actually cut open Thai and foreigner’s different ways. For Thais we just make an “I” shape incision while for foreigners we cut a “Y” shape. Some foreigners might have an open coffin so the Y shape is better for dressing. Once we’ve cut open the main body, I then have to saw open the head to reveal the brain. The first time I had to carry a brain, my hands were shaking. The most difficult bodies are the ones that have been injected with formalin to preserve them. It makes the body very tough and also it’s so smelly and acrid. If there is some big incident like a tsunami or plane crash, we also have to go to the scene to help identify the bodies.
What are people’s reactions when they find out what you do? Curiosity about how I can deal with it.
How much do you earn? Depends on our police ranks. Now I receive B16,000 plus.
Do you believe in ghosts and spirits? Yes.
Any supernatural experiences? I’ve never seen a ghost, but I have experienced weird feelings, like finding it hard to breathe as if something was constricting my body. But I’m not sure. Maybe I just slept in the wrong position.
Has it changed your attitude towards death? We’re all the same, we come with nothing and go with nothing. So why not try and do good things.
Philosophy? Sympathy to the dead and bring them justice.

Dead job #7

Living with the Dead

Rung Poebua, 52, is the undertaker at the 150 year old cemetery situated on Silom Road, the largest Chinese cemetery in Bangkok. He’s responsible for making sure the dead get to their final resting place without any hitches.

How did you start doing this job? My family have been undertakers for this cemetery for ages and ages. I have been working at this job since I was born.
What’s your general routine with the body? I do everything from digging the hole and decorating the graves to cleaning the cemetery for annual festivals like Chinese New Year or Qing Ming. Now there are real estate developments that are taking over parts of the old cemetery to build on, so I have to dig up the old graves and take the bodies out for relatives to move them to a new cemetery. Some bodies are now just bones, but some are all dried like a mummy. I handle the whole cemetery.
What are people’s reactions when they find out what you do? They understand what we’re doing.
How much do you earn? Depends on what the relatives give. We have to have another job because we can’t make a living just taking care of the cemetery.
Do you believe in ghosts and spirits? Yes.
Any supernatural experiences? Never.
Has it changed your attitude towards death? Handling lots of graves makes me take a more relaxed outlook on life.
Philosophy? Respect the dead.

Dead job #8

Dead Focus

As crime photographer at the Thairath Newspaper, Suvasan Chomkaew, 37, has spent the last ten years capturing some of the most grisly cases for Thailand’s biggest selling daily paper.

How did you start doing this job? I applied in 1996 right after I graduated from Siam University with a major in Advertising. I felt that this job would never be boring. New things happen every day which is kind of fun. I don’t even have to read the newspaper because I am there at the heart of the action.
What was seeing your first body like? It wasn’t actually for work. It was my friend’s brother and he had been kept in the coffin for 100 days. When they took him out, the body looked so bad I nearly threw up. The image of it stopped me from sleeping.
What are people’s reactions when they find out what you do? They keep asking me how I can encounter so many horrific incidents.
How much do you earn? B10,000 plus good welfare.
What’s your general routine with the body? I cover any news events, but in some cases there are bodies. All I have to do is be there first but not destroy the evidence at the crime scene. I have to take a great shot of the body to get it printed on the front page. Once, I even asked a volunteer to carry a severed arm of a guy and put it next to his body. That picture made the front page of the next day’s newspaper.
Do you believe in ghosts? Yes.
Any supernatural experiences? Never. Just exciting experiences covering some of the biggest news stories and trying not to get caught taking the photos!
Has it changed your attitude towards death? It makes me more careful about daily life. Some people died so easily even though they only had a tiny cut, while someone who loses an arm survives. Now I’m much less negligent.
Philosophy? Make the great shot but don’t take too much risk.

Dead job #9

The final touches

Make-up artist Manassaporn “Sri “ Amornnan, 47, who works at the Chest Disease Institute, Nonthaburi province, has the task of making sure the deceased look their best in the next life.

How did you start doing this job? I worked in a coffin shop for 17 years and have now been stationed at the Chest Disease Institute mortuary selling coffins for the pastfive years. It all started when I noticed the bodies using the coffins in the shop were so pale. I wanted to make them look better, so I started using my own cosmetics. Then some families asked me to take the job more seriously, so I decided to do it as the main part of the job. I even took a short make-up course to learn more.
What was seeing your first body like? At the beginning I was scared but now not at all. I got used to it.
What are people’s reactions when they find out what you do? They say I am such a cool woman who can be so at ease with a dead body.
How much do you earn? B9,000 plus.
What’s your general routine with the body? My work is to take care of the body once it is moved down to the morgue. I have to clean the body, handle the paper work, store the body in a frozen room, contact the family, sell them a coffin and do the make-up. In case the family can’t afford to buy a coffin, I try to arrange for a donation. I will take care of the body until it is moved to the temple.
Do you believe in ghosts? Yes.
Any supernatural experiences? Only once. I was putting make-up on the body as usual and another guy was injecting the formalin into the body at the same time. That night I had a dream that the person came to tell me that when the formalin was injected into her body, she choked, just like what you’d feel when you drown. Ever since, I speak to the body every time before we inject the formalin. It’s weird that many times, the family will come up to me and say, “How did you know that the person likes their make-up done this way or in this particular color?” So I think the spirits somehow can connect to me.
Has it changed your attitude towards death? I’m easy going and don’t expect too much. Human’s are nothing. Only good deeds will last.
Philosophy? I ask for permission from the body every time, tell him or her to somehow let me know what color I should do or which style he or she would prefer.

BK Asks: If you could talk to anyone who is already dead, who would it be?

Tales of dumb deaths from Thailand in 2010

Ready to party? Have a look at our round-up of Halloween shenanigans

As American preppy-foursome Vampire Weekend arrive in town to treat us to their ethnic pop sounds, we decided to turn our ears to the local scene. Scouring Bangkok’s bars, clubs, festivals and radio waves we went all A&R in a bid to try and discover the best in local talent—gifted and exciting musicians you can actually watch and listen to every week.
The good news is live music isn’t dead yet, and while it might not be in the rudest of health, we are happy to announce that there is life after Moderndog and Groove Riders—and plenty of places to go listen to some top new bands. Here, we make it easy for you to support the local music scene with our shortlist of the hottest bands in town. And don’t miss our round-up of live music venues at Bars to Hear Great Live Music HERE.

POOMJIT

Who they are: Puttiyos “Put” Phalajivin (vocal, piano), Kasem “Kan” Janyaworawong (guitar), Thitinan “Bomb” Chantangpol (bass) and Asanai “Max” Artskool (drums)
Why they’re hot: Their new single “Ngen Meun” strikes a perfect balance between luk thung and luk krung. And if you read BK closely, you know how much we love our mo lam. These guys get kudos for fusing khaen-inspired guitar with tight rock arrangements and whimsical lyrics.
Band Bio: Put and Kan first met at Kasetsart University through a mutual friend. Sharing a love for the same kind of music, the boys decided to form a band and entered their first band contest at the Kaset Fair. With two additional members, they continued to play at gigs and festivals for a while until Tar from the band Paradox discovered them. Their first self-produced album Found and Lost took five years to make with Tar’s help. The name Poomjit is a Thai translation of Put’s favorite band, Thai psychedelic pop quartet Proud.
Sound: They describe themselves as pop with modern psychedelic influences. Their upcoming second album is heavily influenced by the sound of the Isaan instrument khaen, and lyrics inspired by song-for-life music.
Who we think they sound like: A dumbed-down version of Dream Theater or a Paradise Bangkok party and Morrisey getting jacked up on ya dong.
Why you care: Poomjit is a band with real integrity as they’ve always played their own stuff at contests and festivals whereas many bands end up doing covers. Plus, it takes guts to fuse mo lam with modern rock, and Poomjit does it so damn well.
What next: The band is scheduled to play at the Fat Festival and the Big Mountain Festival in November and December, respectively.
Website: http://www.myspace.com/poomjit

Sound Bite

As a child?
Put: To serve and protect.
Kan: Wanted to be an astronaut.
Most annoying thing you have to encounter everyday?
Put: Intellectuals without real wisdom.
Kan: Inconsiderate people.
One word that best describes your sound?
Put: City-people-going-upcountry rock.
Kan: A Bangkokian-impressed-with-Isaan.
In 20 years?
Put: Staying at home, reading and cooking. Occasionally going on tour, like Bono.
Kan: I will be independent, take up photography and try to apply traditional Thai music to my music as much as possible.

The Jukks

Who they are: Saruyot “Gan” Kongmee (lead singer, guitar), Yutthana “Ter” Francis (bass) and Chayanont “Maew” Khrae-aiam (drum)
Why they’re hot: Having signed on to indie label Smallroom, the fun-loving trio released their debut single “Ornanong” on the Smallroom 007: Boutique album last year. Thanks to its catchy pop sensibility and tongue in cheek humor, plus a quirky video on YouTube, it was a big hit on the charts. The boys are also busy working on their as yet untitled first album and a soundtrack for Pranakorn Film’s new movie which will be in cinemas by the end of the year.
Band Bio: The three started playing together while studying at Silapakorn University. After graduating, and while holding down “boring” office jobs, they managed to self-produce their own single “Love Love Mobile Mobile“ on Myspace and build up a following playing live at parties. Their big break came after they cheekily posted a link to their single on Fat Radio’s DJ Nor’s webpage. He was suitably impressed and introduced them into the music circle, helping to get them a gig at Cosmic Café. They then worked with Lemon Factory before signing on at Small Room.
Sound: They describe themselves as alternative comedy—“irritating, naughty, funny and dirty”—and list their influences as the Cribs, Greenday and Loso (all trios), along with luk thung legend Chai Muangsing. They’ve definitely got a sense of humor as you can probably tell from their name which is short for jukkarae (armpit).
Who we think they sound like: Ramshackle and up tempo, the way they bounce along on songs like “Jukkarae” remind us of the Libertines at their anarchic best with a bit of Arctic Monkeys thrown in for good measure. Like the Monkeys the punk vibe to their sound is softened by a sense for what makes a good musical hook and a wry sense of humor.
Why you care: Sick of bands that take themselves too seriously? Well there’s none of that with these guys. Noisy and playful, upbeat and funny, they are a breath of fresh air with their carefree approach. Fortunately, they also happen to have some super catchy tunes and a great live presence to back it up.
What next: You can catch them live at midnight on Fridays at Cosmic Cafe, RCA.
Website: http://www.myspace.com/jukkarare

Sound Bites

Can’t leave home without?
Maew: Skin disease.
Most annoying thing you have to encounter everyday?
Gan: Eyelashes falling off.
Maew: Skin disease.
One word that best describes your sound?
Gan: Funny.
Ter: Dirty.
Maew: Xie (slang for “nearly something”).
In 20 years?
Gan: Water filter salesman.
Ter: Old.
Maew: A great man.

Gramaphone Children

Who they are: Jaree Thanapura
Why he’s hot: Representing indie electro pop label Kitsch Kat, Jaree Thanapura takes us on a journey back to the glorious era of disco with seven synth-driven numbers on his debut EP Ah-Huh, Ah-Huh. We love the fact that while his music is highly influenced by the 70s and 80s, it all sounds very hip and future-forward.
Band Bio: Jaree first learned how to play piano when he was a kid living in the US. After moving to Thailand, he switched to guitar and drums before starting to record live. Jaree didn’t settle on any specific genre until 5-6 years ago when he teamed up with Smallroom’s seasoned producers and artists like Cyndi Seui (Cesar B. de Guzman) and Yuri’s Nominee (Peera Sukasa) to launch indie music label Kitsch Kat, concentrating on lush electro pop. The name Gramaphone Children refers to the lo-fi quality of the music he produced using the far more basic technology available back then, and the fact that he wants to perpetually look at things with childish excitement. Other than his solo project, Jaree also doubles as PR and marketing guy for Kitsch Kat.
Sound: The 80s flair is handled skillfully, without sounding too archaic. It’s got some punk and hip hop overtones at times, making the electro easier to digest for the uninitiated.
Who we think they sound like: While he says he’s been influenced by the artists he grew up with like the Beastie Boys and Run DMC, newer indie electro outfits like Cut Copy and Chromeo do come to mind.
Why you care: Because everybody predicted the death of electro, yet it’s still alive and kicking thanks in part to Gramaphone Children and a host of other electro-loving artists on Kitsch Kat.
What next: Kitsch Kat Compilation 2 is due out November and he’s currently working on his second EP. Gramaphone will be playing alongside Cyndi Seui on Oct 22 at Club Culture with La French Riot (see +nightlife, page 22).
Website: http://www.myspace.com/gramaphonechildren

Sound Bites

As a child?:
I’ve always wanted to have superpowers, and I still wish I could attain those powers now. I have somehow failed miserably in this area of expertise.
Rule for life?
Just do it and don’t complain, and then do it again over and over and over until you annoy someone in order for them to understand the point you’re making.
Last lie?
My last important appointment, I blamed my lateness on the traffic when it was actually my elephant walking extremely slow during my commute. I’m gonna purchase a new one soon, preferably with functioning tusks.
Most inspirational person?
The inventor of the Talkbox [Bob Heil] and the Vocoder [Homer Dudley]. Hmm, it was the army that invented the vocoder for scrambling messages during the war; they also invented equalizers, limiters and compressors. So, I gotta praise war for the gear they put on my table, even though I’m a pacifist.
One word that best describes your sound?
Funky-synthamagic-ear-candy (this is one word).
In 20 years?
Our high-end music production studio will be in full effect. And of course making music until I reach the grave. Oh, and my yacht as well as a bowling alley and aquarium full
of lethal jellyfish set to a colorfully lit disco floor as seen in Saturday Night Fever, in my living room.

PLOT

Who they are: Ponwit “Wit” Rattanatanatevilai (bass), Jitivi “Pai” Banthaisong (vocal, guitar) and Wongsagorn “Wong” Santiwattanakul (drums).
Why they’re hot: The “Thai trio,” as they refer to themselves, fully embrace the power of punk and channel it with intensity on their first EP Artificial Boyfriend. Koichi Shimizu, founder of indie music label So: On Dry Flower, once said that PLOT doesn’t play music like musicians, but like architects. The band recently played a gig at the monthly indie night, Club Soma, alongside fellow indie outfit The Why Oh Oh (see this page).
Band Bio: The lads went to the same all-boys high school, where they each picked up an instrument. The band PLOT came about two years after university, when they were spotted at a gig held by Mind the Gap. They subsequently signed to So:On Dry Flower, thanks to their first fan, Bangkok-based Shimizu.
Sound: Frontman Pai describes their sound as “punk chip hai.” Expect raw bursts of youthful energy and tell-it-like-it-is lyrics.
Who we think they sound like: Marilyn Manson and Boyd Kosiyapong are cited as their inspirations, but their in-your-face guitar riffs reminds us of legendary post-punk outfits like Joy Division and The Cure as well as newer arrivals like Interpol, the Editors and even the Klaxons.
Why you care: If you dig punk, you’ll dig PLOT. Plus their likeable, humble personalities, unusual for a typical indie rock band, is sure to win you over.
What next: They will be playing at SOL (581/3 Ramkhamhaeng 39, PrachaUthit Rd., 089-770-5022. www.solbkk.com) in November, and they promise we’ll get to see them again at upcoming Club Soma parties. Their new album is due out early next year.
Website: http://www.myspace.com/plotplotplot

The Why Oh Oh!

Who they are: Skolpol “Kol” Sutthikul (vocal, guitar), Sutthirit “Oat” Hemnasai (guitar), Bird (bass), Thiti “M” Khamvithit (drums).
Why they’re hot: Hot from signing with indie music label Lemon Factory, the quartet recently played at Club Soma’s party, and drove the crowd nuts with their raw energy and unpretentious rock ‘n’ roll numbers. “Rock ‘n’ Roll Mai Mee Kwan Mai,” one of the songs included on Lemon Factory’s compilation Human Wave Attack, reflects what The Why Oh Oh! is all about: blues-inspired rock ‘n’ roll paired with suitably satirical lyrics.
Band Bio: Kol used to be in an underground metal band, but he wanted to write proper tunes. Not too long after he met Oat, who was already in a band with Bird and M. The Why Oh Oh! is a derivative from their friend Yoo who always came to see them rehearse.
Sound: They say rock with a bit of blues although their influences range from the forefathers of Thai rock like Micro and Billy O’gan to The Bee Gees and B.B. King to Vinnie Moore.
Who we think they sound like: They remind us of The Strokes and Muse.
Why you care: Judging from the success of their previous singles, The Why Oh Oh! has a long future ahead of them in the indie music scene. Their satirical take on love and society is refreshing and noteworthy.
What next: The boys are working hard on their debut album. Watch out for their new single coming out in November.
Website: http://www.myspace.com/whyoo

Sound Bites

As a child?
Oat: Addicted to handheld video games.
Kol: A BMX rider.
M: Was a skater.
Last lie?
Oat: Recently posted Facebook statuses.
Kol: The price of my bike.
M: I only tell the truth.
One word that best describes your sound?
Oat: Crunchy.
Kol: Soul.
M: Emotion.
In 20 years?
Oat: Sipping beer in a quiet place.
Kol: Playing acoustic guitar.
M: Playing with my cat and hopefully still making music

THE YERS

Who they are: Yotsatorn “Ooh” Boonyatanapiwat (singer, guitar), Tana “Tao” Kusump (percussion and keyboard), Panit “Tor” Monthakarntiwong (guitar), Tiravat “Boom” Poomuang (drum) and Nitit “Boat” Warayanon (bass).
Why they’re hot: Another group signed to Smallroom, and another group to have a single featured on Smallroom 007: Boutique. Their single, “Garn Sue San” (Communication) received praise and they were dubbed the coolest post punk in town.
Band Biog: While all the members spent their high school and university years playing in bands it’s perhaps lead singer, Ooh, who has the most musical pedigree as younger brother of Bu the bassist from Slur. It was Ooh who came up with the name The Yers and landed them gigs at major festivals like Fat Fest.
Sound: Their Myspace describes them as folk, punk, post punk and it’s all tinged with a dark outlook courtesy of Ooh, who believes that pessimism has its own charm and beauty. They tackle negative feelings through stylish ballads, moaning guitars and meaningful lyrics. Introspective groups like The Editors, The Arcade Fire and White Lies are top influences.
Who we think they sound like: Despite obvious musical references to all the above there is also something refreshingly unique about The Yers. Maybe their country-tinged acoustic numbers and rock-inspired tracks have a bit of Bodyslam about them.
Why you care: While they definitely have a punk sensibility underpinning a lot of their tunes, they stand out from similar bands thanks to Ooh’s striking voice, some interesting harmonies and intriguing percussion. We also can’t help but embrace their dark outlook on life.
What next: Releasing their first album early next year.
Website: http://www.myspace.com/yeryeryers

Sound Bites

Most annoying thing you have to encounter everyday:
Ooh: Sunshine.
Tao: BB.
Boat: No one laughing at my jokes.
Boom: Rats.

One word that best describes your sound: Heartbroken, dark, cool, punk, rock.

In 20 years:
Tor: Living my life.
Ooh: Teaching my kids to play piano.
Tao: Carrying a cane. 
Tao: BB.
Boat: Comparing my bass with The Richman Toy to see which is more dilapidated; Boom: Dead.

BK: Where were you before LA?
Mon: I was born in Bangkok and after studying in Japan and working in Thailand, I decided to go study marketing and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
Tom: I used to be a child actor on Channel 3’s drama Ruen Mayura and did acting jobs until I was sixteen when my family moved to LA.
Wan Yai: I was born in Saraburi and graduated in psychology from Srinakharinwirot University. I ended up studying Engineering and Technology at California State University of Los Angeles and playing music by night.

BK: How did you meet up?
Wan Yai: We met at Krueng Tate Restaurant. I played music with Tom and then we met Mon there.
Mon: I asked his band to play some songs by female artists but they couldn’t sing them, so I got up on the stage. That was three years ago.

BK: Why did you post your music on Youtube?
Tom: We had some free time and just did it for fun.

BK: Why Room39?
Tom: Our friend, Baworn “Opac” Abhaiwong, is the owner of an apartment and it is room number 39, so we took his place as our name. He’s now going back to open a studio in Thailand.

BK: Have you guys ever taken singing classes?
Mon: Never. I just joined some competitions. I used to be one of the Pepsi Kids and went on stage with Michael Jackson. I was so delighted. I also sang on the soundtrack for channel 7’s drama Kehaas Saeng Chan.
Tom: I used to study with Kru Rungrodj Dullapan.
Wan Yai: Never.

BK: Why do you always make your music videos at home?
Mon: Opac’s room is so convenient even if it’s not perfect. We just set up in the kitchen or living room with the concept “use what we have and take it easy.”

BK: Ever tried the toilet?
Mon: No, it’s too small.

BK: How do you feel about the feedback from Thai fans?
Mon: We’re so excited that so many people are interested in us. After someone posted our video on Pantip.com, our total upload views revealed over a million! We even have a fanclub.

BK: What are you doing now?
Mon: We’re working on our first single with Boyd Kosiyabong under the Loveis label. We might come over and see our Thai fans in November.

Watch the trio perform a cover version of Groove Riders' "Kae Thur Kor Por" here:

In light of all the fancy new restaurants we’ve been covering in BK lately (we can’t help it; it’s just been one of those months), we decided it was high time we went back to basics: the fantastic street food stalls that are the true backbone of the city’s dining scene. But don’t just take our word for what the best finds in the city are. We spoke to four of our foodie friends and asked them to recommend the places they are most enthusiastic about. Here’s what we got:

FOODIE #1

IAN CHALERMKITTICHAI

Chef Ian may have been the first Thai ever to become the Executive Chef of a five-star hotel property, and he may have gotten his chops at places like French Laundry in Napa and El Bulli in Spain and Thai-restaurant Kittichai in New York. But his humble beginnings pushing a khao kaeng cart prepared by his mother is what makes him such an authority on Bangkok food. When he’s not busy commuting across the globe, you can find him at his newest Bangkok restaurant, Hyde and Seek (Athenee Residence, 65/1 Soi Ruam Rudee, 02-168-5152, BTS Phloen Chit).

Ko Yee

• Thai-Chinese seafood, like kao pad poo (B33)
• Soi Charoennakorn 21, 02-863-6955. Open daily 10am-10pm
Ian says: “Great crab fried rice with fresh and hand-picked crab meat. Also great are their mee hong kong, a version of the Hong Kong stir-fried noodles, but this time with a Thai-Chinese flavor.”
BK tip: Get off at BTS Saphan Taksin and cross the river to Charoennakorn Road. Make a left and walk up the street. The factory-style space is located just across from soi 21.

Sawang

• Bah mee moo daeng, bah mee crab (B50-300)
• 336/2 Rama 4 Rd. MRT Hua Lamphong. 02-236-1772. Open Tue-Sun 5-11pm
Ian says: “The noodles are made in-house and the recipe has been passed down over three generations. It’s only one noodle shop—they’ve never expanded. This is the taste, flavor and great texture of classic egg noodles, not to mention the blue swimmer crab and its very sweet flavor.”
BK tip: Just a short walk from the train station. A bowl of bah mee here can be as much as B300, so come prepared, and do watch out for the elderly uncle, who gets upset when you don’t have the exact change.

Chua Kim Heng

• Braised goose (B115-460, whole goose B920)
• 81-83 Pattanakarn Rd., 02-319-2510. Open daily 8.30am-6pm
Ian says: “One of the best braised goose in town, salty and sweet and with a deep molasses color from the braising liquid.”
BK tip: Okay, so it’s not really on the sidewalk, but we’re including it because it doesn’t have air-conditioning. And because it seems to constantly be packed with the sort of hi-so who would otherwise never deign to brace such heat. The braised goose aside, the bitter gourd soup is also fantastic. FYI, it’s across Pattanakarn Soi 6 and a 10-minute walk from the SARL Ramkhamhaeng station.

FOODIE #2

CHAWADEE NUALKHAIR

Chawadee Nualkhair got into food as a child because her mother couldn’t cook. She received a cooking diploma from L’Ecole Gregoire-Ferrandi (perhaps the toughest cooking school in Paris) and went on to cover much more serious subjects at international news agencies. Now a freelance journalist, Chawadee is also at work on her first book, about street food. Her blog is www.bangkokglutton.com

Aisa Rot Dee 

• Khao mok kai/neua (B55), beef satay (B45 for 10)
• Beginning of Tani Road, 02-282-6378.
Open daily 8am-5pm, except fourth Monday of the month
Chawadee says: “This food court-style venue benefits from the convergence of a whole bunch of stalls in one tiny little open-air courtyard. That makes it a great one-stop introduction to Thai-Muslim food. It’s also hard to find, which, of course, I love. I think people should have to work a little bit for their great food experiences.”
BK tip: The entrance to the alley through which you’ll find Aisa Rot Dee is eclipsed by sidewalk shops, and the only identifying sign is in Thai only (non-readers can identify it from the red color and the crescent and star logo). Close to the corner of Tani Road and Soi Rambuttri.

Guay tiaw Lord

• Guay tiaw lord (flat rice noodles stuffed with pork, B35)
• Yaowaraj Rd. in front of the Seiko shop, next to La Scala shark fin restaurant. Open Tue-Sun 6:30pm-1am
Chawadee says: “Even though it’s fairly well-known, I wanted to make sure it’s included because it is that fantastic a dish. It’s loaded with so many flavors: pork, shiitake mushrooms and dried shrimp included in the ‘fabric’ of the rice noodles.”
BK tip: They’ve been around for twenty years, and though they used to only do their signature dish, they now have a pretty fantastic kra por pla (B50-100), too.

Jay Fai

• Lad na (B260), pad see ew (B280)
• 327 Mahachai Rd., 02-223-9384. Open Mon-Sat 3pm-2am
Chadawee says: “Yes, it’s an outdoor lad na stall with Italian-restaurant prices. But I think it’s one of Bangkok’s best Thai restaurants! The specialty lad na is really, really good­ — especially the seafood one with crispy noodles prepared ‘three ways’.”
BK tip: It’s right next to another outdoor stall, so don’t get confused. This one is a shophouse with lots of outdoor seating, directly across the street from Soi Samranrat and the wet market. They seem to have gotten a lot of attention from farangs, as they now do a laminated menu with a few pictures and English descriptions but, we say, stick to the basics.

Xia Duck Noodles

• Duck noodles (B35), five-spice duck (B70-100), dim sum (B20)
• 2856 Rama IV Rd., 02-671-3279, Open daily 7:30pm-midnight
Chawadee says: “It’s not just the duck noodles—there’s duck braised in five-spice powder and ‘Chinese medicine’ meant to go with rice; their tao tung for dessert; and, on Sunday afternoons, dim sum, duck rice and jab chai. A good sign you’re at Xia: deserted at 7pm, completely packed by 7:45.”
BK tip: They’ve been around for three decades. The duck noodles are amazing, yes, but we also recommend going there on a Sunday, when they do some specials like steamed duck and Chinese herbal soups like bah mee boo pith and bitter gourd.

FOODIE #3

AUSTIN BUSH

A long-time resident who is fluent in Thai, Austin has been a regular writer and photographer for guides on Southeast Asia, most notably Lonely Planet. He maintains a serious photography and food blog where he chronicles his experience eating at street stalls around Bangkok (including helpful Googlemaps whenever possible) as well as on his travels around the region. Check it out at www.austinbushphotography.com

Khao Kruk Kapi

• Khao khruk kapi (rice with shrimp paste, sweet pork and mango, B30)
• Phra Athit Road. Open Tue-Sat 8am-2pm
Austin says: “There’s just about every flavor and texture you could ever want, and served with a bowl of hot broth, the dish is a tasty, healthy and balanced one-dish meal.”
BK tip: They only serve three dishes here, the highlight of which is the khao kruk kapi. The stall is set up on a stretch of sidewalk right in between Baan Pla Sod and a little cafe/bar called Artist, directly across the street from Baan Chao Phraya. Also, the unsung hero here is the broth accompaniment, which is super peppery and garlicky and plays no second fiddle to the main dish.

Nay Lao

• Lad na (B30) and pad see ew (B35)
• 124/8 Nang Linchi Rd., 02 678 3517. Open Tue-Sun 11am-11pm, Mon 11am-3pm
Austin says: “The best thing about the dishes is how they’re prepared. The men wielding the spatulas at Nay Lao are masters, expertly charring the pad see ew and providing the dish with a smoky flavour that remains in your mouth a good hour after you’ve eaten it.”
BK tip: A food inspector’s nightmare, but you won’t care when you put that first bite of their pad see ew in your mouth. The owner makes it order-by-order, never combining orders, making it that much more remarkable that he’s always smiling and nice. It’s right opposite Nang Linchi Soi 8. There are two other branches at Thanon Tok Rd. and Choke Chai 4 being run by his brothers.

Coke Chuan Chim

• Yen ta fo (B35 regular, B40 special)
• Sala Daeng Soi 2. Open Tue-Fri 6-9:20am, noon-1:30pm
Austin says: “The broth is balanced out with plenty of deep-fried crispy garlic and slightly salty tao huu yii. A bowl comes with excellent-quality fish dumplings, fish cakes, shrimp balls, deep-fried tofu, par-boiled morning glory and pickled squid.”
BK tip: It’s right across from the Bangkok Christian Guest House under a big brown awning. Prepare for 15-minute waits but the owner keeps things very disciplined so that even the sneakiest aunties will be told off if they try to nab your table. Or head there at 1pm when the big rush is over.

Nay Hong

• Guay tiaw khua kai (stir-fried noodles with picked squid, chicken and egg, B30)
• Alley behind the corner of Luang Road and Phlapplachai Road. Open daily 4-9pm
Austin says: “The man who cooks the dish, almost pancake style, allows the messy mixture of chicken, eggs and noodles to crisp on one side before flipping the whole lot over en masse. This provides the dish with a crispy texture and lots of tasty singed bits.”
BK tip: It’s a few buildings before Luang Road hits Phlapplachai. Turn left into the alleyway. You’ll have to pass another guay tiaw stall, Nong Ann, to get here. Go now before the litter of street kittens grows up and aren’t as cute anymore.

Nay Mong

• Hoy thod (oyster omelet, B65)
• Corner of Plaeng Naam and Charoenkrung Road, 02-623-1980. Open daily 11am-9pm
Austin says: “Whether you order the crispy (or lua, pictured above) or soft (or suan) version, you’re getting a brilliant intersection of seafood and egg; smoky, rich and cooked to perfection. Quite possibly my favorite dish in Bangkok.”
BK tip: Get extras of the delicious dipping sauce, which may look like the stuff that goes with khai chiaw (omelet) but is runny and super vinegary and cuts wonderfully through the grease. Also, these are some of the fattest oysters we’ve ever seen.

FOODIE #4

NATEAMPHAI SARAKOSASS

A former resident of Chicago where she trained at the Cordon Bleu and at some of the city’s decorated French restaurants, Chef Nate is now back in Thailand, volunteering her time at the Royal Projects and the cause of eating local. Her Thong Lor restaurant, Triplets (6/F, Paranjit Tower, Soi Thong Lor, 02-712-8066), sources almost all food and drink, including beef and wine, from ranchers and growers in Thailand. Who better, then, to extol the virtues of Thai food made with Thai ingredients?

Joke Prince Bangrak

• Congee (B25-50)
• In front of Prince Movie Theatre at Bangrak, 089-795-2629
Nate Says: “I’ve had congee here since I was in primary school, thirty years ago. I think it’s very original—congee nowadays is very thick, but it’s supposed to be soothing when you feel sick or you want to have a light meal in the morning. This one is light, with a nice body and a smoky flavor, really unique.”
BK tip: Take the BTS to Saphan Taksin and walk down Charoenkrung Road, on the way to Silom Road. The shop is a set up in a little alley across the street from soi 44 (the entrance of Shangri-la Hotel).

Kao Tom Prung

• Khao tom (B80-100)
• 1083 Sukhumvit Road (corner of Soi Thong Lor), 02-391-8433. Open daily 5pm-10pm
Nate Says: “There’s a difference between congee and rice porridge. This one keeps the shape of the rice but still has a lot of soup in it. And the ingredients: the fish, shrimp and Chinese sweet pork, they’re all fresh and hygienic.”
BK tip: This is just a single-story shophouse eatery that’s easy to miss if you’re walking by. But the kao tom here is fairly expensive, because the ingredients are very aromatic and their servings are very generous.

Tao Tueng

• Chinese sweets (starts at B15-40)
• Near by Sapanluerng Church, close to Samyan Market
Nate Says: “They do a lot of condiments and fillings: red bean, lotus seed, water chestnut et cetera. They also have lots of flour-based dumplings in noodle and ball-shapes. And it’s all handmade by the lady who runs the store, and a lot of attention goes into the preparation, which is rare these days when you can just buy these things in bulk at the market.”
BK tip: Situated next to the famous goose noodle of Sapanluerng is the luckiest thing for us to find her. After testing tao tueng, don’t forget to try her por pia sod (B25). It will keeps you coming back to her.

I used to get tied up by my mom because I was so mischievous. I was the youngest of five sisters and we always played too hard.

My mom never hesitated to hit us when we damaged things. We once broke a water pipe and didn’t have any water for two days.

The most horrific incident was the time I hurled a bunch of nails at my sister and it stuck into her forehead. I don’t know how I had that much power, maybe because I was so angry.

My first job was singing the national anthem with my friends and teacher. We were recorded by the Government Public Relations Department when I was in the fifth grade. After that I kept getting work, either as part of a chorus or as a vocal coach training other artists.

The turning point was when Surachai “Hia Hoh” Chetchotisak of RS promotion heard my voice on demos for other artists. He called me in for a talk and then helped me release my first album in 2000.

I didn’t know how to find my own voice. I used to help other artists find their signature voice but I found it hard to find the right one for me.

I am seen as a straightforward person by my writers. They write songs that are usually about women criticizing men for their actions. They want me to sing songs that mirror real relationship problems in society, like mistresses.

I never thought I would be in this industry this long. I have my 10 year anniversary concert at the end of October. One of the things that has allowed me to survive this long is being honest.

Don’t pretend to always be nice. People will see you are human, not a fake star.

Society has really changed from 10 years ago, especially, the teenagers. Working at night has made me realize that today, people are daring to do things that would’ve been considered shameful 10 years ago.

The generation gap is wider than in the past. If we don’t try to understand what children are saying then they will just ignore us and start to live their own way.

People are willing to do wrong things for the sake of brief happiness or a desire to defeat others. The only way to fix this is to fix your conscience.

Every desire is a sin. If you know you’re committing a sin then at least it means you know yourself and you have the ability to fix things.

Everyone says Thailand is Buddhist but the reality is totally different. I think we should be Buddhist at heart, and not so interested in material things.

You can’t stop people selling things but you can stop yourself buying things.

Women’s rights are getting worse and will force society to change. Women will feel like they don’t want to get married and don’t want to have kids. Our population will decline. That’s a national development problem. Society will be unbalanced.

Seeing bad things happening to women on the front pages is forcing women to realize that they have to take care of themselves better. It reminds us that we have rights. We need to use their rights to protect ourselves.

Women have fought for their rights for so long but there are still women willing to put themselves under the powerful force called love.

Love is like glue. It sticks you to someone. If you know how to love well, that’s brilliant. But, if your glue turns into bad feelings, like jealousy or lack of respect, you will be in trouble.

Everyone has their own idea of prince charming but you don’t need to worry about findings him. It’s hard to find the man of your dreams in real life.

I believe we all have a soulmate. It just depends on whether you have the time to find the right one.

Thailand might have a female prime minister one day. That will be a sign of real change if it ever happens. Women will have an idol that they can follow and help make them stronger.

Don’t think you’re too little to make your country better. Doing your duty and respecting the rule of law is enough to make everybody happy.