Singer Puttipong Sriwat, 37, aka Leo Put, took a 10-year break from the music business but heads back on stage on Aug 31 for the GMM Party Reunion concert. BK found out what he’s been up to, from becoming a father to his dreams of cycling around the world.

Becoming a singer was down to luck. A talent scout spotted me walking around Siam shopping for underwear just after I had moved back from Australia.

I don’t give a shit about those who judge people by their looks. I was judged by people at GMM because I wore scruffy sports clothes to our meeting. They were like, why the hell are you here? I was actually meeting executives, to discuss becoming a singer. I wasn’t quite sure but I finally said yes and released my first album in 1996.

Singing isn’t my favorite thing. I just happen to be able to do it. So I turned my back on it for a decade. Now I enjoy working behind the scenes doing jobs like narration and production. I also present a TV show, Por Nu Keng Tee Sud Nai Lok (My Dad is the Best in the World), on Channel 7.

The entertainment industry has a deceptive charm. The business makes those working in it swell with pride and think that they are cooler than everyone else. Those people who aren’t mentally strong might be led astray.

I grew bored of partying every day. I tried to prove that I was a cool guy by going to parties and show everyone that I was cool by being able to hold my alcohol. Laughing at the same shit every night finally wore me out. I just knew that I couldn’t be a bad boy.

Creating scandals or showing some flesh is such a low method of getting famous. Concentrate on doing your best at your job to be successful.

Watching TV and social networking stresses me out. It’s true that we’re in a world of information but it seems like there is no filter.

Seeing politician’s faces on posters and everywhere is really frustrating. It’s like they are taking credit for everything good in this country. The worst thing is people aren’t aware that it is a politician’s duty to work to get all these things for us. People think they owe them a debt of gratitude.

Don’t work for the future. You’re just suffering for things that society thinks are important like cars or houses. But remember, not everyone will live until they are 60. You might die tomorrow and have never really lived. Your life would be such a waste.

Live in the present. My goals are day to day goals. I just do things that I love to do and then try to make money from them.

I love sports. If I had discovered that I loved it earlier, I would definitely be a professional athlete. Sports is the fairest thing in life. You want to win? Go practice.

Riding bicycles is my meditation. Others might go to the temple but this is my way of clearing my mind. Seeing the views change along the way is more pleasurable than just sitting in a temple.

Experiences along the way are far more important than the destination. I love to take a long ride out of town and people always ask me how long it takes to get there. But time isn’t my concern. What happens along the way is all I care about.

Living in the city makes people hostile. Folk who live out of town are far friendlier. When I ride out of town I always meet people who ask me to join them for dinner or to stay at their place. So I’m not sure whose quality of life is better.

Having a baby taught me real love. Love between men and women is all about feelings. There are always mutual benefits. But the love parents give to babies is ideal love. You can’t have it with anyone but your children. He teaches me to live for others.

I’m not the best father in the world. I know I can’t protect him forever. I plan to teach him how to live properly in this world. For example, by encouraging him to get a part-time job to become aware of money.

Kids these days are idle. They think they know everything but they never try to do things. Searching on Google might give you information but you should learn by doing things, too.

Simplicity is best. My wife and I are so happy to live in the simplest way. I want my boy to grow up in this environment.

Virtue and morality are more important than education. It’s true that education matters but, in reality, not everyone can get the best education.

I like the mess and extremes of Thailand. The wires, the sidewalks, the bird shit, the noodle stalls are all amazing. But the most fascinating thing is how Thais learn to live with it all so easily.

I dream of cycling around the world. Taking the plane, you just pop-up at your destination. But cycling helps you experience the sea, the desert, the forest and all the people along the way.

Mix up your daily lifestyle to refresh yourself and broaden your mind. Take a walk instead of driving or stop and talk to a stranger. You will learn a lot.

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