In 2018, Thanayut “Book” Na Ayuthaya challenged the stubborn biases against Bangkok’s largest slum with his music. Just 17 at the time, Book garnered media attention for "This is Klong Toey Compton," a rap battle with 48 hip-hop artists across the country. It’s been four years and he’s still as fearless as ever–arrested in August 2020 after taking his anti-establishment message to the protest stage. He was featured in the award-winning documentary film School Town King, retelling his struggles breaking into the music scene and out of poverty.

 

 

 

I’m still the same. I still make rhymes that shed light on social issues, but my scope is now bigger, not to mention the better quality of the music production.

 

I’m glad that people are interested in my work, but my goal is not just fame. I started doing this because I want to bring about change through my songs. As long as problems persist, it is far from success. It’s good that people are noticing some of the problems I allude to in my songs, and I’m thrilled to see how people can recognize what I’m doing. But all I ever want to do is make all those problems disappear.

 

It’s been increasingly popular lately. People love rap songs when artists implement their rhymes or feature them in pop or love songs. Sure, there is nothing wrong with making music about love, but I’m not keen on this type of music. The real hip-hop scene is not booming as much. I’m talking about the hip-hop scene that talks about everyday life, the real problems you face as you walk down the street.

 

Plenty of them show an interest. But with Covid-19, it’s hard to get everyone on board. My father used to protest the idea of me becoming a full-time rapper. Now he fully has my back and looks forward to hearing my new songs.

 

Before the pandemic, everything went quite smoothly. It may be easier for some to work and collaborate online, but without spontaneity where we can express ourselves and discuss ideas, it has slowed down every process. To write a good song, in my opinion, is to connect with people. I need to experience the scene so that I can draw inspiration from it. However, Klong Toey also has large Covid clusters from time to time, which makes it more difficult to meet in person.

 

Ever since the pandemic hit, the Klong Toey community has suffered from frequent major outbreaks. Many residents in the area have lost their jobs, students were forced to drop out of school, and others have lost their homes. As part of the community, Book is selling his photo collections of Klong Toey along with original rhymes and songs so that he can lend support to his fellow residents. Instagram: @elevenfinger_brooklyn.