The craze for bubble tea, or cha nom khai mook, started in Taiwan about 30 years ago and has since spread around the world, reaching tea lovers as far away as North America and the UK, where the first shop specializing exclusively in bubble tea just opened this year. The signature twist, of course, is the bite-sized dark pearls at the bottom of the drink, for which extra fat straws are provided. These pearls are made of starch from tapioca, a plant also known as sago and cassava in other parts of the world. The pearls first have to be boiled, stewed, then soaked in a sugary syrup for up to four hours before being deemed ready for consumption. Actually, they’re not even exclusive to bubble tea, but are added to other desserts as well. You may find them gooey or otherwise icky, but slurping up these beauties through big, brightly colored straws, are one of the joys of bubble tea, making them insanely popular and prompting shop owners to come up with their own fun, flavorful and chew-worthy alternatives, ranging from jellies to pudding mixes. Here we round up some of the stranger options that the top bubble tea shops in Bangkok have to offer:

Dakasi: pineapple jelly, aloe, chocolate pudding
Mr. Cup: chao kuay (grass jelly), vanilla ice cream
Mr. Shake:  honey jelly, milk pudding, apple jelly
T.Bar: kanten (a Japanese gelatin)
Miss Mamon: azuki (red) beans, milk pudding

Why did you feel compelled to return to this painful period of Cambodian history?
I have come to understand why my family and many thousands of Cambodian were killed. I want to help Cambodians and the world understand in greater detail why this disaster happened in the hope we will not repeat history.

What has been the feedback like in Cambodia?
The film was only shown in one small cinema in Phnom Penh because the government don’t allow it to be shown widely. But those Cambodians who have seen it have been excited and I believe we are entering a new phase of understanding our history. It has encouraged them to learn more about the Khmer Rouge. The younger generation have read books and seen films and heard their parents telling them about atrocity and starvation but they don’t believe, because they’ve grown up in a more peaceful society.

Any comments on the current Thai-Cambodian relationship?
I do not want to see any fighting or killing from the dispute over the border and temple. I am a Cambodian and I have lived through many wars and I see how war always destroys people’s lives and fragments society. If we [Thailand and Cambodia] do not agree at any point, we should solve it in a peaceful way through discussion. But if that is not possible, we should go to court. There we shall have to smile at each other and accept the court’s decision. It is a good lesson for the new generation to learn.

What’s next?
The killing fields are actually a result of the political conflict that went on inside the Khmer Rouge party. We plan to show this in much greater detail in our second film, Suspicious Minds. It will feature the same people as in Enemies of the People. But it will also include others who were on both sides of the political struggle.

Enemies of the People is screened exclusively at SF World Cinema (7/F CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd., 02-268-8888. www.sfcinemacity.com).

How did you two start doing the show?
Pairoj: We first began around two years ago. At first Kartoon started off with her solo shows when she was five. After she was on Dan Dara, part of At Ten’s famous talent show on Channel 3, she was invited as a guest to many TV shows, game shows and events.

Why did you decide to do the show here at the hospital?
Pairoj: Well, we didn’t think it would be this way, but when an organizer contacts us, we go and perform; so it’s really our job now. Sometimes we also go to shows outside of Bangkok and even weddings and birthday parties. It’s something we are happy doing and I think we wouldn’t do anything else.

Kartoon, when did you start playing violin?
Kartoon: My dad taught me when I was three years old. I can also play piano, guitar and drums. In the future, I would like to learn the flute and ukulele.
Pairoj: I’m a violin teacher. I teach in school, at student’s houses and also at home. After teaching Kartoon, I noticed that she picked it up really fast and obviously had a gift. She could remember all the notes from books and even began transcribing chords from famous songs.

How much do you charge for performances?
Pairoj: It depends on the particular show. This one pays B3,000, but at other events outside Bangkok, it can be up to B30,000. Sometimes, we also do it for free.

Has Kartoon been in any contest before?
Pairoj: Yes, she has been in many contests and won many. Recently, she competed in a contest on Phuying Tueng Phuying [a TV program], where she had to hula hoop while playing the violin.

Do you ever feel tired?
Kartoon: Never, because I have so much fun and I don’t get lonely. I feel like there’s always someone beside me and it’s like playing with a friend. Also when there’s a lot of audience, it pushes me to perform to the utmost.

What are your dreams?
Kartoon: My dream is to be like Vanessa Mae [Thai-Singaporian violinist].
Pairoj: My dream is to see Kartoon take her musical skills to the national stage. She needs to practice hard.

How does your wife help with the shows?
Pairoj: She is our personal manager. She takes care of the schedule and Kartoon’s clothing and makeup. Sometimes when the schedule is tight, she has to feed Kartoon in the car while reading a map to figure out where we’re going next. Interview by Rattikarn Suwithayaphan

Samsung Galaxy Tab II

Spec: 8.9- and 10.1-inch screen | 3MP camera with flash and 2MP web camera | Wi-Fi+3G | Android 3.0 Honeycomb
Price: TBA for 16, 32, 64GB (launch Jun 2011)

LG Optimus Tab 3D

Spec: 8.9-inch 3D screen | 5MP 3D camera with flash and 2MP web camera | Wi-Fi+4G | Android 3.0 Honeycomb
Price: TBA for 32GB (launched in UK for £799 in Apr, Thailand launch TBA)

Acer Iconia Tab A500

Spec: 10.1-inch screen | 5MP camera with flash and 2MP web camera | Wi-Fi | Android 3.0 Honeycomb
Price: B17,900 for 32GB

Motorola Xoom

Spec: 10.1-inch screen | 5MP camera with flash and 2MP web camera | Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi+3G | Android 3.0 Honeycomb
Price: B21,900 for 32GB Wi-Fi, TBA for Wi-Fi+3G

As a child: I always had a problem with any kind of authority.
In your pocket: I’m afraid I can’t answer that question without my lawyer present.
Never leave home without: Jesus.
Stupidest trend: Wobblers. Just kidding.
Favorite audience: Anyone who is willing to listen to music without prejudice.
Happiest moment: Getting engaged to my fiancé.
Best gig you’ve ever been to: JB and Dark Angel at Café Democ in 2002.
In 20 years: I hope I will still be Djing.
All time fave song: “For all of us” by PFM.
On a night out you: Pass the dutchie on the left hand side.
Last lie: I would never do such a thing.
Rule for life: Be like Nike and “just do it”
Day job: Teacher.
First Job: DJ.
Idol: Satan.
(Would like to be) remembered as: A guy that played really good music.

1. Bright colors are the key look for this summer. If you can’t resist wearing plain colors like black, at least hold onto some colorful accessories. This can be your purse, shoes, nails, scarf, watch, or even a hair ornament. Just make it pop.

2.  Paint your lips in exciting colors like neon orange, splashy red, or wild pink. Try M.A.C or Make Up For Ever (M/F, Siam Paragon, 02-690-1000).

3.  Sunglasses are forever and will always be one of the most essential accessories for the sunny season. The best look for this year is retro, or big and bold. But if you like something more daring, then cat-eye shades are a must. Try Calvin Klein Woman or grab one from Platinum Fashion Mall (222, Petchaburi Rd., 02-121-8000) at only B100.

How was the shoot?
Exciting, of course. For three years since Academy Fantasia ended, I have been mostly involved in music. I’ve only recently had a chance to act in TV shows and in this movie. It was a totally new experience, particularly the movie, because of the acting itself, the Northeastern dialects and the fact that I played the lead. I also had to ride a buffalo. Even though I love animals, it was still difficult. For example, when everyone was ready, I got my lines right, the emotion was there, but the buffalo would simply turn around or eat the grass.

Are you similar to your character in the film?
We’re rather different actually. I’ve never lived in Isaan, so I needed to learn about his motivation. And some things surprised me. I was like, ‘Really, he did that because of that?’ I suppose the one thing that lets me identify with him is the sincerity we both have.

Are you proud of the movie?
The screenplay received the top prize from the Thailand Script Project. There’s the romantic relationship between the two main characters, His Majesty’s sufficiency economy concepts and the conflict between two fathers. We also have a top comic cast like Mom Jok Mok and Runglawarn Tonahongsa. Also, the landscape of Roi-et is really beautiful.

What did you learn from this shoot?
I learned that Thai-farang weddings are not only about money. If they love each other, it’s more about the heart. Kanyanun Sunglaw