When I was a child I sang all the time, and I did not know that I did it well.
My biggest discouragement was from RRR&B’s one and only album because it got very bad feedback. I was so down after that, I stopped singing. I thought this career was fake and I couldn’t make a living from it. I stopped singing for two years.
Meanwhile, whenever I hung out with friends at live music places or doing karaoke, I felt I wanted to sing so bad.
I had no jobs and had many problems, so I prayed to God that if he is protecting me, please tell me why I was born. I cried and prayed to him because I was so down at that time.
The morning after, there was a phone call that asked me to go audition for a cartoon soundtrack. I got that job, and then realized that God answered me.
Nothing in this world is certain.
Nop Ponchamni asked me to enter the Global Battle of The Bands (GBOB) Competition. We all agreed it would be good to see bands from other countries.
The competition was cool. It opened a whole new world for us. We met bands from other countries and saw how they performed.
Even though we didn’t win the competition, it was a great experience. Many things I saw there made me want Thai bands to be like that—each band to have their own signature style.
The Thai music industry is kind of bad because people just buy only MP3s and they listen to whatever is famous at the time, but not because they really like the music.
Artists work with their heart and soul. If you want us to stop singing, buy pirate CDs. If you still want to listen to us, please buy the copyrighted work.
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Aside from chocolates, roses, teddy bears and corny greeting cards, there’s just one more thing that you can’t ignore on that Valentine’s Day shopping list—sexy lingerie. To tell you the truth, though lingerie is given to girls, they are actually the guys’ desired presents. Though we are all against the objectification of women, us girls do sometimes want to feel sexy for our boos, too. Since guys are a bunch of clueless jerks when it comes to pleasing and satisfying us, BK is here to help. We have searched Bangkok for fun and exotic underwear hubs to help you shop for that perfect piece for your perfect girl.
(Siam Square Soi 3, 089-235-4734, Open noon-9pm)
The Show
This small, alley-like lingerie store is surprisingly easy to see. With its provocatively dressed blond mannequins out front, this lacy boutique screams out for attention. Sweetly decorated, the store houses girly items ranging from normal lacy undies, to raunchy g-strings, to delicate costumed lingerie sets.
The Star
The highlight of Undercover has to be this kinky yet lovely lacy nightgown (B550) that pairs nicely with the bunny ears (B250) for that extra naughty touch.
The Girl
This store is perfect for girls who lead double lives. By day she could just be your neighborhood librarian, but by night she turns into a complete sex bomb. Undercover offers lingerie for both identities, so make sure you know what persona your girl assumes when night falls on Valentine’s Day.
(3/F, S19 The Image Shopping Center, MBK, 081-869-0925. Open daily 10:30am-9pm)
The Show
Tucked away amid the array of apparel stalls on the third floor of MBK, Guzmania disguises its true deviant self behind cute, shiny jewelry and other trendy clothing. But once you go beyond the cotton tees and pleated mini skirts, you’ll find yourself in a little mock up S&M club. There’s a nurse, a maid, a bunny and all sorts of other classic sexual fantasy creatures in all their spandex glory.
The Star
If you want kinky, Guzmania has it all—from fluffy handcuffs (B490) to a spandex nurse costume (B1,590).
The Girl
If you’re dating a little miss goodie goodie, better save this store for your fantasy as she might end up breaking up with you for it. The lingerie here is borderline sadomasochistic, with the only things missing being a whip and a cage. Be sure you do some in-depth research on her suppressed desires first before going all the way on this one. If she’s the type who never says no to adventure, then go for it. Otherwise, steer clear, as she might end up hurting you instead—and not in a good way.
(2/F, Siam Center, 02-658-1728. Open 10am-9pm)
The Show
With racks of the sweet lingerie its name implies, S@SS attracts girls with a winning pink and white theme. It may look at first like a baby doll shop where you come to buy accessories for your daughter’s Barbie’s—but you wouldn’t want your little girl to walk out with a doll dressed in the kind of stuff they sell here.
The Star
Even though the theme of the shop and the underwear concept is sweet, S@SS still has some sexy, beaded panties (B210). These are perfect attire for showing off what you learned at that belly dance workshop.
The Girl
This is the place for a fit and fun loving girl who isn’t afraid to be playful—and she’ll certainly smile when she opens a gift box from S@SS.
(3/F, CentralWorld, 02-646-1223. Open 10am-10pm)
The Show
The mildly sexy yet sedate oriental-themed lingerie here is more for a girl who is just beginning to bring sexy back. Also good for newcomers to the land of seduction as some of their sleepwear doubles as undies. The helpful staff here assists you with a fitting before you decide to make a purchase.
The Star
Kyra’s signature strap bra, bejeweled in luscious, expensive looking bling, is the clear showstopper (B890-1,450).
The Girl
If your gal is the sweet and shy type, you should let her try Kyra, as their items spice up even the most plain looking women. She will love the luxurious design that makes her feel more femme fatale. Guys will spring for it, too.
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What is the concept of your band and this album?
Champ: We are uniting different but similar types of music. I am R&B; Two is R&B; Stamp is electronic pop; and Cutto is pop-funk. We also have a special song, “Naow,” that was produced by P’Boyd Kosiyabong.
Cutto: The Strangers is like a club for youngbloods. We’re the first generation, but there will be more to follow. We’ll move on to other stuff, but the Strangers will stay, like a school.
What are your best memories from the studio?
Cutto: We’re truly friends and understand each other very well, so working together was very easy. We get each other’s jokes.
How about obstacles?
Two: For me this was the first time I produced a song, so it was sort of difficult and I had many things to learn.
Champ: Me, too. I think working with P Boyd was a real challenge because his name is synonymous with great projects.
Stamp: My main obstacle is fear. I fear that I will never have such a good time again.
How long did it take to record this album?
Cutto: Well, it didn’t take that long time because we already had the songs written and P’Boyd just added “Naow,” which he already had ready for us.
Anything else?
Stamp: I want to ask people to visit LOVEis’s website (www.loveisloveis.com) to tell us where would you like us to perform. If we can go, we will. And please support us for our hard work.
Two: I’m with Stamp: we want to perform as much as we can. Please visit our website and cheer us on. If we have good feedback, it will make our next album even better.
Champ: I just want to tell everyone that LOVEis is all about love and emotional songs. We tell our story through our songs. We make everything with love and we hope we will get love back.
Stamp: And even if we don’t get love back from you, we still love you.
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When did you start this album?
Ton: Actually, we started it a few years ago but we had a problem—our singer quit—so we had to stop for a while. The three of us still wanted to continue what we already worked on, though, and that’s why this album came out.
What is the concept of this album?
Ton: It’s a mini album, indie style. We are going back to basics, like we’re starting everything all over again.
How did you get a new singer?
Ton: Poo and Ek Blackhead introduced him to us. His style is what we wanted. He is mixed race—Korean and American.
Why did you produce it in Canada?
Ton: Our band’s manager is my friend and he is Canadian. We wanted to try to make an international album.
When did you guys go to Canada?
Rhung: I went there first, a few years ago to see how the recording studio there is and to prepare for the album.
How is different working in Thailand and Canada?
Ton: It’s not so different, actually. The way we work is quite similar but they have higher quality sound equipment.
How was life in Canada?
Ton: Everything was fine except the cost of living was too high.
Did you have a language problem?
All: Just a little bit.
What is your impression of the album?
Ton: First, I want to thank our manager because we were concerned whether or not it would work out. But after he listened to our songs, he planned and managed everything for us. We never thought it would be possible to make an international album, but he said it would be.
When are your songs going to be on iTunes?
Rhung: They’ll be on there after we launch the album.
Would you like to do more international albums?
All: Of course. That’s the dream of every singer.
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How and why did you become a puang maalai seller?
I was a farmer in Huay Tubtun, Sisaket, but it’s really tough earning a living there, so I came to Bangkok to get a job. Some of my friends used to sell puang maalai in Bangkok, and since I couldn’t find a job right away, I decided to do this, as well. I’m really old and it’s not too heavy for me to carry.
Where was the first place you started selling puang maalai?
I started at Sala Daeng, but it was not a good location so I moved here to BTS Siam Square. I’ve been selling it here for five years now.
Where do you live and how do you get here?
I live in Bang Sue. I pay B70-90 to come here by taxi every day.
How do you look after your puang maalai when you eat lunch or need to use the toilet?
I take food from home every day and when I need to use the toilet I just leave it here. Nobody is going to steal it—it’s just puang maalai!
How much profit do you make per month and what do you spend it on?
I make B3,000-4,000 a month. I have to pay for the Farmer’s Bank loan and the living expenses of my nieces and myself. One of my nieces is doing a Bachelor’s Degree, but she only studies on the weekend so I give her B400 a week to spend at school.
Have your nieces ever helped you sell puang maalai?
No, they never have. They said it’s not good for them to be puang maalai sellers here because it’s an embarrassing job. It doesn’t matter to me because I’m addicted to puang maalai—I can’t stop selling it. One time, the police did not allow me to sell here for three months and I was dreaming about selling it the whole time. I missed it and my clients so much, as if it were drugs! Puang maalai is a holy flower garland because you use it for religious purposes and to show your respect for people.
How long will you sell it?
I will do it as long as I have enough energy to do it.
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The place: The Central World Plaza, Ratchadamri Rd. Open daily 6pm-midnight.
The scene: Plain and simple. This year the big H hasn’t done much to the place in comparison to last year. They have a DJ booth, a moderate size stage, proper light and sound systems, food booths and all the typical offerings. Nine fans throughout the area disperse the heat.
The show: Each night is themed differently, featuring different types of music, including Rock Your World, Jazzy Fiesta and Retro Party. After the well known singers finish entertaining, the unknown but fair enough will take care of you for the rest of the night together with DJs.
The vibe: Fun-loving. Most of the people here are not sipping beers—they’re chugging.
The grub: Nine restaurants have set up booths this year: H&K Avenue Steak, Maxim’s (Western), Sam Muk, Thang Long, Plai Ngarm, Viset Gai Yang, Yuu (Japanese), Page 35 (Western) and Ab Sab by Krour Thanyawan.
A must: Viset gai yang (B115/whole) isn’t bad. Wash it down with a tower of cold Heiny.
The price: Food is B50-200, popcorn and fried shrimp are B30, ice B30, beer B50/glass, B150/jug and B450/tower (3 liters).
Beware: The deep fried spicy mushroom (B60) if you don’t want to spoil your night. If you are in a rush to get drunk, this isn’t the place to do it as it’s severely understaffed. Be patient—good things come to those who wait.
The place: Central World Plaza, Ratchadamri Rd. Open daily 5pm-midnight.
The scene: Not too interesting. It’s great for people who want to really relax with their friends for a chat. Typical Singha décor with logos and yellow all over the place. Fans to reduce the heat in the air.
The show: Three bands nightly playing Thai and inter hot hits from today and yesterday.
The vibe: Most of people here are young and not-too-professional. The atmosphere isn’t that attractive, at all—people are more here to chill out and would prefer to sit and chat than groove and move. Plenty of staff on hand to wait on you.
The grub: Eight restaurants: Gai Yang Singha (international), Somtam Poosri, Krua Petchakasem, Time Out, Ta-lay, Sushi bar, Krua Gumlaithong and Muu Satay Jueng Ang Luk.
A must: The food is notably good here, especially the gai yang Singha (B110/whole) and crispy pork knuckle (B130-250).
The price: Food is B40-300, ice B10, Corona B150, Miller Draft Beer B120, Singha Beer B50/glass, B120/bottle, B130/jug and B390/tower (3 liters). Singha Light Beer B60/glass.
Beware: If you are looking to meet some cuties, this is not the place to do it. Plentiful staff but sometimes they’re in very bad moods so mind your words.
The place: Central World Plaza, Ratchadamri Rd. Open daily 5pm-midnight.
The scene: Cool and trendy bar concept. Two types of seating for you: very comfortable sofas on the right side and beer garden plastic chairs in the middle. The sofas are a very cool idea because they attract numerous clients who like the chill chill style. It’s just like a fantasy garden in your backyard with good beer and good music.
The show: Three house bands each night and special concert every Friday.
The vibe: Fresh and relaxed. Great place for young adults, who will enjoy the music and atmosphere.
The grub: Five restaurants: ZAPP…ZA, Seafood, Arharn Thai Puen Baan, Bpahnun and German Sausage.
A must: Pla sum rii phao (B250/whole) and tom yum ruam mid (B120) are delicious.
The price: Food is B50-300, ice B20, beer B380/tower (3 liters), B130/jug (1liter), B100/glass, B30/can.
Beware: Those drunk guys sitting at the next table. They’ve polished off two towers already and they’ve got that hungry look in their eyes...
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