Showing 1 - 10 of 124
The charm of Songkran
Life, Pattarawadee Saengmanee, Published on 11/04/2024
» After being listed as a Unesco Intangible Cultural Heritage late last year, Songkran is gaining momentum in drawing tourists to Thailand. In an attempt to boost tourism, Thai New Year celebrations get under way today and will last until April 17 in various places.
Farewell to a maestro
Life, John Clewley, Published on 10/04/2024
» The world of molam has been in mourning since news emerged that Thailand's greatest phin player Thongsai Thap Thanon passed away on March 20 at his home in Warin Chamrap district, Ubon Ratchathani, at the age of 77. The phin is a two- or three-stringed Isan Lao lute that is part of the trinity of molam instruments, along with the iconic khaen (free reed bamboo mouth organ) and the sor (fiddle).
Celebrating three decades of discovery
Life, John Clewley, Published on 27/02/2024
» World Beat celebrates 30 years on the music trail this month. The column started in Feb 1994 when Chuan Leekpai of the Democrat Party was in his first term as Prime Minister.
Remembering an icon
Life, John Clewley, Published on 01/08/2023
» On July 13, luk thung singer, actor, movie/TV producer and label owner Phanom Nopporn passed away in hospital at the age of 77. One of the giants of the "country music" genre, fans and stars of the luk thung industry attended his funeral on July 18 at Wat Bang Rak Noi Ban Sai in Nonthaburi.
Explore the sounds of Thai rainforests
Life, Published on 19/06/2023
» Renowned audio artist Francisco Lopez will give a world premiere of his new composition, Himavanta, in four sessions over two days this Friday and Saturday, at 7pm and 8.30pm. The venue is Bangkok 1899, a cultural and civic hub located on Nakhon Sawan Road, tambon Wat Sommanat.
Khao chae cool
Life, Vanniya Sriangura, Published on 14/04/2023
» At this very scorching minute, khao chae, which in recent decades came to be seen as a rather old-fashioned gastronomic ritual, is all the rage on Thailand's food scene.
Country comes to the city
Life, John Clewley, Published on 31/01/2023
» The All-Thidsa Molam Band was in Bangkok this past weekend to perform at the Thailand International Jazz Conference. World Beat caught up with band last Friday when they played two sets at Isan Spicy BBQ, a rooftop bar at the Jim Thompson Art Center.
Late New Year arrivals for your playlist
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 12/01/2023
» Happy New Year! After some ups and downs, it's time to begin afresh. Way back in late December, I missed a few songs in my year-end roundup. So here they are, and despite their different genres all can boost our morale and optimism for the upcoming year.
The world beat goes on
Life, John Clewley, Published on 04/01/2023
» This year the entertainment business returned to some form of normality after the hard slog of lockdowns and lack of customers. It was good to see music lovers back at festivals and clubs. And the best festive season present of all was the performance of Ethiopian legend Hailu Mergia and his trio at Studio Lam on Dec 21.
Thailand in Pop Culture
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 15/07/2022
» Before the words "soft power" entered the Thai zeitgeist, you may not have been aware that Thailand received plenty of love in the world of pop culture, globally. Here are a few of the most memorable ones from films, video games, music videos and more.