Thailand’s futsal stars, Siamese twins, Ekapong and Ekapan Suratsawang, are inspiration to thousands of aspiring players.
The futsal craze started from the streets of Brazil, but has now become a global sporting passion. Read More
Bangkok
Daredevil Riders in Thailand [BKK]
Asia Scout | June 22nd, 2009
A famous rider who has appeared in an ad with Sek Lo So.
“Mor-Tor-Cy-Tai-Tung” originated from the west with Evil Knieval and daredevil riders, but the Thai version is 20 times more spine-tingling, and costs a mere 20 baht. With its rickety wooden makeshift walls, flashy neon lighting, and total disregard for safety precautions (audience members can stand inside the barrel while bikes whiz around at breakneck speed), “Mor-Tor-Cy-Tai-Tung” is the highlight of every local temple festival. Read More
The Modest Harem Actually Originates from Thailand [Bkk]
Asia Scout | June 22nd, 2009
Some celeb at the Elle Fashion Awards
In Bangkok, we’re used to seeing regurgitated fashions from London or Japan slowly infiltrate themselves into people’s every day wear. No matter what the weather, teens can be seen sporting scarves, cardigans, new rave sunglasses, tight jeans, checkered shirts, S&M sandals, leggings under shorts, Doc Martens, jumpsuits and most recently, girl-suits (although we’re always one year too late, which means everyone is constantly laughing at my incredibly awful taste). Read More
The Weird and Wacky World of Bike Modification [BKK]
Asia Scout | June 19th, 2009
Who says bike-modification is for flabby 60+ farang guys whose heads resemble that of bald eagles? Thais are well known for their legendary skill of creating something new from something rather crap, and today’s teenagers have been built whole communities circled around them, including Dek Waen, Dek Scoit (originating from ChiangMai), Dek Naew, and just about any plain university student. Read More
Meditation Fervour [BKK]
Asia Scout | June 12th, 2009
Since the end of last year, all my friends seem to be jetting off to meditation retreats and becoming all zen-like. Say Gene (musician for “Little Fox”) for example, he took up Buddhist meditation last year after a bout of depression about life. Then fellow studio-mate, Wit (designer-artist, DuckUnit), also went for a couple of months, in preparation for entry into married life. Meditation and yoga are not exactly sports, but they are both known to release endorphins into the brain, making you more happy, confident and active, but with the added benefit of being in balance emotionally and physically.
Bring in the trash, will you? [BKK]
Asia Scout | June 12th, 2009
XBox 360 | Playstation 3 | Nintendo Wii
Video Games | Gomibako Third Stage
Gomibako is not just another mindless, trashy game. The Tetris lookalike Playstation3 game is available for download, and includes stuffing trash cans, sorting rubbish and cramming incinerators with as much junk as you can, but in a very space-conscious and anal manner — how very Japanese!
Bangkok’s New Age of BMX Bikers
Asia Scout | June 9th, 2009
Thailand is known for its love of smaller engined motorcycles, and giant motor companies like Honda and Yamaha compete furiously. Recently, this little bike has grabbed my attention for its unique design that resembles a BMX bike, but with more muscles and torque compared to other motorbikes on the street where functionality overcomes style. The tiny little monster is called KSR, made by Kawasaki. Read More
Non-stop Twittering on the iPhone
Asia Scout | June 4th, 2009
So Twitter seems slightly more purposeful now that nearly everyone has access to snazzy phones with non-stop internet connection. Many people complain (OK, just me) that it’s a bit of an ego-trip to spill the beans on everything you’re doing, whether it’s holding a bit of toast, getting on a motorbike taxi or falling off a cliff, but I must admit that it’s quite useful for some things.
Read More
Thailand’s New Online Rebellion
Asia Scout | May 25th, 2009
“This website makes you feel like you’re in Sex Pistols’ era circa “God Save the Queen”. It’s very rebellious, very underground, and very risque”.
“It’s the excitement of knowing that you could be arrested any minute you’re on the site, that you know something that most people don’t. It’s like a secret community”.
These are just some of the quotes about this infamous online forum, which has its online bookstore attached. It’s one of the few outlets for those frustrated by current Thai politics and the domination of two parties that people don’t want, or simply for those who want a differing view from the usual radio, TV and newspaper reports. Read More
Unseen & Unheard – Musical Undercurrent of Asia
Asia Scout | April 29th, 2009
Asia Scout Network – Issue 8 – Unseen And Unheard: Asia’s Music Undercurrents
Today’s music is increasingly consumed, created, and distributed by passionate individuals who can set the momentum for a broader music movement. Read More
Where do you get YOUR Music? [BKK]
Asia Scout | February 4th, 2009
Momokomotion’s newest album (above) was available on Pantip three months before the album was released!
Despite the Indie music scene being relatively new and local, it doesn’t exempt it from pirating.
The Fine Line Between Design and Indie Music [Bkk]
Asia Scout | December 9th, 2008
B.O.R.E.D collaborates with ApartmentKhunpa and DJ Spydamonkee to create a stunning mixture of audio and visuals.
The indie music scene is the only scene to regularly collaborate with the leading designers of Thailand. Designers like Error, Duckunit, P7, B.O.R.E.D, and Lost in Space do some of their most creative stage sets and visuals for bands such as GrooveRider, Sqweez Animal, So::on Dry Flower, Modern Dog and so forth. The bands receive even more attention with such designs and get to play in a wacky setting. Read More
Popping Pills and Electronica [Electronic Music Bkk]
Asia Scout | December 9th, 2008
Diet Pills…I’m not sure this is for me
The Diet Pills is totally post-modern, part electronic, and part pop idol. Their music sounds like a twisted mixture between Gwen Stefani, that annoying “My Humps” song, and the Cartoon Network. Read More
Electronica Takes Over the Indie Rock Phase [Electronic Music Bkk]
Asia Scout | December 9th, 2008
In Bangkok, the two main organizers of regular indie-electronica nights are Note (formerly organized the biggest indie rock parties under the name Dudesweet), and Dookie (organizes monthly ClubSoma nights).
Sweet Grandma Stealing the Spolight [Classics Bkk]
Asia Scout | December 8th, 2008
Sweet Nuj might look like your lovely grandma back home, but she’s captured the hearts of young people in a typically eccentric and humorous Thai way. Read More