Heart of Thailand
The forgotten Thai music being reborn.
As a bustling international metropolis, Bangkok has a thriving music scene. But in its smaller bars and performance spaces, you can find unique, homegrown acts, such as The Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band.
Using lesser-known traditional instruments infused with modern beats, the band are breathing new life into a forgotten Thai music. Their original style has proven a hit abroad, where they’ve played at music festivals, including Glastonbury. “You wouldn’t hear this sound anytime, anywhere else” they explain, of their international success.
In Bangkok, audiences have been less receptive, where this style of music is associated with poor, rural communities living in the north-east of the country. But The Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band argue against this mentality: “For us, the music is good, it will speak for itself.” Watch the video above to find out more.
Jason Lai is a musician and conductor with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra who is exploring the arts and culture of Thailand for this series on BBC World News.
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As a bustling international metropolis, Bangkok has a thriving music scene. But in its smaller bars and performance spaces, you can find unique, homegrown acts, such as The Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band.
Using lesser-known traditional instruments infused with modern beats, the band are breathing new life into a forgotten Thai music. Their original style has proven a hit abroad, where they’ve played at music festivals, including Glastonbury. “You wouldn’t hear this sound anytime, anywhere else” they explain, of their international success.
In Bangkok, audiences have been less receptive, where this style of music is associated with poor, rural communities living in the north-east of the country. But The Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band argue against this mentality: “For us, the music is good, it will speak for itself.” Watch the video above to find out more.
Jason Lai is a musician and conductor with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra who is exploring the arts and culture of Thailand for this series on BBC World News.
If you would like to comment on this story or anything else you have seen on BBC Culture, head over to our Facebook page or message us on Twitter .
And if you liked this story, sign up for the weekly bbc.com features newsletter , called “If You Only Read 6 Things This Week”. A handpicked selection of stories from BBC Future, Earth, Culture, Capital and Travel, delivered to your
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