Fifteen years ago, a molam troupe made history by taking the molam sound of temple fairs and village festivals to the stage of Bangkok’s Impact Arena. We talked to former band member Thawit Sitthongsi about the troupe’s reputation as a leader in changing contemporary molam music and molam performances forever.
Meet the costume creator of Rabiab Watasin, a molam troupe with almost 300 performers that takes its magnificent show all across the country.
As confirmed cases of COVID-19 continue to rise, and many migrant workers return to Isaan from high-risk areas, The Isaan Record has put together a list of tips and facts to help readers stay safe.
When female molam performers face sexual harassment, they often feel they have no recourse. “It doesn’t matter how angry we are, we still have to smile at them.”
The life of Molam Bank or Patiwat Saraiyaem took a dark turn in 2014 when he was convicted of royal defamation for a role he performed in a theater play. He spent two and a half years in prison. But the time behind bars did not stifle his talent for political molam songs.
As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to disrupt life in Thailand, foreigners in Isaan may be wondering whether their immigration status will be put in jeopardy. The Isaan Record has reached out to each of the Immigration Bureau’s 18 offices in Isaan to confirm their opening hours and services available.
Business owners in Khon Kaen City worry about their livelihoods as the COVID-19 outbreak is disrupting the local economy.
Luk thung-molam songs penned by independent and previously unknown Isaan singers are racking up millions of views on YouTube. How did this new generation of artists gain such massive success in Thailand’s mainstream music culture?
The success of Luk Thung Molam music has been credited with making Isaan culture popular all across Thailand. But the genre has also been reflecting the changing lives of Isaan people. “What really shines through is their pride, more than before, in being Isaan-Lao,” says Panis Phosriwangchai who studied popular Isaan music.
