Suuai
Monthly news for Chiang Mai Thailand
February 2024
|
|
|
|
Mae Rim
|
|
A word from the editor.
The new year started off with a bang of non-stop events. Flower festivals, hill-tribe celebrations, umbrella festival and more hill-tribe celebrations. The traditional fashion attire was over the top extreme and likely the envy of any New York designer. For me the whole hill-tribe visit experience was an enlightened education as much of the events evolved around long historic rituals like a simple game of catch to give new young adults a pathway into meeting a potential future partner. But overall, it was an enriching experience seeing such a unified group come together for fun and festivities, truly remarkable seeing such a unique culture.
The umbrella festival didn’t disappoint with loads of color overload which included a colorful parade, umbrella painting and cultural dancing. Food vendors came out in droves with unlimited yum food everywhere.
Probably the most distinctive part of the month has been the “no smoke”! Blue sky! It’s really been a noticeable mood change of happiness in the air everywhere.
Also and lastly, Tourists have filled the streets with a huge influx in travel, Chiang Mai appears to be definitely back with respect to the freedom of travel again.
Smiles, Jonky
|
|
|
Chiang Rai Flower Festival.
|
|
|
|
Chiang Rai annual event promoting tourism.
|
|
What is Pov Pob?
Upon my trip to the Hilltribe Festival I got to surprisingly witness the courting game of catch “Pov Pob” played by young adults which I found to be completely fascinating. Who knew it had a long and rich history.
In Hmong culture, the game of "pov pob" or "ball tossing" is a traditional courtship ritual that involves a form of catch played between young men and women during Hmong New Year celebrations or other festive occasions. This activity holds cultural and social significance in Hmong communities.
Pov pob serves as a means for young men and women to interact in a socially acceptable way. It provides an opportunity for them to get to know each other and potentially express romantic interest.
The ball used in the game is often intricately decorated and represents the moon. The moon holds cultural significance in Hmong folklore and is associated with love and relationships. The game itself symbolizes the pursuit of love and unity.
The game involves throwing a soft ball back and forth between participants of the opposite sex. Each person must catch the ball and throw it back within a set rhythm and distance. The interaction during the game allows for non-verbal communication and a display of agility and coordination.
In some cases, the manner in which individuals play the game, such as the style of throwing or catching, can be interpreted as a subtle expression of romantic interest. It allows participants to showcase their skills and personalities in a playful context.
Pov pob is often a community event, with spectators watching and encouraging the participants. It contributes to the festive atmosphere of Hmong New Year celebrations and reinforces social bonds within the community.
|
|
|
|
Thailand in 2 minutes.
|
|
|
|
Photo credit: Patipong Kook Kantavong
|
|
|
|
Photo Credit: Sebastien Dhamma Dee
Chiang Mai Sky
|
|
|
|
Photo credit: Patipong Kook Kantavong
|
|
|
|
Thailand Tourism video
A look back at the Amazing Thailand music video by the Isan Project Will Robinson.
|
|
|
|
Isan Project behind the scenes.
|
|
|
Behind the Scenes
The Making of a Movie
Meet Will Robinson, the driving force behind the captivating Isan Project and the upcoming music video "Flowers of Thailand." With relentless energy and a passion for perfection, Will's keen eye for undiscovered talent took him to Mai Sai and Chiang Rai in Thailand to shoot his latest masterpiece.
Spending countless hours, Will handpicked the perfect cast, scouring for exceptional individuals who could bring his vision to life. His dedication to detail and his knack for spotting hidden talent infused every frame of the video with authentic beauty.
"Flowers of Thailand" is a testament to Will's commitment to excellence. His leadership and encouragement allowed the cast and crew to shine, resulting in a mesmerizing portrayal of Thailand's culture and landscapes.
Stay tuned as Will Robinson's visionary work comes to life this year May 2024, promising an enchanting experience that showcases his talent and the vibrant essence of Thailand.
|
|
|
Chiang Mai Favorite Restaurants 2023
|
|
|
|
12 Hilltribes come together for a day of fun and cultural fashion.
|
|
|
|
Cultural Event in Mae Rim
|
|
|
|
Visitors given the opportunity to paint their own umbrella at the umbrella festival.
|
|
|
|
Dance contest at the Flower Festival.
|
|
|
|
Casual attire fashion show at Central Festival.
|
|
The Royal Coast makes the front page of the Hua Hin newspaper. A newly highlighted area thanks to the new music video “Holiday” depicting a series of serene, desolate beautiful beaches of Thailand and rarely frequented by traveling foreigners. A Hidden Gem.
|
|
|
|
Chiang Mai Central Map
|
|
|
|
We-La-Dee Thai Restaurant
|
|
|
The We-La-Dee Thai Michelin Restaurant awarded four (4) consecutive years is about a 30 min drive from the city. Best known for its outstanding pomelo salad the menu is Thai. Note their 6m baht vintage GI Joe collection and their vintage Apple phones and electronics collection too.
|
|
|
I love my helmet Month Jan-Dec.
Lars Michaelsen
|
|
|
An exclusive interview with Will Robinson better known in Thailand’s for his music video hits.
Q: Can you share a little bit about yourself?
A: Yes I was born in England, I’m from a musical background, my mother a piano teacher, my brother a producer, three cousins who play guitars, my Uncle John was the first General Manager of the famous HMV in Oxford Street, London and my father joined Louis Armstrong on stage to sing Hello Dolly for charity at the Free Trade Hall in Manchester. I grew up with Soul Music, I started promoting shows at 26 years old with Dougie James Thomas who had previously supported The Jackson Five and Frank Sinatra. I became a booking agent and started to build a roster with names like Leon Sayer, Tony Hadley, Liberty X and Gwen Dickey from Rose Royce. Gwen is godmother to my son William Junior. The legendary Tony Wilson advised me on my first record, but it wasn’t till I was working with Bee Gee “Robin Gibb” that I started writing. Robin loved my ideas, he encouraged me, in fact I found the hit single “Please” for his album Magnet on SPV, I worked with Robin for over a year. I’ve promoted over 150 Hit recording artists, and I developed my own label since in 2008.
Q: Why do you make music videos in Thailand?
A: Thailand is really a country of natural beauty that has a long history of a rich culture, I enjoy traveling in Thailand and I do this in my free time it’s a wonderful hobby, I feel I can make it appealing to everyone by producing my music videos attracting people who have really no knowledge of the country; additionally, making it very appealing for those people thinking about coming to Thailand for vacation.
Q: Can you share some of your frustrations or obstacles on getting your work done?
A: Um there’s really not any obstacles that stand in my way respectfully, the people of Thailand are incredibly gracious, accommodating, and amazingly friendly. Probably my biggest frustration is dealing with Mother Nature and the timing the beautiful sky’s activity. Ideally natural sunlight produces magic for videography lighting.
Q: What makes you to have this unique drive?
A: Ha ha you know honestly, I just love what I do, I just love creating something special and unique, it makes me want to do more, I’ve still got the bug for it, and I’ve been making these videos for nearly ten years.
Q: You must admit not everyone can do what you do especially your song writing skills?
A: I have to admit I’m often perplexed by my song writing too, somehow it just comes to me and when it does, I know it works. It just flows like the true feelings one has upon visiting this amazing country. On the second album I’ve been fortunate to been co-writing with Daniel, he’s a huge talent and we work together so well.
Q: Can you tell us your most favorite video?
A: Um I’m of course very proud of them all, but the Thailand Amazing Thailand video is extremely dear to me being it has now become the signature song of the country in a way with millions of views. It literally has gone viral and the audio to on social media.
Q: I recently watched your latest music video “Holiday “and never had known about the Royal Coast?
A: The Royal Coast name was labeled a long time ago but recently endorsed by the Thai officials upon my video highlighting this pristine area of beach’s (Holiday on the Royal Coast). The beaches all connected one another, one of the longest stretches of connected beaches in the planet, and they are empty, kinda like Monaco or Hawaii each of their beach areas have recognisable universal names like the North Shore as an example, this is The Royal Coast.
Q: I thought the actor and actress in Holiday really did an outstanding job how do you find your talent?
A: Yes, I’m very proud of Alvin and Bernz as well there was chemistry when I put them together and the results were remarkable; hence, movie magic was born! I found them in Bangkok from our auditions, both possess multiple talents (singer, dancer and terrific acting skills). A home run in the eyes of movie making.
Q: What would you say to the people first starting out having the ambitions like you for filming?
A: The main thing is to enjoy it, but you have to be determined especially in Thailand, good planning, patience and learn from your mistakes. The camera doesn’t lie.
Q: I’m sure that you’ve considered doing this in other countries?
A: Yes, oddly you should ask, I’ve given that some serious thought - we do have some ideas in other parts of Asia, but for now I prefer doing this in Thailand for its immense rich culture and scenic beauty; additionally, I’m welcomed by the people with kindness and open heartedness. It’s really something special to me.
A: What was your most difficult movie to make?
Q: Hands down was “Where the Eagles Fly”, a story about the globally recognised cave rescue of the 12 your thai soccer players and their coach that included rescue diver, hero and very dear friend Vern Unsworth. The movie involved working in extreme heat and humidity with insects and mud. Getting cameras and dancers through a jungle is something that I had no training for in school {jokingly}. But the biggest difficulty was getting me out of the cave after filming the flood water, I got stuck! Thanks to Vern MBE (Most Excellent Award from the British Empire) presented by the Queen of England, and his caving buddy they managed to get me out, but it wasn’t easy. It makes me very happy that people can see and appreciate the intensity of the area.
Q: Could you share more on how you come up with your ideas and getting your message across?
A: Chuckles you know traveling in Thailand it’s very hard not to be inspired, but honestly, I see a story that can be told by showing off all the unique visuals in Thailand - dancing, dress, locations, and sheer beauty. I just think that if I saw this for the first time it would make me want to visit the country.
Q: Could you elaborate a bit more please?
A: Yes, growing up in England and promoting famous music personalities there’s a secret lesson to learn, show your talent in the most professional manor and utilize music platforms and social media to grow your audience exponentially.
Q: Would you mind me asking if there’s a Mrs Robinson?
A: {Chuckles} at the moment no, my project is quite demanding in terms of travel and something I’m not sure I will appeal to many ladies, even though I have a few admirers, but one never knows what the future holds.
Q: Thank you very much for sharing with us today and Suuai News you’re truly an inspiration and are incredibly talented we wish the very best with your future projects and also the upcoming launch of “Flowers of Thailand” music video next Month.
A: Thank you very much for having me “jingle bells World Class!”
|
|
|
|
Happiest on a motorbike
|
|
|
|
The Chinese have finally found their way back to Chiang Mai after the long dreaded Covid pause helping the Thai tourism rebound once again.
|
|
|
|
Always a happy day when visiting Flips n Flips Donut shop. The question is often asked why not make more being they usually sell out every day. The answer is that the owners wake up 2-3:00 am every morning to start processing the dough and preparing for the day, it gets to a point one has to ask when do I get to enjoy life too and not just make it all about work. Enjoy!
|
|
|
|
Koh Chang White Sands Beach. White Sands Beach hotel. For 1500b/nt ($43) gets you a hut right on the beach for the perfect birds-eye sunset view and a magical spot for seasonal nighttime lightning pictures.
|
|
|
|
Students run up Doi Suthep in the annual universities freshman initiation tradition.
|
|
|
|
|
