On our ongoing exploration of subculture in Asia, we recently have set foot into Thailand's bustling capital Bangkok. The many different facets of the city allow for a breeding ground for a young, exciting generation of creatives who turn Bangkok into a hotspot of subcultural phenomena. A quintessential part of underground movements has always been music. Every generation has its own sound that defines them and that the creative youth resonates with. Away from the mainstream and music festivals of this world, there are always new labels, genres, and artists boiling up underground.

One of these in Bangkok is Kangkao, a collective that is throwing unique parties in the city, offering a space for the Bangkok youth, allowing them to enjoy music from mostly rare vinyl records. Their bookings and guests are as exciting as the “Kangkao House” – minimal electro records that Kangkao is known for.

Follow sabukaru as we met with KANGGAO in Bangkok to find out more about their creative story:

Hello Kangkao! Can you introduce all of yourselves to the Sabukaru network?

Payu: My name is Payu. I'm an event manager, talent scout, and am trying to start a Kangkao music label. I am also heavily in the film scene so I do a lot of experimenting with editing, pre-production, and directing. I also run sound on all of the events, trying to make sure that the ambiance and everything is perfect. If the sound at a party is bad, the entire atmosphere gets ruined, and that’s what we avoid every time we throw a party. Our number one priority is getting people immersed.

Jakrin: My name is Jakrin, I am a photographer, music video director, and DJ. I also work on the event side of things a lot.

Gam: I’m Gam, and I’m a stylist. I used to play a lot of MMORPGs and I reference them a lot in my work. I get a lot of inspiration from games whenever I style a fashion show or help with direction for a party.

Nic: I’m Nic, I’ve been a friend of these guys for a while. I’m a DJ, I do logistics and PR for Kangkao. I’ve always been into culture, fashion and music. I use my taste and knowledge to make sure things run smoothly and that we tap in with the right people. I also just opened a store called Memento. I wanted to introduce archive fashion to Bangkok so I’m able to do that through the store.

Joyce: I’m Joyce, I used to be a photographer but I am now a chef. I still do shooting jobs here and there, but my main work is cooking now.
Mo - Kangkao DJ that wasn’t there that day

We started Kangkao back around Covid. We were all living in different parts of the world but our families all live here so we came back home when everything shut down and started spending a lot more time with each other. We hung out at each other’s houses every day coming up with different creative ideas since there was nothing else to do.

What does Kangkao mean?

Nic: Kangkao means “Bat” in Thai. Like the animal. We’re always out late till morning, you know haha. The first thing we did was a series of events called Kangkao Echo. The reason it was called Echo was because bats use echolocation to hunt their prey. Each event we threw was like an echo in order to find our target audience. With each event we threw, we brought in more and more people consistently. The energy we put out was the energy we put back in.

How would you describe the current creative scene in Bangkok?

Nic: Bangkok is the place to be! So many people from around the world are coming to Bangkok because they feel like it’s the new spot. Everything’s coming up at once. Thai underground artists are performing at global music festivals, the skate scene here is popping. Now’s the time to come to Bangkok and do something.

A lot of expats and tourists come to Bangkok without knowing too much about the actual culture. What are some misconceptions foreigners get wrong about Bangkok?

Nic: They think the epitome of Thailand is like the Full Moon Party. Or that going to Pattaya and finding hookers is why you should come to Thailand. There’s so much people get wrong before they come here, it’s insane.

Joyce: Yeah, and then once they come here and experience the culture and the comfort and see how modern and developed Bangkok is, they start to fall in love with it and want to move here.

Where are some spots around Bangkok that you would be down to put us on to?

Jakrin: More Rice in terms of record stores is the hub for good music in Bangkok. They are super passionate about it and they really help create a good infrastructure for young people trying to get into the music scene. They throw a lot of parties and stuff.

Payu: More Rice is owned by Dot and our homie Jay. Their curation is exactly what Bangkok needs. I think if you want to get into the music scene, it’s the best start. If you go in and have a conversation I guarantee you’ll learn a lot.

Joyce: Boiler Room’s also starting to do stuff in Bangkok so yeah, a lot of different things like that are happening.

Nic: In terms of fashion, pull up to Memento Store. If you’re into skating you should go to Preduce.

Joyce: Antnest at The Warehouse also has really cool clothes. Those guys do more antique/vintage clothing. Chatuchak market also is a good spot to go to if you’re into thrifting.

Nic: For events and meeting people and stuff though, go to any good parties. Kangkao parties obviously but also there’s a club called Never Normal that hosts really good events.

Who are some key players in Bangkok/moments that have shaped the scene?

Jakrin: Chardchakaj Waikawee is this old school analog photographer that really blew up. He did a photoshoot with a bunch of Thai punks sticking their heads out of a car. Even Gucci referenced that shoot for their campaigns.

He took that one really famous picture of that Thai kid drinking coke out of a plastic bag. Stussy used the picture but also I think Frank Ocean bought it.

Nic: Balm is this guy that’s from our generation who’s a fine artist. A really talented painter, he’s doing all sorts of cool stuff.

Payu: The More Rice crew. There’s also this guy Maft Sai, an OG world music collector. He’s someone that’s good to know.

Joyce: O Thongthai is a jewelry designer that does a lot of crazy work too. She’s worked with ASAP Rocky and Slawn.

What are some cool aspects of growing up here?

Nic: What I really like about growing up in Thailand is how we’re taught to be respectful. The country instills that in you. Nobody’s trying to hardball or lowball anyone out here. It’s more honest here. Brother to brother, sister to sister. There’s also a lot of freedom growing up here.

Payu: The food here is also really good.

What’s next for Kangkao?

Payu: We’re going to continue throwing our events and parties. We’re going to expand more into arts and lifestyle as well. Immersive events, clothing.

Jakrin: We’re also working with this office in Bali which has been cool.

Payu: Yeah, we want to make Kangkao more regional. But also really just strengthen the community in Thailand as a whole. Make it a hub for creatives.