Dia Frampton visits the land of swarms

Dia Frampton, one of the big stars from the first season of “The Voice” on American TV, performed in Bangkok recently as part of an Asia tour promoting her debut album “Red”. Thai fans, and not just red ones, overwhelmed the singer everywhere she went – airport, magazine meetings, a radio station and of course her mini-concert, part of Central Group’s anniversary celebrations. 

Frampton cruised the Chao Phraya River, adored the architecture, and filled up on pad thai and mangosteen (got an Instagram snap of that), but what impressed her most was the fans. 

“They gave me so many presents!” she gasped. “I never thought I’d receive this warm a welcome. Now I need to buy another big bag for the gifts!”

She picked up some Thai phrases but was also knocked out at how much English and Korean the locals speak – her mother is Korean, and she was headed next to Seoul, carrying a little toy tuk-tuk.

One of Frampton’s final tweets went to her coach, country singer Blake Shelton. She had to promise her Thai admirers that she’d bring him along next time. “You have a lot of fans here!” she assured him.

 

Studio brat

Yes, there are definitely advantages to being the son of movie director MC Chatrichalerm “Than Mui” Yukol. MR Chalermchatri “Adam” Yukol freely admits he’s spoiled, although he uses the word “privileged”.

Adam wanted to make a film of his own and needed a big studio chief to back it. He’s known all these guys since he was a kid. He walked into Somsak “Sia Jiang” Techaratanaprasert’s office at Sahamongkol Film and said, “Uncle Jiang, I’d like to make a movie.” Uncle Jiang read the synopsis and raised a thumb. 

“I’ve learned a great deal about the industry from Uncle Jiang – it was such a privilege. I’ve learned from many others who knew me when I was young.” Adam doesn’t consider himself a “rising star”, just a young director who takes the work seriously. Well, he’d better!