Busy on the Boonchai beat

Busy on the Boonchai beat

Maybe millionaire Boonchai Bencharongkul and actress Bongkot “Tak” Kongmalai announcing their engagement was just a publicity stunt for a new rock band that’s abruptly appeared. 

Suddenly Boonchai’s ex-wife, Benja “Kaew” Bencha, herself a former actress, is back in the limelight, unveiling at a press conference Ling Chad Chad, the new band on her label, BB Records. Kaew was Boonchai’s previous wife (his fifth) and came prepared for questions about things other than rock music.

She emphasised that BB is all hers: “I have no partner and I don’t have a life partner either,” she quipped. Then she was asked her about a couple of songs she’s written recently – “You Never Had Enough” and “You Were Not Born to Love Me”. Interesting titles, the reporters thought. Kaew said they’re “just about love” – but, yes, open to interpretation. She and Boonchai are now like brother and sister, she said. “He comes to visit me once in awhile.”

Kaew insisted that her press conference was in no way trying to take advantage of the Boonchai-Tak hype – it had been in the planning stages for a long time. If it was just a coincidence, it was a dandy, because the place was packed.

 

Old Uncle Ad

A smaller coincidence is that Ling Chad Chad’s first single is “Cherd Chu Muay Thai” (“Honouring Thai Boxing”), written by Yuenyong “Ad Carabao” Opakul – who is Tak’s uncle.

Ad was also at the press conference fielding Tak questions. “I got to know Khun Kaew recently, after I agreed to write the song. She’s a nice person. Nong Tak is my niece and I’m pleased about her good news. They’re two different stories and I don’t want the press to try to link them.” 

Ad said he’s just helping to promote Thai culture and appreciates Kaew’s efforts to revive traditional music by mixing it with modern styles. For her part, Kaew showed her appreciation to Ad for composing the song by presenting him with a cake for his birthday that day.