The CD Haad Sai Sai Lom Song Rao (The Beach, the Breeze, and the Two of Us), which helped cement Thongchai McIntyre’s name in the national hall of fame, was released 24 years ago. This young-looking performer went on to become Thailand’s biggest star and is affectionately known throughout the nation as “Pi Bird” (elder brother Bird).
Thongchai was born on December 8, 1958, in the Bang Kae neighborhood of Bangkok, the ninth of ten children born to half-Scottish/half-Thai father James and Thai mother Udom. From modest beginnings, he rose to become Thailand’s longest-reigning superstar. Thongchai talks frankly about his upbringing and, despite living in poverty, is constantly appreciative of his parents’ tender care. His desire to improve his parents’ lives had always been present. Thongchai worked various part-time jobs while attending Thonburi Commercial College, gladly toiling through his adolescence. When Thongchai was discovered by celebrity scout Varayuth “Kai” Milintachinda, opportunity came knocking at his door. The junior officer at Kasikorn Bank pursued acting and modeling in his spare time after receiving his diploma. Thongchai gained recognition in 1983 after landing a supporting part in the Channel 3 television serial Nam Tan Mai (Burnt Sugar).
The 25-year-old received sensitive loving care in addition to a musical talent from his family. Thongchai dominated the prestigious Siam Kolkarn Singing Contest that same year. Rewat “Ter” Buddhinan, Thailand’s best music producer, who served as the night’s MC, noticed Thongchai’s artistic brilliance despite the fact that she came in second. Thongchai sought out Khunying Porntip Narongdej, who kindly terminated Siam Kolkarn’s two-year contract in favor of Thongchai’s request to become a professional singer. This marked the beginning of Thongchai’s ascent to fame.
His incredibly well-liked debut album was released in 1986. “Duay Rak Lae Pook Pan” (With Love and Affection), an emotional pop ballad, quickly reached the top spot. The up-and-coming musician even claimed that it was his “born-again birthday tune” that attracted notice on a national scale. From Sabai Sabai (1987), Rab Kwan Wan Mai (Welcoming a New Day) (1987), Sor Kor Sor (New Year Card) (1988), Boomerang (1990), Prik Khi Noo (Bird Chilli) (1991), through the most recent Simply Bird (2007), he has rarely released a studio album that hasn’t been well received by the public.
Given the uniqueness of the Thongchai phenomena, the secret to his enduring recognition and success may be considered a mystery. His signature Baab Bird Bird concerts have delighted audiences of all ages, from a two-year-old child to an eighty-something grandma. The legendary Baab Bird Bird, which made its debut at the Thai-Japanese Stadium Din Daeng in 1987, has achieved the highest record of 37 sold-out performances. In total, twelve performances of the most recent saga, Magic Memories, were enjoyed by the crowds in the 12,000-seat Impact Arena in 2008. The devoted superstar claims, “I spend the entire day practicing before each event. “Unless at mealtimes and while going to bed! Since I get to hang out with friends and party with friends while singing, dancing, and rehearsing for the shows, I always like doing these things. It’s just as fun as visiting Disneyland!”
Thongchai has been in this business for more than 20 years and has sold more than 20 million records, making him one of the best-known Thai performers ever. Along with numerous number-one singles, he has also had success as an actor, perhaps best known for his portrayal of the legendary Japanese soldier Kobori in Channel 7’s 1990 smash hit Koo Gam. Along with several honors and accolades, he has also received compensation in the form of shares and an advisory position 맥스카지노 in the entertainment juggernaut GMM Grammy for his contributions to the organization’s early success.
Unquestionably, Thongchai McIntyre’s reputation as a brand presenter entitles him to the greatest salary, which includes a much-discussed Bt20 million contract to serve as the ambassador for the Tourism Authority of Thailand to promote domestic travel. The most popular entertainer, however, has freely participated in a number of national campaigns, attesting to his national importance as a symbol that promotes public awareness and strengthens the sense of patriotism. The iconic songs “Ton Mai Khong Por” (Father’s Tree), “Khong Kwan Jak Kon Din” (Gift of the Land), and “Roob Tee Mee Took Baan” (Pictures in Every House), to name a few, have been assigned to Thongchai.
He has been the biggest pop singer in Thailand for the entirety of his career, which stands in stark contrast to the current easy-come, easy-go celebrity craze. The younger generation of performers looks forward to Thongchai as a real entertainer (and, ironically, tonight Academy Fantasia youngsters are tasked with singing Pi Bird’s classic classics!). It is difficult to imagine a successor to Thongchai McIntyre who could match this eagle-like bird.
It has been claimed that his endearing personality, down-to-earth character, thankful heart, and talent for entertainment are what make him so well-liked. Thongchai emphasizes the professionalism, devotion, and compassion that helped him reach his lifelong goals while highlighting his accomplishments in the music industry.
The 51-year-old megastar shared his success formula in this exclusive interview for the Bangkok Post’s Big Story: “It is the fidelity. It is the happiness in being a singer, a public figure. It is the path that I have chosen. Once the fans are there, I give my all. Most importantly, we’ve got the chemistry: everyone loves to see me sing, and I just love to sing for everyone.”
