Radiodiffusion Internasionaal Annexe

♬ Lam Phloen Hak Sao Phom Pia / ลำเพลินฮักสาวผมเปีย

Wician Salawan, aka Sonthaya Kalasin, was born in the Kalasin Province in 1957. From an early age, he loved to sing, imitating the molam songs he heard on the radio and TV – including his favorites Angkanang Kunchai and Banyan Siwongsa. He did not undertake training as an apprentice, instead he learned the techniques for performing lam from his father, who himself was a molam singer.

Sonthaya was given his debut by Surin Paksiri. In 1975, Paksiri – who’s real name was Tidso Lam Sudsanan – formed the Tidso Lam Phloen Troup. Originally, he wanted Angkanang Khunchai / ทองนาง คุณไชย as the lead singer of the group, but she had become too popular. So, Paksiri hired Sonthi Sonmat / คม คีรีบูน, Phairin Phonphibun / ไพรินทร์ พรพิบูลย์ and Sonthaya Kalasin. Sonthaya originally started out as a dancer in the group but it was not long before Suring notice that Sonthaya had a talent for singing.

Although Sonthaya was adored by female fans for his good looks, he harbored a deep secret: He was transgender. Everyone in the Tidso Lam Phloen Troupe except Surin Paksiri knew this and affectionally referred to Sonthaya as ‘Older Sister’. Surin didn’t understand the nickname, and asked Sonthaya about it, and he explained everything. Surin was understanding and requested that Sonthaya continue to perform as a man as long as he was in the group. After the troupe disbanded, Sonthaya Kalasin fully transitioned. Her popularity has continued – mostly on television where she has become a regular personality.

EMI Japan released a compilation of Sonthaya Kalasin’s work in 2016 entitled Grade A Guy. Most of the information in this post was published in the extensive liner notes of that release. Many thanks to the amazing Peter Doolan of Monrakplenthai for translation and for the information about this record.

Catalog number RP 3129 3093 on Surin Paksiri / สุรินทร์ ภาคศิริ of Thailand, distributed by Golden Sound Record Store / ห้างแผ่นเสียงเสียงทองคำ จัดจำหน่าย. No release date listed.