Mahut Sai is one of those people who became obsessed with the charm of traditional Thai music, which led him to run Sullenma Records, which sells records from around the world, including Mo Lam and Luk Thung, and a live music venue called Studio Ram a few doors down.
This record shop, which means "maximum horsepower" in Japanese, stocks a wide range of rare records that can only be heard here, from traditional Isan music such as Mor Lam and Luk Thung, which is popular in the region, to music from around the world, and even mixtapes that he himself has produced.
Address: 7/1 Sukhumvit 51 Rd. | map
Opening hours: 12:00-20:00
Closed: Mondays and Tuesdays
This live music venue features Thai and international DJs playing a variety of music, including Mor Lam, Luk Thung, world music, funk, and soul. Live bands also perform on some nights. The bar also stocks Thai medicinal liquor, Yardong, making it a popular spot for music lovers to gather nightly.
Address: 3/1 Sukhumvit 51 Rd. | map
Hours: 6pm to midnight (Saturdays to 2am)
Closed: Mondays
Instagram: @studiolambangkok
He also performs with the Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band, an instrumental Molam band.
"In the past, it was said that this was a type of music that people in the countryside listened to, but as I searched for records, I began to feel the appeal of its rhythm and sound. Like our band, young people in Bangkok are also forming bands that incorporate the sound of Mor Lam, and playing its music as DJs."
The great thing about Morlam is that it changes with the times and the place. Experience its evolution through records and at live music venues.
Must-listen records by Mahto Say
This is their third album, released in 2024. Following on from their first and second albums, this one is a new musical interpretation of the sounds of essential Mor Lam instruments such as the ping and kaeng, as well as traditional rhythms. Price: 2,200฿.
Wonderfruit, one of Thailand's leading festivals, launched in 2014 and featuring not only music but also food and art. In 2011, a recording of Mor Lam performances at the venue was released on a single vinyl record. 2,500 baht.
