Riding the wave of popularity following the release of Thai K-pop sensation Lisa’s blockbuster “Rockstar” music video, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is planning a new walking tour to promote Bangkok’s Chinatown, which will encompass Yaowarat, Songwat and Talad Noi.
Meanwhile, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is to add more Chinese atmosphere to Chinatown, with a plan to replace the footpath paving with new tiles, featuring the “Bo Tan” flower design and a “Yaowarat must go on” statement
The recently-released 3-minute “Rockstar” music video has caused a storm in Bangkok, prompting many of Lisa’s female fans to visit Yaowarat Road at night, particularly to the spot on which their pop idol performed in the video.
Pheu Thai party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra, vice chair of the government’s “soft power” committee, praised the music video as superb and as a model of “soft power”, adding that Yaowarat has become a household name and the government will take advantage of the video’s popularity to promote other aspects of Yaowarat, such as the famous street food.
Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke responded to criticism, that the government is taking advantage of Lisa’s international prowess, by asking “What is wrong with riding the wave of Lisa’s success? She is a Thai woman of whom we are proud.”
