Dear global celebrities, iconic superstars and social influencers,
We are most pleased you've decided to visit Amazing Thailand as the country continues to be a hub of entertainment considering all upcoming events, concerts, meet and greets, and even filming locations. As a lifestyle magazine and voice of the people, Guru is penning this open letter to you -- our favourite actors, artists, athletes, musicians and international politicians -- a quick list of things that could help boost your popularity with the locals and maximise your stay in the Land of Smiles.
If you remain doubtful about the legitimacy of this letter and are about to scrunch it up and bin it, we've included past incidents and events from your fellow celebrities who have stayed here as examples that you could follow (or NOT follow). You're welcome.
Get Tatted Up
Why not get inked up with some mystical writing you may not even know the meaning of? It doesn't matter much though as they will look cool on your body and you can earn street cred with the locals. Who knows, they may even bestow you with extra luck the next time you get nominated for an award! It's three birds with one tattoo, baby!
Look at actress, former Mrs Smith and tomb raider Angelina Jolie's magnificent ink sprawlings on her back with her sak yant tattoos from her visits to ex-monk/tattoo artist Ajarn Noo Kanpai, whose tattoo art have appeared on actresses and models such as Cara Delevigne, Michelle Rodriguez and even Mr Smith, Brad Pitt. Whether you bother to learn what all the scribbles and symbols on your skin mean, it doesn't matter much -- you will gain the attention of fans and generate interest in getting their own spiritual ink protection on their bodies because you know us Thais we just love to follow trends set by celebs!
Just make sure you want to put something you won't regret later on or else you will be making headlines for a few days (we're looking at you, Ariana Grande).
Get Cosy with Local Celebs
During your stay, try and get to know some of our local celebrities that we are in love with because they love you, too!
What we mean by that is using your connections and get to hang out with our local celebs and, perhaps, take photos with them! It's a no brainer, really. Your and their fan bases will collide, causing your photos to go viral and potentially tapping into each other's fan base, too. The best example of this strategy is -- intentionally or not -- Ed Sheeran. During his visit to Bangkok for his second concert, Teddy stopped by at two famous restaurants - Gaggan and Paste - for Michelin-starred meals. And you may already have seen photos of his visits on your newsfeeds by now.
Also, remember how Thai Sheerios went wild when they saw singer Singto Numchok post a selfie with Ed Sheeran during his concert in 2017?
Be Relevant (and Heartfelt)
If you want people to talk about you for days on end, perhaps it'd be best to at least know current trends and political happenings in our country.
When Coldplay came to perform at Rajamangala National Stadium two years ago for their A Head Full of Dreams Tour, fans were moved to tears (including our editor) when frontman Chris Martin sang Everglow in tribute to the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. That performance, we assure you, left a long lasting impression among Thai fans and gave them something to remember the band by.
If you could do some sort of meaningful contribution for us, then your stay will be that much more memorable.
Using Your Thai Connections
Take advantage of your Thai connections and/or roots (if any). It doesn't matter if you're born Thai or not, look around you and find something that's Thai to endear yourself to the fans with.
When John Legend brought his Light & Darkness World Tour here last year, we were delighted to hear him say sawasdee krub alongside wife and model Chrissy Teigen's wai when they announced the show in a video. It might have been a calculated plan to drive fans wild but we didn't expect the smooth crooner to bring his mother-in-law on stage to introduce him.
So take note -- being able to speak our language or embracing your Thai roots can definitely earn you some kudos points. And if you want to earn bonus aww points why not dress your kids in traditional Thai outfits like how Chrissy Teigen did for daughter Luna. Now, that's how you show Thai pride with a dash of cute.
Being a Normal Tourist, Kinda
Speaking of Thai pride, why not go off on an adventure and sightsee what Thailand has to offer (obviously)? Show your Thai fans that you aren't here just for the business but also appreciate many wonderful aspects of our country.
Talented actor Leonardo DiCaprio took it upon himself to casually walk around the Ayutthaya Historical Park while holidaying. Chris Martin was spotted at Rajadamnern Stadium presumably to enjoy some real Muay Thai before Coldplay concert back in 2017. Or check out this photo of singer Katy Perry spending quality time with the locals.
Or how about appreciating our culinary delights and treats? Actress, model and partner of Ryan Gosling, Eva Mendes was spotted walking and enjoying some khanom khrok from a local vendor, with the styrofoam housing the coconut pancakes in hand.
Buy Our Souvenirs
You could also try to buy exotic souvenirs and easily make the local news. An example? Soccer superstar David Beckham bought six spirit houses from a local vendor. We don't know whether he would use it for himself to ward spirits off his residences but it certainly didn't ward off the ensuing media attention he received. At least he played ball with a bunch of aspiring athletes later so all is good for the former Man U player.
Be Relatable
While you'd win the people's hearts and minds by being involved in our culture, what better way to get involved than by posting things on social media we Thais can relate to (even though you're staying at The St. Regis Bangkok and the likes)? Basically, show us that you're down with Thais.
Remember actor, hunk and God of Thunder Chris Hemsworth's viral video on his frustrations with Bangkok traffic? Or how about Bruno Mars finding his own music in bootleg and pirated CDs? Let's not forget the photo of Rihanna chilling out with a slow loris in Phuket, who may or may not have been talkin' dirty to her (but did get two people arrested when found out that the slow loris is a protected animal and should not be exploited for tourism).
Whether good or bad news, being involved in our culture and then sharing it on Facebook or Instagram will make you an overnight viral hit.
Man (or Woman or Person) Up with Muay Thai
Get involved in Muay Thai. Let's face it. Everyone's doing it. Muay Thai has always been a fascinating activity/sport/social media post that pretty much almost every celebrity guaranteed has dabbled in.
Actor Ryan Gosling practised Muay Thai to prepare himself in various roles in his movies, including the film Only God Forgives filmed in Bangkok. If you're a sportsman or an actor with macho image, Muay Thai is a must.
Making an Entrance
Make your arrival eventful! You could secretly collaborate with the organiser and people responsible for bringing you over by creating some sort of fanfare. A perfect example of this is Britney Spears' arrival at Don Mueang (not that we're saying she secretly arranged things with BEC-Tero) for her concert at Impact Arena in 2017. There were two kids donning Thai costume to offer her garland when she walked out of a building to a van.
Of course, making an event out of your arrival is a grand way of saying "I've arrived" and the local reporters will be there to snap away tonnes of pictures. Just don't do what Bjork did.
Say something in Thai Please
Nothing is going to make your stay more memorable in the memory banks of Thai fans than when you say something in our language even if it is something as simple as sawasdee krub/ka. I mean, you could be giving the best live performance we've been wanting to see for years but it doesn't hurt to aim for that extra gold star by presenting yourself as being able to form a connection with fans in their native language. It doesn't even matter if you butcher the words or phrases, we'd still find your attempts to be adorable anyway. So yeah think about it.
We hope that you would take these points to heart the next time you're making a stop here to get the most out of your visit. Just don't forget to tag or mention us on social media when you do. Or send us comp tickets, please!
Love, Guru.
