Phuket

Lantern · #1 13-11-2006, 05:08

I have a good friend who plays a huge selection of 60's and 70's songs along with a large ammount of his own compositions. I had a look around the board using the search engine, but couldn't find an answer to a couple of questions.
Could a good musician make a quid busking in Thailand, is it allowed? Would there be any chance of getting hired by one of the bigger resorts? He plays rock, reggae, ballads etc. and has a terrific deep Scottish voice. He's not too young, used to know Billy Connoly as a lad.

stevem · #2 13-11-2006, 05:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lantern

used to know Billy Connoly as a lad.

That alone should get him a WP!!!!

Seriously though your friend should do some research about WP's and visas, not easy, especially for jobs that Thais can do. Busking, who is going to put money in the hat, certainly not the Thais. And the farang on holidays, well they have enough of that at home.

Lantern · #3 13-11-2006, 07:15

Thanks for the reply Stevem, much appreciated.
Theres not much chance of him doing any research, he's a bit of a luddite, no phone, wouldn't have a clue how to turn a computer on!
He was blown away when I showed him Google Earth. Found his house. That's when he told me about Billy, lived just round the corner. Reckoned they used to scrap as kids.
Never thought Thai's would drop $$ in the hat, but George is great to listen to whilst having dinner and/or a few cold one's.
Thanks again.

LivinLOS · #4 13-11-2006, 07:25

Busking is not likely to be successful to any extent.. I personally have never seen a busker or street entertainer in Thailand or asia at all.. Personally I like to see them, especially if they have something to show.

As to musical WP's extreemly tough.. and people have been arressted and bars closed for people simply getting up and jamming with a band for fun.

doctorglowstalk · #5 13-11-2006, 19:09

Geez - that's a bit rough .... arrested & bars closed, just for jamming with the band for fun ?? Where's the logic in that ... that's right we're talking LOS.

Don't think I'll take an instrument to LOS ... except for the ole corned beef clarinet of course!

Talbotman · #6 13-11-2006, 21:19

I HAVE been jamming and singing with bands in pattaya and huahin and bangkok for 14 years never had any trouble but then again the only payment i recieve is the odd bottle of beer bought for me by a pissed up fellow customer 555555 usually a german for some reason !

LivinLOS · #7 14-11-2006, 14:19

I am not saying its common.. But I did read of it happening to a bar in BKK.. Story was on ThaiVisa..

Denver · #8 14-11-2006, 15:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by doctorglowstalk

Geez - that's a bit rough .... arrested & bars closed, just for jamming with the band for fun ?? Where's the logic in that ... that's right we're talking LOS.

I've seen people pay the MIBs to be arrested and bars closed when certain BM's turn up at the Karaoke!

landofsmiles · #9 14-11-2006, 21:46

I personally have never seen a busker or street entertainer in Thailand or asia at all

OK he doesn't sing but you're forgetting the Thai guy in the cowboy outfit doing the magic and fire tricks in the middle of Bangla every night....always gets a big audience....he's definitely street entertainment.

stevem · #10 15-11-2006, 02:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by landofsmiles

I personally have never seen a busker or street entertainer in Thailand or asia at all

OK he doesn't sing but you're forgetting the Thai guy in the cowboy outfit doing the magic and fire tricks in the middle of Bangla every night....always gets a big audience....he's definitely street entertainment.

He's Thai not farang!!!