It’s a tired tale by now, repeated by cultural conservators and concerned government bodies: Traditions are dying! They must be preserved! While true, preservation can doom traditions to fossilisation, sterilised for curious tourists and bored students. Fortunately, that is not at all the story of morlam, the Thai folk music that emerged out of the Isan region in Northeastern Thailand. The genre is alive, thriving even, with strong presence in popular culture, indie music communities and world music circuits.

One such band contributing to its proliferation is Khun Narin’s Electric Phin band, a multi-generational group that comprises teens, adults and elders, such as Narin himself, who plays the cymbals. Like many other ensembles, the band has kept itself relevant by incorporating luk thung (Thai country music) and popular genres like rock and electronic music into their sound. Typically found performing in street jams and temple fairs in their hometown of Phetchabun province, the band has also graced stages across the US and Asia—including Indonesia’s Joyland Festival and of course, Singapore, for Crossing Borders in Sep 2025. Donned in their iconic orange vests and brimming with an infectious upbeat energy, the band lit up our cargo lift with their psychedelic sonic whirlwind, playing their unique interpretations of classic morlam tunes and melodies. 

Audio recording & mixing: Tumbleweed Studios
Video: Lee Jing Wei