As someone who, prior to my first trip to Thailand, looked down my nose with a snooty attitude to anyone who talked about going to a Karaoke bar, I have done a complete 180. When my firend, or more likely my friend's friend, suggest we 'go sing a song' I now cannot wait. Yes, I am tone death and can't hold a note to save my life, but there is something very liberating about blasting out 'First I was afraid, I was petrified ....' or ' .... and did it, Myyyyyyy Wayyyyyyyyy'.
However, a few weeks ago I saw the little Karaoke crowd go mad for a chinese tourist singing a Thai song and thought I would give it a try. Ever the anal retentive and planner, I got a couple of karaoke vcds and proceeded to practice a little. Last night at the karaoke I let rip and it is amazing to hear the reaction and screams when Thai's here a ferang sing a Thai song - perhaps my lack of ability in the vocal department is not such a hinderance when it comes to Thai songs. Not to be outdone, another couple of Ferangs were there and they belted out a couple of Thai numbers too immediately after my good self and the Thai girls and guys were left wondering what the hell was happening but again went whooping mad.
After that the place seemed to be rocking with guys and girls up dancing to a complete mix of Thai music from rock to pop to Morlam and even one or two songs from Cambodia and everyone had a great time. Give it a go, it makes a great change from the bars.