Singto Numchok

One of Thailand’s top solo male singer/songwriters, Singto Numchok is a multi award winning popstar with over two million active followers. His last single release went straight to number one and was A-play-listed on heavy rotation with over 10 radio stations for months on end. The Numchok part of his name means “lucky” and Singto definitely brings luck to everyone who hears him! He’s been described as the “Jack Johnson of Thailand” and his chilling grooves and infectious catchy pop songs make you feel like you’re at the beach wherever you are. He was voted Male Artist of the Year in 2013 and Favorite New Artist in 2013 in the FAT and Season Awards in Thailand, as well as Best New Artist at the Seed Awards while also securing Best Single Hit of the Year in the Guitar Magazine Awards 2013. Singto is a jury member on the panel of the next season of The Voice in Thailand and recently also presented a TV show called Don’t Lose the Money which is broadcast to over two million viewers every Saturday in prime time.

Singto Numchok, a well-known Thai singer and songwriter, has shared his life story about how he escaped poverty and became a successful musician in Thailand to the BBC.

The 33-year-old pop star, whose name literally translates to “lucky lion,” was in London for an interview on the BBC before he released his first international English-language album.

The interview, which is also on Youtube, was well received by Thai citizens who shared it widely on Facebook.

At the age of 12, poverty pushed Singto out of school and into a steel factory. Now seen as an inspiration to many, the artist was first inspired by seeing Thai pop singers on the television. Viewing the career as a fun, happy, and well-paying job, he started practicing the guitar and looking for jobs in pubs. Eventually, Singto ended up playing guitar in a local band called Mono. The band released two unsuccessful albums.

Singto’s life changed when he decided to leave Bangkok for Phuket. There, he recorded his first album in 2010 with the record label Pollen Sound. He also made the ukulele a popular instrument in the Thai music industry.

When asked if his success is down to luck or hard work, Singto said he has a different idea of what “hard work” is.

“I think ‘hard work’ is kinda like you don’t really like what you’re doing,” says Singto.