Chicano Culture Makes Its Way in Thailand

Photos by Jack Taylor, video by Pitcha Dangprasith ///Bangkok, 18 Mar 2022 (AFP) - A jelly crowd in a crowded room when a burly tattooed man finishes beating a young recruit and takes him into a hug. This is how the rite of passage of one of Thailand's “Chicano” bands ends. This Mexican-American subculture has made its way into Asia, with people in Japan and now in Thailand adopting the music, style and swiggles of this movement born in the United States in the 1960s. which only partially cover their intricate tattoos, some Thais are seen every weekend in the damp streets of Bangkok celebrating the fusion between their traditions and Chicano culture. But while the Chicano movement was born in the United States as a political and social force to combat oppression against the population of Mexican descent, his Thai reinterpretation focuses mainly on his aesthetics.” I just want to combine a Thai touch with Chicano style to make this lifestyle simple and accessible,” explains the band's leader, Chalakorn “Leng” Arttanasiri, as he gets off his Harley Davidson. film “The Godfather”, states that his group, “Barbarian Has a Gun 13", celebrates Chicano clothing and tattoos.Its members reject accusations of cultural appropriation, ensuring that they take advantage of a shared values of humble class to create a “Taicana” culture.” On normal days, we dress like normal people,” says Leng. “But on days of meetings like this, we need to have options for our dress so that we can look stylish and show off like the others,” he says. With a past in drug trafficking, Leng grew up in a slum and was in prison before running a Chicano clothing import business that led him to create this group. of the hard initiation, they do not practice the violence with which Hollywood usually associates these groups.” It's just a way to prove their will,” explains Leng about the 13-second beating that the new members must endure.” We can't go around hitting other groups to prove our superiority,” he says. We live in peace because we are in a Buddhist city. We're in Thailand.” - “We are a family” - “We are law-abiding citizens who simply love the Chicano subculture,” says Pongtep Singto, a fan of “lowrider” cars, vehicles modified to have their underbody at ground level. The 32-year-old man was passionate about these types of cars from the Chicano culture, collecting and modifying them to his liking, and eventually ended up doing them the same.” Everyone has an honest career. Some may have tattoos all over their bodies, but they're all good people,” he adds. At a recent meeting, men with ink all over their bodies chatted lively while their children were playing in the courtyard.Among them was the new recruit, Chaiya Nob, who explained how veterans — only 13 of them who can bear the name of the tattooed group in their bellies — they advised him before allowing him to enter.” Dressing like that doesn't mean we have to act like males, like gangsters and do illegal things,” says the 31-year-old.” We have to do good and be respectable citizens. Our choice of clothing may not be appropriate, but our attitude is approachable,” he says with a smile.For them, the band means celebrating Chicano culture. And, besides, doing it together. In the words of Leng: “We are a family” .pit-rbu/pdw/dbh/me