Kan Tong Thung Ngern is undoubtedly one of the most prominent rising female luk thung singers this year. Kan Tong Thung Ngern The artist from Grammy Gold, after having the hit song "Jue Bor" in 2024, now has the major hit "Kularb" with hundreds of millions of views and another trending song "Kae Bon," which has surpassed 67 million views. Recently, she attended the “Mirror 50 All Voices Empowering Ones” event at EM SKYE, 14th floor, EMSPHERE shopping center, where she shared her thoughts on her rising popularity.
Are you considered a rising star?
“Thank you very much (hands in a wai, laughing). I'm proud to be part of this. I want to say that lately, young people haven't been listening to luk thung much, but when we made it easier to listen to, the youth started liking it more. The lyrics matter too because young people prefer simple and easy-to-remember content.”
Do people recognize you as the owner of these songs when you go out?
“If I'm not wearing makeup, they don't recognize me (laughs). It's a bit scary. Sometimes they recognize my voice even with a mask on, but I don't dare take pictures because I want them to remember only the good things (laughs). Some ask if I'm Kan Tong, but without makeup, they might say, ‘Who is this? Seems familiar.’”
Are you getting more international gigs?
“Yes, more than before. Early next year, I'll go to the UK, and mid-year, likely Germany and France. The UK trip will be short, about 3-4 shows, since I'm busy. It'll be my first time there. Usually, I perform in America, Australia, New Zealand, and Norway.”
Are you now debt-free?
“Just a little left, not much. Before I became famous, I had very little money, but I bought a house for my mother. At that time, I didn’t know if I’d become famous, but I decided to buy it so she could live comfortably. Once I became successful, I paid it off quickly because I worried that when I get older, no one would hire me (laughs).”
Was the house expensive?
“Not too expensive. I initially bought a small house for around 3 million baht, then upgraded to one worth about 8 million baht, which I financed. It took less than a year to pay off. Since ‘Jue Bor,’ about a year ago, I’ve been frugal. Whenever I earn, I pay off debts immediately because I don’t know what the future holds. If one day I’m no longer popular, what will I do? I have to be cautious.”
You don’t like having debt?
“I don’t like it because if I wake up with debt, I know I have to pay next month. Without debt, I can wake up anytime I want. Honestly, sometimes it’s a bit stressful. Sometimes I wake up late on a day without work, which is my monthly day off, and think, ‘What should I do?’ They tell me I have no work that day. It’s quite stressful.”
Do you have work every day now?
“Every day. Actually, some gigs postponed from November to December, so I hardly have any days off. Sometimes I have two shows a day, about 40 shows a month. Is this the busiest period of my life? Yes, and also my most successful. I don’t think I’ll get any more famous than this. My year-end schedule is fully booked. Some days I have two shows, but I only take as many as I can handle because I can’t run between them. If I can manage, I go (laughs).”
How is your vocal health?
“It's good because I sleep a lot. Anyone can do anything, but I focus on sleeping. I eat and then sleep quickly because rest helps restore my voice. I worry that as I get older, no one will hire me.”
How do you take care of yourself?
“I mostly sleep and drink plenty of water before going on stage. I avoid cold water and only drink water at room temperature. Smoke at the front of the stage doesn’t bother me, but cigarette smoke I can’t tolerate. My voice gets hoarse from cigarette smoke, so I have to inform people that I’m allergic to it.”
With so much work, do you have someone taking care of your heart?
“My focus is on work first. The boyfriend can wait (laughs).”
Do you believe that if your career is successful, love might not be?
“Yes, I believe that. But I think love might not come fully if we focus on work. If we have money and focus, we can do whatever we want in the future. If a man leaves me, I still have money to support myself.”
Are you a generous giver?
“I can buy things for others. Actually, I’m quite generous but not over 200 baht (laughs).”
What is your ideal man like?
“Honestly, I’d say I want a wealthy boyfriend (laughs). But seriously, I used to like handsome guys because they’re pleasant to look at, but in real life, looks aren’t everything. Looks don’t pay the bills, but they are nice to see (smiles). I want someone who understands my work and can support me.”
At the end of the year, what would you like to thank for?
“Thank you sincerely (hands in a wai). This year has been the best of my life. Many opportunities have brought me to where I am today. Thanks to all the fans who have followed me since ‘Jue Bor,’ ‘Kularb,’ and ‘Kae Bon.’ Thanks to everyone behind the scenes who made this possible. Next year I have many new songs coming out, so please keep listening.”
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