Fans were left deeply shocked after Om Cocktail or Om Pandphol Prasaranond officially announced stepping down from managing the music label GeneLab and 19 under GMM Music. The company will continue managing artists and independent labels not affiliated with GMM Music.
Meanwhile, Jai Thaitasmitr or Ichankorn Phuengkiatrasamee posted a statement that startled many, saying
"We at Thaitasmitr have been aware of the situation all along and did not expect it to end like this. Honestly, I’m saddened. I understand and support the path the seniors have chosen, but I cannot accept it, and I hope the label (GMM) will provide me with a clear explanation."
He also added in comments, "Personally, Om and I still work together within the 9 Akkhan label context. But for Thaitasmitr, it’s no longer enjoyable. I remember asking him, ‘Are you a good person?’ I don’t recall his answer, but his eyes at that time made me decide to entrust my life and future to him and his team. I have yet to see anyone else who can continue this legacy. My friends agree; there’s probably no one who understands a band that candidly criticizes politics better than this man. If there is, I haven’t seen them yet."
And, "Can you imagine? The management team leaves, taking the whole label; artists are left without a label or staff. Then how do you find new management and a team with this understanding? Look at the mess they faced—it's a complete blackout in every direction. Maybe it’s time to quit and sell something else instead."
Jai’s post led many to speculate that there may be undisclosed reasons behind Om and the team's decision to step down from management, but an official response from the label is still awaited.
Additionally, Git from Three Man Down, or Krit Jirapattananunwong, one of the artists under Om’s care, posted strongly on his personal Facebook, saying it was their own fault for trying to change someone else’s home.
"I’ve known about this for a long time and understand Om, but what I don’t understand is the other side," he wrote. "The reason Three Man Down joined GeneLab was because of Om. Om is a leader, not a boss. He walks alongside the juniors. From day one, I talked to Om about wanting to change everything here for the better, no matter how hard it would be. We were determined not to exploit anyone, to work hard, be role models, manage our own work, and show how valuable artists truly are."
"But today, I understand and accept, like Om, that we will never succeed. It’s our own fault for trying to change someone else’s home. We should have focused on finding our own place to belong."
Kong Huayrai, an artist and partner in the label "MACHg" alongside Om Cocktail and Bank Rattawit, focusing on luk thung and contemporary Thai music, previously signed as an artist under Gene Lab, posted,
"The song contract for 'Dok Krajiew Baan' belongs to Gene Lab, but my artist contract is with Om. #MACHgArtists"
Many followers have since commented extensively.
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