Seven years after their last concert, and a vow never to reunite again, Chaliang reforms to delight their fans once more

Back when Thailand was dominated by romantic and headstrong, politically nonconformist songs, one pop group emerged and added humour and fun to the whole scene. With their easy-listening pop tunes and a slight touch of acoustic and orchestral sounds, Chaliang brought about a new style of Thai pop music.

Formed in 1977, Chaliang (which means veranda in Thai) at first comprised four freshmen in Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Architecture. The four fun-loving friends first met at the freshmen orientation and from then on were inseparable. Prapat Chonsaranont, Watchara Pan-Iam, Nithiphong Hornak and Somchai Sakdikul teamed up because of their shared passion for music, with the intention of bringing smiles to their listeners' face. In their early years, Chaliang spent their time on campus, singing, composing and occasionally performing. At the time the group was famous for their cunning, slick sense of humour.

In the early 1980s, Chaliang acquired three more members - Pusit Laithong, Chatchai Duriyapraneet and Kietisak Veeteewutichan - and released their debut album "Prakot Karn Fon" ("Rain Phenomenon") in 1982. With the perceptive, poetic sense of Prapat along with the rest of the gang's sense of humour, Chaliang invigorated the world of Thai popular music. They were known for songs that weren't just about love and romance.

Chaliang is most remembered for the song "Kluay Kai" ("Banana"), thanks to the memorable line, "I like kluay kai, because it has no bones". Another is "Tiew La Mai" ("Joyful Journey"), which takes listeners on a trip into the jungle with vivid descriptive images of nature. "Ni Tan Hing Hoy" ("Tale of a Firefly") tells of a failed attempt to capture love and beauty through the story of a girl who keeps a firefly in a matchbox.

Through the years, the group had a string of hits. They split after being together for almost 20 years and each member found their own niche in a different career path. Some remained in the entertainment business as actors, music producers and television show producers.

Occasionally they regrouped to put on a show, and most of the time tickets sold out. Their last concert was held seven years ago at Thammasat University. At the time, they said that they had permanently disbanded and this would be the last Chaliang concert. But the group decided to break their vow and put out one more show, with proceeds going to Chulalongkorn's Faculty of Architecture.

The concert sold out shortly after the tickets went on sale, so they have to added a matinee on the same date to please their loyal fans. Joining them as guests will be veteran singer Viyada Komarakul na Nakorn, rock singer Nakarin "Pang" Kingsak and indie band Laundry, which is led by Pusit's son. The emcees of the show are Kiet "Sumo Gig" Kitcharoen and TV personality and actor Sanya Kunakorn.

The Hed Kert Tee Chaliang Concerts are at 1pm and 7pm tomorrow at Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani tomorrow. Tickets are Bt2,500, Bt2,000, Bt1,500, Bt1,000 and Bt600, available from Thaiticketmajor.

Manta Klangboonkrong