2024 was a year — a chaotic, eventful, wild year. Good or bad, there are many things that happened that we can look back to. Here’s a recap of the biggest pop culture moments in 2024. We really did that, guys.
One blink of an eye and suddenly the year is about to end. So many things happened this year, and a lot in Thailand alone. Moo Deng became such a topic of conversation all around the world. We are now home to the first-ever restaurant with three Michelin stars. People are obsessed with Labubu. All of those and more, you can find in our recap for all the pop culture moments that happened in Thailand this 2024.
[Hero and featured image credit: LLOUD Official/Youtube]
The biggest pop culture moments in Thailand in 2024
Thailand became the first Southeast Asian nation to achieve marriage equality
With Thailand being such a popular destination for the LGBTQ+ community, it’s unreal that it took us this long to recognise couples out of heteronormativity and actually give them equal rights. It took a lot of effort, activism, political coaxing, and more, but we’re here now. Thailand has become the first country in southeast Asia to achieve marriage equality. If you feel that’s not right, it’s time to get with the programme. The first same-sex weddings are likely to take place early next year.
Moo Deng became an international lifestyle icon
The bouncy pork took over the hearts of people all around the world and achieved celebrity status. Moo Deng has brought in so many visitors at Khao Kheow Open Zoo that they had to put up security measures at the zoo and a 24/7 livestream for her fans. In the annual Bangkok Illumination Festival, Moo Deng can be seen as part of the light installations all over the city.
Ava is now one of the must-visits when in Chiang Mai
2024 is certainly a big year for celebrity animals. Chiang Mai Night Safari presents Ava, a gentle-hearted golden tiger. The world loves her, and the feeling is mutual. Although she has not been met with as much attention from international fans as Moo Deng, she definitely has a following of her own, and her good looks cannot be denied.
Sorn is officially the first and only restaurant in Thailand with three Michelin stars
Utilising fresh ingredients from all 14 provinces of southern Thailand, Sorn’s Chef Supaksorn “Ice” Jongsiri presents the best of the south in a refined, carefully-crafted tasting menu. It has always been one of the hardest restaurants in Bangkok to get a reservation. Now with three Michelin stars under their belt, we doubt we’re getting that booking soon.
We learnt how to make millions before Grandma dies
Southeast Asia was bawling over this heart-wrenching film when it was first released, with reactions all over social media. How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies, now streaming on Netflix, has been met with raving reviews. Have your elderly parents on speed dial, especially those within Asian community, who will relate to the story of intergenerational bonding in the film. How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies also made history as the first Thai film to be selected as one of 15 finalists for Best International Feature Film at the Oscars.
Art toys became the collectibles of this year
Some collect stamps. Many collect art pieces. The most coveted collectibles of 2024, however, are the figurines of anthropomorphic creatures that took Thailand by storm. Everyone knew what a Labubu was, even if they don’t collect them, and these things can go for up to tens of thousands of Baht. Of course, art toys also extend to Sonny Angels, Mega Royal Molly, and more. All in all, a fantastic year for Pop Mart.
Butterbear rose to fame
With hundreds of thousands of followers on Instagram, the dancing bear mascot’s live shows at her shop in Emsphere have been an attraction that keeps the ground floor crowded. Butterbear is a thing that happened this year, and still has a cult following of her own. Her celebrity status got the bear her first scandal this year, as her concert charged fans quite a high price for a mute bear.
Thai athletes brought home medals from the Olympics and Paralympics
Every four years, the world comes together to rally for their countries’ representatives as they compete in various categories. The 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics saw Thai athletes bringing home the gold, literally, and making the country proud. In total, we saw six medals for the Olympics, and 30 medals for the Paralympics.
Lisa took over Chinatown (and more) for her ‘Rockstar’ music video without us even knowing
It’s an amazing feat to shoot a video in such a bustling area as Chinatown, and have nothing leaked to the public while filming. The music video for Rockstar dropped this year, under Lisa’s own record label away from YG Entertainment’s grasp. Her music video also featured The Oscar Theatre, a tattoo parlour, and more.
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Written by
Vichayuth Chantan
Digital Writer, Drinks and Dining
Writer by day, skinny legend by night, "Kook" Vichayuth works closely with Bangkok's F&B industry. His hobbies include bar-hopping, catching up with friends, and silently judging you from across the room.
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