On our first day in Bangkok we stood and we sweated and filmed as Mai, dressed as a crocodile, blew and twisted balloons for the children who gathered around him.
Mai was street performer, local guide, and host; we were sleeping on his living room floor. But in all these capacities he was never far from his pouch of balloons.
Late at night we filmed Kalour Street Orchestra at Victoria Monument; Mai sat on some steps near-by and sold two balloon sculptures.
“100 Baht,” he told us happily ($3.28!).
We filmed fire dancers (Zazi and Tukie) in the back streets of Bangkok; Mai made light sabres for the local children. They ran around battering each other with rubber air.
In Prasumen park, where jugglers practised, hula hoopers spun, and break dancers danced; Mai made his balloons. Just for fun.
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The bagged crocodile head
Mai on his way to work
Dressed and ready, but waiting for the Bangkok heat to settle down
An aspiring balloon artist steals some equipment
Thank you Mai for looking after The Busking Project team during their stay in Bangkok, and for being a true artist.
Chris and The Busking Project team.
