EURASIAN COMMUNITY - - Articles: 'ALEXANDRA'THIDAVANH BOUNXOUAY, LAO MUSIC

Alexandra 'Thidavanh Bounxouay'

South East Asia's Eurasian Idols

In the heart of South East Asia lying between Thailand, Southern China and Cambodia is the small country of Laos. Most of us aren't familiar with Laotian history, and many Euro-Laotian people don't even exist. The Laotian music industry is a bit old fashion compared to it's neighbour Thailand. However, now Laos is getting into the new age music because of a young Laotian Eurasian girl, Thidavanh "Alexandra" Bounxouay. Sixteen year old Alexandra is half Laotian and half Bulgarian. Alexandra has brought in a new taste of music to the Laotian music industry with her Lao Pop tunes.

On the Western side of the Laotian border is Thailand, which has an entertainment industry full of 'Luk Kreungs' also known as half Thais. I had never heard of the pop duo Nathalie-Jazky until a Thai friend of mine told me I am identical to one of the girls. Both young teen singers Nathalie Davies and Jareeya Sarah Ashworth (Jazky) are half Thai and half European. In Thailand, about half of the leading celebrities are mixed with a bit of 'Farang (western)' blood. One of my favorites, as well as Thailand's favourite actresses is Kathaleeya McIntosh. Born in 1972, Kathaleeya started out as a model and eventually worked her way up to leading roles in Thai Drama's. Born to well off family, Kathaleeya and her family are a well known to the Thai audience.