The following story has been in the Thai press for several days:

Fist fight on stage was 'a disappointment'

POST REPORTERS

A high-profile fist fight between musicians at the recent opening of the Ramakien in New York was a disappointment, Apinan Poshyananda, the director-general of the Office of Contemporary Art and Culture, said yesterday.

The fight between Seksan Sookpimai, better known as Sek Loso, and Krissada Sukosol Clapp, or Noi, from pop-rock outfit Pru took place on stage in front of a 1,000-strong audience during the first of the three performances of Ramakien: A Rak Opera staged at LaGuardia Theatre as part of the prestigious Lincoln Centre Festival.

Sek Loso played Prince Rama and Noi Pru played the monkey king.

Mr Apinan, who is tipped to be the new permanent secretary of the Culture Ministry, one of the event's sponsors, said the event - a contemporary interpretation of the Ramakien - had the potential to showcase Thai artists. But the fact that they were unable to control their emotions did not give a positive image of Thailand.

He said he had heard about the incident through newspaper reports and from visual artist Wit Pimkanchanaphong, an eyewitness to the fracas.

In his opinion, he said, artists are usually very imaginative and highly strung.

"This is especially so when you have artists of this calibre - the cream of the contemporary Thai art scene - working together under extreme pressure. The unexpected just happened," he said.

The scuffle between the two artists became a front page story early this week.

Reportedly, it involved a bit of slapping and ballet shoes flying back and forth during the part where Hanuman, the resourceful monkey god and Prince Rama's chief military commander, was supposed to console Prince Rama after the loss of Princess Sita.

The fisticuffs allegedly continued backstage. Sek Loso was replaced by his own bass player, Tommy Loso, in later shows.

Sek Loso and Noi Pru were unavailable for comment at press time.

Ramakien: A Rak Opera was an avant-garde rock and roll interpretation of the Nang Loi (Floating Princess) episode of the Ramakien. It featured Thailand's leading contemporary artists such as post-modern khon dancer/choreographer Pichet Klunchun, rock band Moderndog and filmmaker Pimpaka Towira, accompanied by a pii phat ensemble orchestrated by Bruce Gaston and Fong Nam.

The show was directed by international conceptual artist Rirkrit Tiravanij and produced by former A&R executive Tim Carr, who also manages Sek Loso.

My wife is so embarrassed that she refuses to discuss it or read anything more about it.

I just sit there and quietly chuckle.

I wonder if New York's finest were given a backhander to turn a blind eye.

I've met Sek Loso a few times and he's a very nice polite placid guy but he does like a drink or 10.

I've met Sek Loso a few times and he's a very nice polite placid guy but he does like a drink or 10.

That's what I figured. I know Bruce Gaston - I doubt that he was too impressed.

Dave, I'll see you later with the collection box. Not sure what time - I'm going to eat first. It's sort of the wife's birthday.

Well reviews I read of the Thai Rock Opera were far from encouraging, but my understanding of yanks from NYC - they are a finnicky bunch.

Fist fight?? Guess Sek is trying compete with Oasis???