Latest news with #LalisaManobal
Hype Malaysia
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
BLACKPINK Lisa's Salary From 'The White Lotus' Provokes Backlash; Fans Defend The Amount
Having a show that pays fairly to all of its actors, no matter their role, is not something that many people are used to. 'The White Lotus' is one of the few shows, where everyone gets the same pay, regardless if they're a supporting role, the main cast or just a cameo. The producers chose this unconventional route to focus on pushing each celebrity's talents in acting and to get more exposure, rather than on their salary. For season three of the show, K-pop star Lisa (리사), credited as her full name, Lalisa Manobal (ลลิสา มโนบาล) in the show, played a health mentor at the main resort of 'The White Lotus'. Her character, Thidapon 'Mook' Sornsin, appeared on-screen frequently to assist guests in exploring wellness and spiritual well-being during their stay. 'The White Lotus' is a dark comedy series set over a week at a luxury resort. Each season introduces a new location and cast, focusing on the interactions between wealthy guests and the staff who serve them. Beneath the surface, tensions rise, exposing social issues, class divides, and personal struggles. Every season begins with the discovery of a dead body, and the story gradually reveals what led to that moment. Months after her appearance, Lisa's salary for the show surfaced online, sparking mixed reactions. According to Twitter account Buzzing Pop, the BLACKPINK (블랙핑크) member earned $40,000 per episode, despite limited screen time. This revelation sparked backlash, as many netizens felt her pay didn't reflect her brief role. The controversy brought up wider discussions about fair pay and how shows balance star power with actual screen presence. However, many fans quickly came to Lisa;s defence. Supporters of both 'The White Lotus' and the K-pop star pointed out that her $40,000-per-episode pay followed the show's equal-pay policy. Every cast member, no matter their fame or screen time, earns the same rate, a structure designed to promote fairness across the board. Fans argued that Lisa simply followed the rules and didn't deserve the criticism. On the other hand, other argued that her role may have been small, but the star still made an impact with her appearance. What are your thoughts on this? Source: Koreaboo, Twitter What's your Reaction? +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0
CNA
03-06-2025
- Business
- CNA
Why Bangkok-born hospitality group Anantara could be Asia's most interesting hotel brand
When the third season of The White Lotus, HBO's cult-favourite dramedy about the darkly entangled lives (and deaths) of guests and staff at an ultra-luxury resort, premiered earlier this year, viewers across Asia, including Singapore, took notice. Sure, much of the initial buzz revolved around Kpop megastar Lalisa Manobal aka Lisa of Blackpink making her acting debut. But let's be honest, we travel junkies were just as excited to recognise the sun-drenched backdrop of iconic Thai tropical escape Koh Samui, popular among long-weekend warriors and barefoot luxury aficionados alike. Spotting familiar sights like the Big Buddha Temple Wat Phra Yai or playing 'Guess the Resort' during each hotel set became something of a jetsetter's pastime. As expected, many scenes were filmed at the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui. No surprise there, given that the first two seasons were also set at Four Seasons properties in Hawaii and Sicily. But in a plot twist worthy of show creator Mike White, a lesser known but very strategic player in luxury hospitality quietly stole the show. Enter Anantara. The Bangkok-born luxury hotel brand, part of the ever-expanding Minor Hotels portfolio, might just be the breakout star of the season. Three of its properties — Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort, Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort, and Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas — were featured prominently in the series as part of the fictional White Lotus Thailand hotel. (Fun fact: Minor Hotels also owns the Four Seasons Koh Samui.) The timing could not have been better for William 'Bill' Heinecke, the 75-year-old American-born, naturalised Thai billionaire founder behind Minor Hotels. With luxury travel in Asia booming globally, Heinecke shows no sign of slowing down. He stepped down as chief executive officer of Minor International five years ago but continues to be deeply involved in the company's hotel expansion strategy with a strong focus on growth and post-pandemic recovery. He started his company even before he turned 18 (hence its name Minor) dabbling in advertising and cleaning services before finding his passion in hospitality. Today, Minor Hotels is a global hospitality group operating over 560 hotels, resorts and residences in 58 countries with brands including Anantara, Avani, Oaks and Tivoli. In 2018 he bought over the Madrid-owned NH Hotel group of premium and luxury hotels, tripling the group's portfolio and solidifying its European footprint. This acquisition, while visionary, also meant that when the pandemic hit just two years later, there was much more at stake. The group racked up losses of over US$1 billion (S$1.29 billion) in 2020 and 2021 due to lockdowns and travel restrictions. But he held firm and now that travel is in full swing once again, the company's increased presence has led to even more brand name recognition around the world. At the same time, he has also always believed in playing to his strengths, reinforcing the group's presence in Asia, which already includes properties across various hospitality brands in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, China, Maldives and the Middle East. The group plans to add 200 more hotels by the end of 2026, of which about 100 will be in Asia. 'We are already pretty well covered in Asia, with the exception of places like Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan,' he said. 'So, it is obviously a major focus for us to try to get some of those other areas that we are not yet in.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur Hotel (@anantarajaipur) In fact, Minor Hotels recently debuted in India with Anantara in Jaipur and aims to have 50 properties in the next 10 years. The company is also growing in China where it plans to open two more hotels to add to its current five. A new Anantara is also opening in Kota Kinabalu this December and the group is inching closer to that elusive goal: A hotel in Japan. 'We are working very hard on it, and it is high on our priorities. I hope by this time next year, we will at least have something announced,' he shared. A hotel is under construction in Singapore too. 'It will be an Avani located close to Chinatown and will be a bit more lifestyle-focused, which will suit the market well. There will be a rooftop dining venue, and it promises to be a fun destination,' he said. One of the global trends driving growth is the rising demand for meaningful, immersive experiences. 'Anantara has become an experiential brand. After COVID-19, we are seeing so many people who want to experience different cultures in foreign lands and we are honoured that they have chosen Anantara,' he said. For instance, at the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, guests get to sleep under the stars in transparent bubble lodges and participate in encounters with rescued elephants. The Anantara Ubud Bali Resort offers a traditional Balinese ritual called Melukat that can be performed at a 1,000-year-old temple while guests may go snorkelling with manta rays at the Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas. 'These are all very special to me, because each experience has been created to bring alive the culture of the various countries we are in,' said Heinecke. This is all part of what Heinecke calls 'soft power'. He said: 'Everybody has adopted what South Korea pioneered and are finding storytelling and experiences a great way to hook travellers on a destination.' The lifelong entrepreneur credits his longevity to passion and play — fun is as much a business strategy as it is a personal credo. His pursuits include dining, collecting vintage and supercars and flying planes and helicopters. These have ultimately led to varied business ventures such as MJets, an aircraft charter company and Minor Beverages, the food and beverage arm of the company that owns Thai-based The Pizza Company as well as global franchises like Benihana teppanyaki, Swensens and Sizzler. His love for cool wheels and frequent participation in car rallies also inspired him to spearhead the Anantara Concorso Roma, the revival of a 100-year-old car parade that used to take place in Rome. It was initially slated to happen in April this year but had to be postponed to 2026 because of Pope Francis' death. Acknowledging some disappointment, he said: 'The outpouring of grief for the Pope was just so much that it did not seem appropriate to do anything except postpone the concorso.' But true to his never-say-die spirit, he added, 'You cannot worry about the things you cannot control so I only look forward with enthusiasm and optimism for the event next year.' Ever the maverick, he does not shy away from left-field investments that raise eyebrows at the boardroom table. Case in point: His decision to bring Pop Mart, the wildly popular Chinese toy brand, to Thailand in 2023. He was fascinated by the concept of blind box toys but at that point, the brand had yet to explode in popularity. 'I don't think our board was very excited about the prospects at the time,' he said with a laugh. But he knew he was on to something because of the devoted collectors he met. By the time Blackpink's Lisa popularised the brand's Labubu bag charm, setting off an international craze for Pop Mart's products, his stores in Thailand were well positioned to take advantage of the frenzy. View this post on Instagram A post shared by LISA (@lalalalisa_m) Next, he is off to check out the Anantara property in Ubud — and knowing him, he is already dreaming up his next unexpected move.
Tatler Asia
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
The T-Wind is blowing: Will Thailand be Asia's next soft power giant?
Above Lalisa Manobal and Tayme Thapthimthong play Mook and Gaitok in the third season of The White Lotus (Image: Max) Soft power, a term conceptualised by the recently deceased American political scientist Joseph Nye, refers to a nation's ability to influence others without the use of force, often by earning influence through positive appeal, and is a critical aspect of diplomacy and international relations. In the 2025 edition of the Global Soft Power Index, Thailand placed 39, recognised for its cultural influence, media appeal and international perceptions of friendliness, hospitality and creativity. Thai cinema's global moment Above The official trailer for 'How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies', which was released locally under the title 'Lahn Mah' The success of A Useful Ghost at Cannes exemplifies Thailand's sophisticated approach to cultural diplomacy through cinema. The film tells the story of a woman who has recently died of a respiratory illness and returns as a useful ghost, possessing a vacuum cleaner to protect her husband not only from dust, which he is allergic to, but from various vengeful ghosts. Described by the jury as a "bold, free and unclassifiable work" that plays with genres whilst offering a vision that's "both intimate and universal," the film demonstrates Thailand's capacity to produce content that resonates across cultural boundaries whilst maintaining its distinct identity. This win added to the success of last year's Thai comedy drama How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies , known in Thai as Lahn Mah and directed by Pat Boonnitipat, which shattered commercial expectations by grossing US$73.8 million worldwide—making it the highest-grossing Thai film globally. The film also progressed to the Academy Awards shortlist, the first submission from Thailand to do so, signalling that Thai storytelling, when authentically exploring universal themes through a distinctly local lens, possesses remarkable global appeal. See also: Lessons from the makers of hit Thai film 'How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies' Above Aoy (Chutimon Chuengcharoensukying) and chef Paul (Nopachai Chaiyanam) in Netflix's 'Hunger' (Photo: Courtesy of Netflix) This dual success—one critically acclaimed, the other commercially triumphant—reveals Thailand's strategic diversification within cinema. Rather than pursuing a single path, Thai filmmakers are simultaneously cultivating both art house credibility and mainstream accessibility, ensuring their cultural exports can reach both discerning film festival circuits and mass global audiences. The accessibility of Thai content through streaming platforms has further amplified this reach. For example, Netflix's Hunger (2023), which introduced international audiences to Thai culinary traditions and cultural nuances, creating what cultural analysts describe as "active soft power"—content that encourages deeper engagement with Thai language, cuisine and customs, is one of the most internationally streamed Thai films. The T-Wind and musical diplomacy Above Jeff Satur (Image: courtesy of Warner Music Asia) While Korean pop music dominates global conversations about Asian music exports, Thailand's T-Pop scene is carving its own distinctive niche. The emergence of what has been termed the 'T-Wind"—Thailand's answer to the Korean Wave—has generated impressive momentum, with the Thai music industry experiencing 20 per cent revenue growth in 2022, surpassing $100 million in wholesale market revenue for the first time. Artists like Jeff Satur, 4Eve, Billkin and Tilly Birds aren't simply emulating established Asian pop formulas. Instead, they're creating a uniquely Thai musical identity that blends traditional Thai elements with contemporary pop, hip-hop and rock. This genre versatility represents a competitive advantage in an increasingly saturated global music market, offering international audiences something genuinely distinctive rather than derivative. Celebrity culture as cultural currency Perhaps nowhere is Thailand's soft power more visibly demonstrated than in the luxury fashion world's enthusiastic embrace of Thai celebrities. Seismic shifts in global brand strategy took place when Bright Vachirawit became Burberry's first global ambassador from the South Asia-Pacific region, and Win Metawin was appointed Prada's first Thai global ambassador. There is now an extensive roster of Thai celebrities representing prestigious luxury houses, including Gulf Kanawut for Gucci, BamBam for Louis Vuitton, Jeff Satur for Valentino and Cartier, Nattawin Wattanagitiphat for Piaget, Blackpink's Lisa for Celine, and Sarocha 'Freen' Chankimha for Valentino. These appointments mark historical firsts for Thai representation within these brands, signifying luxury fashion's recognition of Southeast Asian markets' growing influence and purchasing power. What makes this phenomenon particularly significant is how these celebrities function as complete lifestyle ambassadors rather than simple endorsers. Win Metawin, for instance, operates his own fashion label (streetwear brand Velence) alongside his entertainment career, embodying the entrepreneurial sophistication that luxury brands seek to associate with. This positions Thai celebrities as cultural trendsetters capable of influencing global consumer behaviour and lifestyle aspirations. The impact extends beyond fashion shows and red carpets. These ambassadorships actively promote Thai aesthetics and contemporary style on international stages, serving as potent forms of cultural diplomacy that enhance Thailand's image as a modern, sophisticated cultural force. The Boys' Love (BL) phenomenon Above Suppasit 'Mew' Jongcheveevat and Kanawut 'Gulf' Traipipattanapong in TharnType: The Series (Photo: Instagram / @tharntypeofficial) One of Thailand's most unexpected cultural exports has been the Boys' Love (BL) fictional media genre, which has garnered massive international followings and created entirely new categories of cultural consumption. Manifested in literature, television dramas and films, the genre, which depicts homoerotic relationships between men and is typically created by women for a female audience, has demonstrated Thailand's willingness to explore diverse narratives and represent different communities, contributing to global conversations about representation whilst generating significant economic returns through merchandise, fan events and tourism. BL productions contributed approximately 2 billion baht (USD61 million) in export revenue in 2024, double the previous year. See also: Is the BL genre the next step toward global recognition for Thai literature? Thailand's strategic 5Fs framework Thailand's cultural ascendancy isn't purely organic—it is supported by a comprehensive government strategy centred on the "5Fs" policy: Food, Film, Festivals, Fighting (Muay Thai) and Fashion, demonstrating an understanding that effective soft power requires diverse cultural portfolios rather than reliance on single exports. The establishment of the National Soft Power Strategy Committee, headed by Thailand's Prime Minister, signals the highest level of political commitment to cultural diplomacy. The committee's ambitious goal of generating 4 trillion baht in revenue through creative industries underscores soft power's recognition as a crucial economic driver rather than merely cultural window dressing. Perhaps most significant is the forthcoming Thailand Creative Content Agency (THACCA), operational from 2026, which aims to transform 20 million Thai citizens into skilled creative workers by 2027. This human capital investment represents recognition that sustainable soft power requires continuous development. Learning from Asian soft power success stories Thailand's strategy clearly takes inspiration from established regional models. South Korea's Hallyu Wave demonstrates how deliberate government investment, coordinated agency support and sustained commitment can transform cultural potential into significant economic and diplomatic influence. South Korea's ranked in 12th position in the Global Soft Power Index for 2025 reflecting decades of strategic cultural investment. Similarly, Japan's "Cool Japan" strategy illustrates how cultural exports can be strategically adapted for global consumption through "glocalisation"—maintaining distinct cultural identity whilst ensuring universal accessibility. Japan's animation industry generated record overseas profits of 1.72 trillion yen in 2023, demonstrating the economic potential of well-executed cultural diplomacy. Japan ranked 4th in this year's Global Soft Power Index, behind the US, China and the UK. Thailand's approach appears to take lessons from both models: maintaining authentic Thai identity whilst ensuring content resonates globally, and combining government support with market-driven innovation. Persistent challenges Despite impressive progress, Thailand faces challenges in sustaining its cultural momentum. Intense competition from established players like South Korea and Japan requires continuous innovation and strategic differentiation, and political stability remains crucial for maintaining investor confidence and regulatory predictability—factors essential for long-term creative industry growth. Additionally, Thailand's global image is still heavily shaped by a narrow bandwidth of representation. Male stars dominate luxury ambassadorships, and much of the international fandom around Thai content centres on curated ideals of male beauty and queer-coded narratives. Meanwhile, female artists and creators often struggle for equivalent global visibility—a dynamic that suggests the next phase of Thailand's soft power evolution must grapple more directly with gender equity in its cultural exports. A cultural powerhouse in the making Thailand's transformation from tourism-dependent nation to multifaceted cultural exporter represents one of Asia's most compelling soft power success stories. And the evidence suggests that this is just the beginning. Thailand is no longer simply inviting the world to visit—it's inviting the world to feel, watch, wear and hear it. Yet, the true test will be sustainability. Can Thailand nurture its creative sector beyond current trends? Will it make room for stories from all corners of its society—not just the ones easiest to export? The answers will determine whether this moment becomes a movement, and whether Thailand's cultural ascent reshapes not just perception, but power. Credits This article was created with the assistance of AI tools
Malay Mail
18-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Thai farmers pitch Buriram-born K-pop star Lisa to power fruit exports beyond China
BANGKOK, May 18 — Thai farmers are turning to superstar Lalisa 'Lisa' Manobal to help sweeten the global image of the country's fruit industry. The member of Blackpink and Buriram native was named by growers as their top pick to front a campaign promoting Thai fruits overseas, The Bangkok Post reported today. The suggestion was made during Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's visit to Chanthaburi, where farmers pitched Lisa's star power as the key to cracking new markets. They believe Lisa's international influence could raise Thailand's fruit exports to 500 billion baht a year, up from the current 200–300 billion. Lisa, who made history as the first Thai K-pop idol to go global, is known for breaking records with her solo music and securing luxury endorsements with brands like Bulgari and Celine. Growers say her image could make Thai fruits more desirable worldwide, especially beyond China, the country's current top buyer. The prime minister was also briefed on issues like long customs delays, premature durian harvesting, and a shrinking farm labour force. Farmers proposed solutions such as relaxing rules for migrant workers and offering compensation for damage caused by wild elephants. Paetongtarn pledged faster export processing, more government fruit purchases, and research funding to keep Thai produce competitive. She later joined a durian-cutting event and livestreamed with young farmers — but for many, Lisa's star remains the biggest hope for Thailand's fruit fame.
South China Morning Post
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Rapper Azealia Banks sparks fury in Thailand over transphobic rant about Blackpink's Lisa
A social media firestorm has erupted in Thailand after American rapper Azealia Banks directed transphobic slurs at K-pop sensation Lalisa Manobal – better known as Lisa of Blackpink – triggering a fierce backlash from her Thai fans that spiralled into a racially charged online battle. Advertisement The controversy began on Tuesday, the day after Lisa's appearance at the Met Gala in New York, where she walked the blue carpet in a Louis Vuitton lingerie-inspired bodysuit. Banks responded to a photo of the Thai-born singer with a post on X, formerly Twitter, calling Lisa a 'ladyboy' – a slur often directed at transgender women in Southeast Asia – and declaring: 'Lisa is a man. I'm not walking that comment back.' A tweet on X by US rapper Azealia Banks on Lalisa Manobal, better known as Lisa of Blackpink. Photo: X/@azealiaslacewig She followed up with a series of similarly transphobic posts, including references to a separate controversy over Lisa's outfit, which some speculated featured the face of US civil rights icon Rosa Parks. Although the outfit's designer later clarified that the portraits depicted people from his personal life, not historical figures, Banks claimed the image had been strategically placed to provoke liberal outrage – describing it in a lengthy post as part of a media 'psyop'. Her remarks, widely condemned as transphobic and racially inflammatory, added fuel to the backlash. Banks, a hitmaker with a string of major rap awards to her name, is known as much for her musical output as for her history of provocative and often offensive social media posts – including those targeting the transgender community. US rapper Azealia Banks performs during her concert in Paris on April 12. Photo: AFP But this time, her remarks struck a nerve with Thailand's online K-pop fandom, known for swiftly rallying to the defence of their idols.
