Sometimes it's fun to be around kids because they make us feel smart, mature and sophisticated as if we have it all figured out (and that never happens with adults, whose utmost joy is pointing out how disappointing life actually is).
However in some cases, kids can show up even the most talented adults. With Children's Day (Jan 12) taking place tomorrow, we honour some cool kids who have made it to fame over the past year. But be careful, as you might not feel so smart or contented with your so-called "success" in life anymore after you have gotten to know them.
Tanon "Non" Jumroen
- Tanon "Non" Jumroen, 16, Winner of The Voice Thailand 2012
Although he might not be half as charming as his Voice coach Saharat "Kong" Sangkapricha, it is his voice, after all, that made him the winner of the first The Voice Thailand competition. Originally from Phuket, Tanon Jumroen or "Non" went from being a little kid who simply loved watching music shows on the telly, to becoming a national sensation, moving the audience's heart with his down-to-earth personality, touching voice and sincere demeanour.
"I chose to sing in the first place because I grew up with music," he says. "It's what makes me really happy. The world would have been dull, only black and white, if there was no such thing as music." With the winning title of The Voice Thailand in his hand at the age of only 16, he says it wasn't all a smooth path like other people might imagine. "There were times when I felt like quiting it all. When I was young, I used to sing luk thung music all the time, but when I started to grow up and my voice became more hoarse, I couldn't control it anymore," he explains. "I stopped singing for a long time, playing instruments instead, before I got back to singing again.
"I just want to sing. There are so many factors that influence your direction in life. Don't hold back. Don't stop. And don't give up," he says with passion to inspire new singers.
Patipon "Kong" Puntawee
- Patipon "Kong" Puntawee, 13, YouTube Sensation
With over 7 million views on YouTube, Patipon "Kong" Puntawee's video clip of himself lip-syncing and dancing to singer Panyarisa "Waii" Thienprasiddhi's song "Sia Jai Tae Mai Care (Don't Care)" has turned him into the talk of the town overnight, but has also gathered criticism over his alleged girly movements and facial expressions. While dancing without his shirt on, he seems to be constantly looking back over his shoulder, making some viewers assume that he is afraid that his mum will walk in and find him.
"I wasn't at all afraid that mum would see me dance like that," he clarifies. "She sees me dance like that all the time. The reason why I was looking over my shoulder was because I was using my mum's camera and she doesn't like that." When asked why he uploaded the clip in the first place, he says, "It was my relative who wanted another relative of mine who is living abroad to see me dancing so she uploaded it on YouTube."
When asked whether he ever felt shy or ashamed since millions of people have seen his moves, he says, "Not at all. I have been criticised a lot but I don't care. I want to just be myself and the video is doing no harm to society."
With the release of his latest single "Hua Pok", the 13-year-old who aspires to be a singer, actor, and fashion designer urges those who want to be like him to never be afraid of being themselves, and to do whatever makes them happy.
Sophicha "Gail" Aungkawimongkol
- Sophicha "Gail" Aungkawimongkol, 7, Runner-Up of Thailand's Got Talent 2012
Chances are the majority of you couldn't remember more than five lines of a song when you were a little kid, let alone sing the whole song while playing a musical instrument at the same time. At the age of only 7, Sophicha "Gail" Aungkawimongkol claimed the runner-up title of last year's Thailand's Got Talent competition, and has melted the hearts of millions across the country with her singing and her little ukulele.
"There was a period of time when I started playing ukulele that my fingers got really sore," she says of the difficulties she has had to overcome. "It was all about patience and once that phase had passed, everything was not too hard." However she doesn't know yet what she wants to be when she grows up. She is just happy being able to make people smile with her performance for the time being.
When asked what she has learned from being on stage and in showbiz, she says, "I used to be quite shy, but now I have learned to have more confidence when faced with a lot of people. I am now also more principled, being able to balance my time between work and studies." Pretty mature for a kid.
Inthat "Phoo" Sermsukcharoenchai
- Inthat "Phoo" Sermsukcharoenchai, 8, Actor
If sitting glued to the screen of the telly is one of your main activities, then this boy's face is probably familiar. At the age of 8, Inthat "Phoo" Sermsukcharoenchai has appeared in several TV dramas, MVs and commercials.
"I get to go to so many places in Thailand," he says of the perks of his job. "It is so much fun. I also get to meet a lot of people. What I especially like is watching how the production crew work, their way around cameras." When he grows up he wants to be an anchorman because he gets to be himself, and to think and speak for himself.
When asked what he has learned from starting work at such a young age, he says, "I have learned to be more patient. Sometimes I have to wait for hours and really late into the night. It's quite hard work." Well if he can do the hard work, maybe we can too.G
