In the dazzling realm of global soft power, few figures shine as brightly as Lalisa “Lisa” Manobal, the phenomenal Thai K-pop sensation who recently clinched the top spot in the 2024 Thailand’s most influential soft power poll. Hot on her heels is an unexpected contender—a baby pygmy hippo named “Moo Deng,” capturing hearts and votes with a substantial percentage, followed by the charismatic Butter Bear mascot, affectionately known as “Nong Mee Noei.”
The North Bangkok Poll Centre’s chief, Sanit Siriwisitkul, unveiled these results following a poll conducted from December 24 to 28, drawing insights from a diverse panel of 1,500 participants. Earning 25.4% of the votes, Lisa’s influence is undeniable, as her talent transcends borders and embodies the spirit of modern Thailand. Moo Deng, the adorable celebrity of Khao Kieow Zoo, romped into the second place with a commendable 15.2% of the votes, while Butter Bear, the charming face of its namesake bakery, scooped up 12.7%.
The list of influential figures continued with singer Danupa “Milli” Kanatheerakul holding a strong fourth place at 10.3% and the legendary Muay Thai boxer Buakhao Bunchamek proudly owning fifth place with 8.5%. These figures are not just entertainers; they’re ambassadors of Thai culture, spreading its allure across the globe.
On the musical front, one of the year’s pivotal moments was the release of Lisa’s “Rockstar,” a music video set against the vivid backdrop of Yaowarat, Bangkok’s iconic Chinatown. This production not only spotlighted Thai cultural vibrancy but also became a testament to the country’s pulsating nightlife, drawing global eyes to its multifaceted charm.
Siriwisitkul also shared fascinating insights into Thailand’s power-packed festivals, with Songkran leading the way as the most impactful event for soft power promotion, accounting for 30.5% of participant preferences. Not far behind were the serene and visually stunning Loy Krathong festival, New Year’s Day with its universal appeal, the traditional Wai Khru Muay Thai ceremony, and the exhilarating long-tail boat races.
The success narratives didn’t stop there. When delving into the realms of soft power themes, tourism, festivals, and cultural elements emerged victorious, securing 24.7% of participant votes. These were followed by the allure of Thai fashion and clothing at 20.3%, the irresistible appeal of Thai cuisine and sports, particularly Muay Thai, both tying at 15.2%, with a nod to traditional Thai medicine and massage at 10.1%.
Adding an unexpected twist to this spectrum of influence was the delightful Moo Deng, who carved a unique space by being named the “Top Meme of the Year” on social media platform X (Twitter), amassing a staggering 7.7 million mentions throughout the year. It seems that in the age of digital communication, even a baby hippo can become a soft power icon, exemplifying the diverse and unpredictable nature of influence.
As the calendar turns to 2025, Thailand’s soft power landscape brims with potential, continuously weaving a tapestry that blends tradition with modernity—capturing imaginations worldwide.
I can’t believe a baby hippo would even make it to the list, let alone challenge Lalisa Manobal. It’s a stretch to call that soft power.
Moo Deng is super cute and anything that brings positive attention to Thailand counts as soft power in my book.
Cute doesn’t equate to influence. We’re talking about global cultural power here!
Exactly! There’s so much more to soft power than just a cute animal. It’s about global impact.
But think about it—Moo Deng has gone viral internationally. Isn’t that a form of global impact?
Lalisa truly deserves her place at the top. K-pop is a significant cultural movement now, influencing people worldwide more than ever.
Yeah, but is it fair to compare a person to an animal in these rankings? It’s apples and oranges.
I think it’s a fun way to see how different things can influence culture, whether through art, cuteness, or memes!
If we’re talking about music and influence, we should acknowledge how western music still dominates. Is K-pop really that groundbreaking?
K-pop has opened doors for Asian artists globally, breaking cultural barriers. That’s pretty major in my opinion.
Butter Bear being in third place is interesting. It shows commercial and local mascots can have an influence, but isn’t that more about marketing?
Butter Bear is an excellent representation of Thailand’s creativity in branding and connecting with people. It’s not just a mascot, it’s a cultural symbol.
The festivals being part of soft power makes more sense. Songkran and Loy Krathong are rich in tradition and attract tourists every year.
Exactly, these festivals are unique to Thailand and show off the country’s cultural identity beautifully.
True, and it’s great that they’re getting global recognition. Maybe they should invest more in promoting these events.
Muay Thai as a major soft power element is fantastic. It’s a globally recognized sport that embodies Thai strength and tradition.
I agree, but Muay Thai still doesn’t get enough international coverage. More people know karate or jiu-jitsu, which is a shame.
Traditional Thai medicine and massage should get more love too. They’re unique and offer something different to international audiences.
Definitely, they’re integral to Thailand’s culture and could be more prominent if marketed right.
Lisa really showcases Thailand on the global stage. Her RockStar video was a brilliant advertisement for the country’s culture.
I think Moo Deng is overrated. It’s just trendy to like him because of social media. Let’s see what lasts in the long run.
Social media trends might seem fleeting, but they have massive reach. Moo Deng’s fame isn’t just for now, it builds a cultural narrative for the future.
Lalisa Manobal has untapped potential to further fashion influence globally. Her impact on style is subtle yet powerful.
It’s incredible how these soft power elements spotlight Thailand’s modern and traditional balance.
Balancing modern and traditional aspects makes their culture appealing worldwide and helps tourism massively.
With Lisa and Moo Deng leading, it’s an exciting time for Thai soft power, but don’t forget all the hardworking Thai individuals underpinning this influence.