THAY CHAMPASAK: A Voice from Southern Laos
Thay Champasak, often referred to simply as Thay CPS, is a rising star in the Lao music scene. Hailing from Pakse, the bustling capital of Champasak Province in southern Laos, his journey to fame has been anything but conventional. Known for its lush landscapes, cascading waterfalls like Khone Phapheng and Tad Fane, Tad Yuang, Tad champee and the ancient temple complex of Wat Phou—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—Champasak is a place where nature and culture intertwine. For Thay, these surroundings have always been a source of inspiration.
Born and raised in this vibrant region, Thay grew up immersed in the sounds and rhythms of traditional Lao music. However, his path to becoming a singer wasn’t straightforward. Before pursuing music full-time, he worked as an account clerk at a local resort, clocking in long hours behind a desk. It was a stable job, but deep down, Thay knew his heart belonged elsewhere.
On his days off, Thay would travel over 200 kilometers round trip from Pakse to Seno, where a modest recording studio offered him a chance to chase his dream. The commute was grueling, often taking up most of his free time, but Thay persisted. He saved every spare penny to fund his recordings, pouring his soul into each session despite the challenges. His parents, though supportive in their own way, couldn’t help but worry about his unconventional choices. “They probably thought I was crazy,” Thay admits with a laugh today.
For years, success seemed elusive. Thay released song after song, hoping to gain traction. His big break came unexpectedly when one of his tracks started gaining attention on YouTube. Though the first payment from the platform was modest—around 2,000 Thai baht (about $60 USD)—it gave him hope. At the time, YouTube hadn’t fully monetized channels based in Laos, so earnings were limited. Still, Thay remained undeterred. To cover costs and keep momentum going, he committed to releasing multiple songs each month, steadily building his audience.
Much of Thay’s success can be attributed to his collaboration with talented songwriter Jong Banna, who penned many of his hits. One standout track, “ຄ່ຳຄືນນີ້” (“It’s a Beautiful Night”), catapulted him into the spotlight. Recorded in his humble home studio, the song resonated deeply with listeners, amassing over 51 million views—a remarkable feat considering Laos’ population of just 7 million people. The achievement not only solidified Thay’s place in the industry but also showcased the power of authentic storytelling through music.
Despite his growing fame, Thay remains deeply connected to his roots. A true southerner at heart, his favorite foods reflect the flavors of Champasak. From larb (spicy minced fish meat salad) to steamed fish wrapped in banana leaves, and even unique delicacies like frog sausage or grilled frog served with long bean salad (ຕຳໝາກຖົ່ວ), Thay’s love for local cuisine speaks volumes about his pride in his heritage. These dishes, made from fresh ingredients sourced from the Mekong River and surrounding rice fields, remind him of home and fuel his creative spirit.
When asked about his journey, Thay humbly credits his fans for making it all possible. “Without them, I wouldn’t be here,” he says sincerely. Their unwavering support has kept him motivated during tough times, reminding him why he started singing in the first place—to share stories, emotions, and joy with others.
Today, Thay continues to write, record, and perform, balancing his passion for music with his commitment to staying true to himself. While he dreams of reaching international audiences someday, he knows that his foundation lies in the rich culture and community of southern Laos. And perhaps that’s what makes his story so compelling—it’s not just about chasing fame; it’s about honoring where you come from while daring to dream bigger.
Check below link to his song “ຄ່ຳຄືນນີ້”
https://youtu.be/QmdQN34yht0?list=OLAK5uy_kgwglpuKAtS38nHuI__aBLmkGhPxthgGc
More info from his Youtube channel or Facebook
