Chatuchak Weekend Market is an oasis of street-music performances as well as a shopping paradise.

Each weekend, street musicians, young and old, know this is a place where they can express themselves and show their talent.

"We are Bangkok Road," says Manaskaran Ponwannapa, 40, who earns a living as a music teacher during the week.

He and his friends gather at the market on their days off. Their band comprises violin, guitar, harmonica and drums.

"We have been performing here on Saturdays and Sundays for the past six years," Manaskaran says. "We start playing at around 3pm."

The band has a song list so passers-by can pick their favourites. "You don't need to give us money," Manaskaran says.

"We are happy to play for people who appreciate it". Nevertheless, listeners still donate about Bt1,300 a day.

At another corner, a 17-year-old schoolboy has discovered a lot about himself since he started playing piano here.

"When I first came, I was shy. I worried I might not play well enough," Wanpiya Kitikhunsiri says.

"Now I can feel my confidence growing."

Wanpiya usually plays in his school uniform. "I am proud when I'm asked where I study," says the student of Streesmutprakran School in Samut Prakan.

The young pianist can earn as much as Bt2,000 a day.

"I have won a lot of compliments and I've also got money to pay for my music lessons," Wanpiya says. His lessons cost Bt750 an hour.

An 11-year-old violinist is among some of the new faces. "This is my first time performing for an audience," says Andaman Laocharoen (featured on the front page), who did a one-hour show daily for three days, taking about Bt700 for each.

"I was shy in the beginning. But as more people stopped to watch, I am having a lot of fun," Andaman says.

By Mayuree Sukyingcharoenwong

sunday Xpress

XTRA

Street singers

>> The oldest form of music in the country can be traced to roaming troubadors singing folksongs and fables.

>> When Western street culture  arrived many artists adopted the style.

>> Well-known artists like Lao na Pannan, Eed Footpath and Macharee preferred the  street to the stage.