National Artist Na Yod Chuen Yim Fuses Viral Song with Traditional Tune
National Artist Na Yod Chuen Yim, 68, showcased his ability to stay relevant by performing the viral song "Nene Nai Naemak" to a traditional Thai melody during a comedy masterclass at Chulalongkorn University. He emphasized the rendition was a respectful tribute to Add Carabao, not a parody, and delighted in seeing students enthusiastically sing along. The veteran comedian also shared insights on his social media content with his wife and their enduring relationship.
National Artist Na Yod Chuen Yim, 68, a timeless comedian who follows social media trends, performed the song "Nene Nai Naemak" to a traditional Thai melody, insisting it was not a parody but a tribute to Add Carabao. Add himself was delighted that younger generations could sing along. On October 21, 2026, Na Yod joined the SPECIAL TALK – COMEDY MASTERCLASS: Unveiling the Science and Art of Comedy Storytelling at the Dr. Thiam Conference Room, 3rd Floor, Mongkut Samitiwong Building, Faculty of Communication Arts, Chulalongkorn University.
Speaking to Khaosod Entertainment, he revealed his secret to staying current: observe trends and play along without offending anyone. He detailed the background of blending "Nene Nai Naemak" with the folk tune "Phama Ram Kwan," confirming it was born from appreciation and respect for Add Carabao. He also shared feedback on creating content with his wife Na Som for their "Grandma Som's Kitchen" social media series, which delights fans, and their secret to a lifelong partnership: apologize first, forgive, and move on. His performance schedule remains busy, and he continues producing social media content for fans.
Na Yod said: "Today I met students to discuss the path of comedy, how to create gags. Mostly we perform to show rhythm, so we analyze the process, components, mood, and presentation. The students were adorable and very sharp. Usually my gags don't make everyone laugh at once; a 2-3 second gag unfolds in a specific way."
Asked about the recent gag using "Nene Nai Naemak" in a traditional Thai rhythm: "We like the song 'Nene Nai Naemak,' loved it since Add sang it. We took his lyrics and set them to the 'Phama Ram Kwan' melody. Add's lyrics fit this tune perfectly. It's not mockery. It's a traditional Thai song, 'Phama Ram Kwan.' We just put the lyrics to this melody."
Is it a style everyone can sing along to? "Yes, everyone can sing along, all adorable. They're not kids anymore; university students already know the lyrics. With the familiar folk melody, they join in happily. The whole room participated. Seeing them happy makes us happy."
Following the trend of this song? "Our approach to creating gags or content is exactly this: see what's new and trending, then pick it up to play without disturbing anyone."
A senior comedian who doesn't fade? "We must keep moving. Where they are, we are there. What they talk about, we talk about. To converse knowingly in every era. Students understand the presentation, the play on Thai language. Thai is fun, beautiful words, whether in poetry or wordplay."
After performing "Nene Nai Naemak," what was the feedback? Did people think it was a parody? "Parody or not? Not a parody. Na Yod genuinely likes it, and has faith in Add Carabao and all the singers and musicians we've seen since the production was released. We already had faith, so we posted on social media with permission and respect. We didn't mock. What Na Yod does is not mockery. We just tried taking this verse and putting it into the traditional 'Phama Ram Kwan.' Let the students try singing; they could all sing it. We sat playing and recorded right away, with a ranad, in Na Yod's style, blending Thai music.
Has Add Carabao heard it? "Don't know if he's heard it yet (laughs). But I want to say it's not mockery..."
