Butterbear bakery mascot sparks nostalgic craze in Thailand

The popularity of Butterbear, the mascot of Butterbear bakery located on the G floor of EmSphere shopping mall, has become a new phenomenon in Thailand.

Part of the Coffee Beans by Dao brand, Butterbear has attracted crowds similar to those seen for superstar artists, with people queuing as early as 4am to take pictures with the beloved character. Butterbear has garnered a following among Thai and international parents and children alike.

For those who grew up in the 1990s, this new mascot brings back memories of another famous bear mascot, the teddy bears from the cartoon Bananas in Pyjamas. This show featured three adorable teddy bears, Amy, Lulu, and Morgan, who were friends with the banana twins, B1 and B2.

The cartoon Bananas in Pyjamas was a children’s show that first aired in 1992 on ABC in Australia and ended its run in 2002. In Thailand, it was broadcast on Channel 7. The iconic characters B1 and B2, the banana twins, were known for their blue and white striped pyjamas and their memorable lines, “Are you thinking what I’m thinking, B1?” and “I think I am, B2.”

This show holds a special place in the hearts of 90s kids who eagerly waited in front of their televisions every day to watch it. The Thai voice actors for the show added to its charm, and even after more than 30 years, some of these voice actors are still active in the industry, with some becoming familiar faces on screen.

List of voice actors

B1 was voiced by Wirat Singhadetsakul, who passed away in 2018. His work included voicing Garrick Ollivander in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Richard Nelson (Richard Dreyfuss) in Poseidon, and Simon Graham in The Last Samurai.

B2 was voiced by Chirawat Wachirasarunphat, also known as Awa, who has lent his voice to many blockbuster films, such as Severus Snape in Harry Potter, Master Storming Ox in Kung Fu Panda 2, and roles in Transformers, The Hobbit, Batman, and Captain America.

Morgan and the shopkeeper were voiced by Thanasak Un-on, also known as Tueng, a regular voice actor for Channel 7. His work includes voicing Captain Yoo Si-jin in Descendants of the Sun.

Lulu was voiced by Nantana Boonlong, also known as Kru Ann, who is a singer, actress, vocal coach, and voice actor. She is also the voice behind the announcements on the Red Line trains. Her voice acting roles include Petunia Dursley and Lily Potter in Harry Potter, and Yoon Myung-joo in Descendants of the Sun.

Amy was voiced by Wachira Permsuriya, also known as Aeh, who is both an actor and a regular voice actor for Channel 7. Her work includes voicing Kang Mo-yeon in Descendants of the Sun, reported Sanook.