Lisa tops Thailand soft power poll, beating Moo Deng and Butter Bear
Lalisa “Lisa” Manobal has taken the lead in 2024 Thailand’s most powerful soft power poll, demonstrating her wide-reaching influence as a global K-pop star. Following closely behind in the poll are the adorable pygmy hippo named Moo Deng and the popular Butter Bear mascot, also known as Nong Mee Noei.
Sanit Siriwisitkul, head of the North Bangkok Poll Centre, revealed that this year’s soft power survey engaged 1,500 participants, conducted over a few days in late December.
Lisa emerged as the most influential soft power figure, capturing 25.4% of the votes. Moo Deng, the famed hippo residing at Khao Kieow Zoo, received 15.2%, while Butter Bear, the mascot of a bakery shop bearing the same name, garnered 12.7%. The list continues with singer Danupa “Milli” Kanatheerakul securing 10.3%, and Muay Thai boxer Buakhao Bunchamek earning 8.5%.
June saw Lisa release a music video titled Rockstar, filmed amidst the lively night food scene of Yaowarat, Bangkok’s iconic Chinatown. The video made waves this year, emphasising Thailand’s cultural soft power.
Sanit noted that 30.5% of participants identified Songkran as the most impactful festival for promoting soft power, followed by Loy Krathong with 18.3%, New Year’s Day at 14%, the Wai Khru Muay Thai ceremony with 9.5%, and long-tail boat races at 7.7%.
The poll further explored successful soft power themes, with tourism, festivals, and culture taking the lead at 24.7%. Thai fashion and clothes followed at 20.3%, while Thai food and sports such as Muay Thai each captured 15.2%. Traditional Thai medicine and massage rounded out the list with 10.1%, reported Bangkok Post.
Earlier in December, Moo Deng was declared the Top Meme of the Year on X (Twitter), with 7.7 million posts throughout the year, highlighting the hippo’s enduring appeal.
In related news, X has officially named Moo Deng, the adorable pygmy hippo, as its “Top Meme of the Year.” With a staggering 7.7 million posts, Moo Deng captivated the internet and became a cultural phenomenon in 2024.
