OUT OF MUD AND MIRE AND INTO STARDOM

OUT OF MUD AND MIRE AND INTO STARDOM

True life story of Kias (Phanta)

by Vachiravan Vanlaeiad

Phanta was born into a poor family in Hat Yai, Songkla Province (a southern province of Thailand). He had led a very wasted and strayed adolescent life: attaching himself with a gang of youngsters, indulging himself in alcohol and drugs, etc. Consequently, he had been arrested and charged with a capital crime, having been sentenced with a lifetime imprisonment at the age of 17. However, after having spent two and a half years in jail, he was released by the verdict of the Appeal Court.

During his time in prison, the pain and sufferings had caused him to search for the meaning of life as well as to find ways to suppress his stress and sorrows. Fortunately for him, he had discovered and acquired a talent in playing various musical instruments, composing of songs, and singing, while serving his term. After his release from jail, he had nourished his hope and dream of becoming a famous singer and musical artist. He then started practicing his God-given talents and skills ever since. While waiting for his dreams to be realized, he made a living by singing and playing music at various pubs, resulting in his involvement in drugs and alcoholic drinking. He had messed himself with these addictions so much that he felt he was soon going to die. He had tried to rescue himself from these devastating behaviors, but to no avail.

One night, after coming back from work at a pub, Phanta felt very disheartened and desperate because an inner voice within him suggested that he was soon going to die. He did not want to die this soon as he was only 28 years old. At that time, he happened to see a tract lying on the floor of his room with this Bible verse written on it: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” After reading the tract, he prayed to the Most High God and opened his heart to accept Jesus as his Savior and Helper. His prayer also included a petition for the deliverance from all his addictions and all at once, he experienced a brand new life being born in him.

Later, his hope and dream of becoming a famous singer and musical artist turned out to be a reality. Many of his albums had been released and most of them were granted with various awards on the national scale. Phanta was later invited to be “a special speaker” for the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security. He had also given trainings to their staff and shared experiences with problemed children. He had been a guest speaker at various schools, universities, and prisons too. Moreover, after he had been diagnosed with cancer, he had spent time to encourage cancer patients. He had dedicated his whole life for the good of society since after his conversion to Christianity. No wonder, he had been well recognized and honored with various awards.

THIS STORY IS A TRIBUTE TO, AND A LOVING MEMORY OF, PHANTA (KIAS) SURASINPISUT, WHO HAD GONE TO BE WITH OUR LORD ON 9 SEPTEMBER 2010.