Preduce
How and why did Preduce come to be?
Before we started Preduce back in 2002, there was no way for local skaters to get sponsored, try to make a career as a pro skateboarder or even work in skateboarding. The scene was here already and there was some very talented skateboarders but no way for them to take it further. With my Thai friends we decided to take the mater in our own hands and start the first Thai skateboard company to try to change that.
Skating seems to have a pretty solid foothold within the urban culture of Bangkok now. You have witnessed the growth over the last 20 years so what have been the factors that have contributed to the growth in popularity of skating here?
As I mentioned the scene in Thailand was already pretty strong in Thailand in the early 2000’s. Coming from Switzerland I was really surprised to see how good some of the Thai skaters were back then. It’s a big factor that made us want to start Preduce as we felt there was something special going on here. Since then one big factor that helped skateboarding grow here is that with Preduce and other local brands and shops starting after that there is now a local skate industry that helps support skaters and gives back to the community. There are also good skateparks in Thailand now when there was none before. And in general skateboarding is more accepted. Most parents now that have kids skateboarding grew up with it so they see it differently than their parents did.
Who are some of the skaters that have been important to lifting up the scene in Thailand? And who should we look to for the future?
Some of the OG’s that brought recognition to Thai skateboarding within and internationally are Geng Jakkarin, Lert Saeri, Tao Kitpullap, Jirawat Paoin. The current ones leading the scene are Jasper Dohrs, Orapan Tongkong, Chai Thawatchai, Best Peeraphat. Look out for Mini Chunkao too. She’s only 10 but she’s ripping.
Is there something that might define a Thai style of skateboarding?
I’m not sure if there’s really a specific Thai style. Each skater is different. Spots have a lot to do with it too so there’s definitely a Thai aesthetic in the video coming out of Thailand.
Skating is one of those rare things that is just totally positive for kids. For example, encouraging resilience - fall down and get back on again. Could you share your perspective on how young kids benefit from being involved in skateboarding?
Skateboarding is really hard. It takes a lot of time and dedication to get good a it. Lot of repetition, trying the same trick over and over until landing it. It teaches perseverance. Once you have put that much time into learning how to skate, I think you can apply this process and perseverance in whatever else you want to learn in life. It’s a creative endeavour as well, not just purely physical. I think that’s why there are so many skateboarders that are great self-taught artists and musicians. Nowadays it’s also a good way for kids to be away from their screen, be active, meet other people and socialize in real life.
What are some of the things that skateboarding has taught you?
The first thing skateboarding did for me is bring me joy. I’ve been in love with it since I was 10 years old. I still love it the same. I helped me gain self-confidence, gave me a purpose and a sense of belonging. It made me social. Most of my friends to this day come from skateboarding. It made me tough and resilient. It made me want to travel and discover the world. I discovered music and art through skateboarding. Skateboarders come from all walks of life, backgrounds, races, religions. You skate with kids and with 50 years olds on the same session. You travel with all kinds of different people. It makes you tolerant and open-minded. And it gives you a worldwide community of like-minded people that will welcome you wherever you are.
Graphic design and music have always been a part of skateboard culture, with the decks, clothes and videos. Preduce naturally reflects the local creative culture around it . Could you tip us off for a local artist and a musician / band that really excites you?
For artists you should check out TRK, Toeypony, Paulspective, TPSFT. For musicians I always like what my friend Maftsai has going on with his label and his band Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band. On the same label Rattanakosin Breakin Crew are dope. On the hip hop side I’m really into what the Family Business Crew is doing. They are really good live. Rhymekhamhaeng is a great MC as well. Réjizz is another musician I like lately.
How do you see skateboarding culture in Thailand developing in the future?
Hopefully still growing and getting more recognition and support internationally.
What does Thailand mean to you today?
It’s home.
Thank you to Simon for taking the time to share some of his wisdom from the deck.
For more from Preduce, their website is here and their IG is here and here for the shop.
Photos by Janchai Montrelerdrasme, Anthony Claravall & Nobuo Iseki.
Videos by Preduce.
