The comedian Udom “Nose” Taepanich has once again sparked controversy with a joke, this time angering conservatives and royalists.
In his “Deaw Special: Super Soft Power” show currently available on Netflix, Udom makes a sarcastic joke about self-sufficiency while mocking celebrities who pretend to have a self-sufficiency lifestyle “just for show”.
He also realizes that he’s not suited to rural life of growing his own organic vegetables.
“I have to admit that it’s not my thing. I just wanted to show people I live a self-sufficient life, but I found out that it’s not easy,” said Udom, 55.
“I am not a farmer. I was poor enough during childhood that I don’t need to pretend to be poor now. I want to live in a cool, air-conditioned room with strong internet connection. I am a consumer,” the comedian joked, making the audience laugh during the recorded show.
He continues to mock celebrities who promote self-sufficiency on social media by harvesting rice. These people, said Udom, apply thick layers of sunscreen before leaving their air-conditioned vans, posing briefly at a rice field, uploading their photos to social media, and scurrying back to the comfort of aircon.
Supporters of the monarchy have interpreted his jokes as veiled mockery of the late King Rama IX’s self-sufficiency philosophy. Others, including Udom’s supporters, say the comedian is simply ridiculing himself and social media influencers for pretending to adopt a simple way of life while still enjoying luxuries.
Facing criticism
Politicians, political activists, and former senior policemen are among those who have criticized the comedian for what they claim is an improper attitude toward the late monarch’s advice.
Some observers said the content of his show was designed to appeal to a young and Bangkok-centric audience. This is the same group that helped the liberal Move Forward Party win the highest number of seats in last year’s election. They noted that the comedian rarely jokes about Move Forward or any of its key figures.
Disqualified MP Pareena Kraikupt has even filed a police complaint accusing Udom of lese majeste, while serial petitioner Sonthiya Sawasdee has asked police to investigate the content of Udom’s show for evidence of misinformation about the self-sufficiency philosophy.
Udom has also faced criticism on social media, with some users accusing him of “making a living by bullying people”.
On the other side, Move Forward MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn said Pareena had “gone too far” in accusing the comedian of insulting the monarchy. Celebrity lawyer Decha Kittivittayanan, meanwhile, warned that those who unjustly attack the comedian could face defamation charges.
Critic of former leader
In 2022, Udom’s “Deaw 13” show sparked an online clash between supporters and opponents of then-prime minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha. Without naming names, Udom likened coup-maker Prayut to a security guard trying to fly “the Thailand plane” while professional pilots were barred from the cockpit. The comedian also suggested that the leader’s “weakness is in his head”.
Udom was born on September 1, 1968, in Chon Buri province. He left Poh Chang College of Arts and Crafts because he couldn't afford the tuition fees.
His friends called him “Nose” because of his big nose, but his original family nickname was “Oud” (the Thai version of “oink”).
He started as a cartoonist for a children’s magazine before moving to another magazine to work in the art department. That's when he got his first taste of showbiz, being recruited as an extra in a stage play.
After the magazine closed down in 1991, Udom returned to showbiz with a role in a popular 1990s TV comedy-variety show called “Yutthakan Khayap Nguak” (Operation Moving Gums). His comedy character and impressive comic talent quickly made him famous.
In August 1995, Udom had his first solo performance when stand-up comedy was still new in Thailand. “Deaw Microphone” (Solo Microphone) played to packed audiences at the Muang Thai Life Assurance Auditorium in Bangkok. He has had fifteen more solo shows since then.
Dhammakaya follower
A devoted follower of the controversial Dhammakaya sect, Udom is often seen participating in the temple’s ceremonies. Its charismatic founder and former abbot, Phra Dhammachayo, is currently on the run following a 2016 crackdown by the Prayut government. The monk is wanted for embezzlement and money laundering.
Udom is also a businessman, serving as an executive director of five companies, according to Business Development Department records. The companies are involved in a diverse mix of activities ranging from grocery and bakery to showbiz promotion and modeling.
In 2022, his main business, Made In Happy Land, made a profit of 43.6 million baht from revenue of 230.8 million. His souvenir design and distribution company made a profit of less than 1 million baht from income of 16.7 million. The other three companies all suffered losses in 2022.
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