World Of Wonderfruit

Thailand’s Wonderfruit has quickly gained a reputation as Asia’s most compelling music festival. Paul Kay talks to the founders to discover why it’s much more than just a great party

Once judged largely by the quality of the acts gracing their lineups, music festivals have come a long way in recent years. Led by the likes of Burning Man and Coachella, a new breed of festival has emerged in which gastronomy, art, health and wellness, talks and workshops, and even sustainable living are every bit as important as the music.

Often likened to the two aforementioned US megafestivals, Thailand’s Wonderfruit has been flying the flag for Asia in this respect while forging a distinctive path of its own. Founded in 2014 by Bangkok-born entrepreneur Pranitan “Pete” Phornprapha and Thai DJ/musician Montonn “Jay” Jira, with the help of Hong Kong-based entertainment guru Jason Swamy, Wonderfruit has grown steadily over the past four years, earning a reputation as one of Asia’s most compelling— and progressive—festivals, and attracting a steady stream of conscientious hedonists from across the region.

Held on a large and verdant stretch of land owned by Pranitan’s family 30 minutes’ drive from Pattaya (Pranitan’s father is Phornthep Phornprapha, CEO and president of Siam Motors Group), Wonderfruit runs for four days each mid-December. Although not a music festival per se, it features a supremely eclectic music programme that runs 24 hours a day throughout the festival’s duration across an array of outlandish stages. Previous editions have featured hip-hop legends De La Soul and Roots Manuva, indie rock acts José González and Yeasayer, Malian world music stars Songhoy Blues, and heavyweight DJs Richie Hawtin and Gui Boratto, while this year’s lineup includes Fleetmac Wood and Libella.