Though Thailand faces gloomy economic prospects with a surge in inflation, higher energy prices and persistent Covid outbreaks, a performance by Thai rapper Danupha "Milli" Khanatheerakul at the Coachella Festival in California that was capped by her eating khao nieo mamuang (mango sticky rice) on stage went viral on social media, reigniting buzz over the influence of soft power.
Many say the episode offers hope for a new boost to the country's exports, helping to shore up the fragile economy.
