The soul of Elvis Presley lives in Thailand
- Text by HUCK HQ
If you look at the extravagant, jewel-encrusted jumpsuits that Elvis Presley shook his hips in during the Seventies, you’ll see an uncanny resemblance to traditional Thai dress.
Or, at least that’s the theory of Jibb Vasu Sansingkaew, Thailand’s most celebrated Elvis impersonator.
Jibb Vasu has performed as the King of Rock and Roll for the Thai Royal family and the King of Spain, but his biggest performance is yet to come.
The Three Kings of Bangkok are Jibb Vasu, Arthur Husian and Jaruek Viriyakit, Thailand’s most devoted Elvis impersonators.
August 16 could be the greatest event of their lives: rubber-legging together for the first time, to commemorate the 39th anniversary of Presley’s death.
Are they feeling the pressure? Of course not.
“When you get up on stage, you don’t care how many people are there,” Arthur explains. “Elvis Presley is in your body. You start to have the power of The King.”
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
The Three Kings of Bangkok is directed by Alden Nusser.
Subscribe to Huck’s YouTube channel to make sure you never miss another short film.
Latest on Huck

Tender, carefree portraits of young Ukrainians before the war
Diary of a Stolen Youth — On the day that a temporary ceasefire is announced, a new series from photographer Nastya Platinova looks back at Kyiv’s bubbling youth culture before Russia’s February 2022 full-scale invasion. It presents a visual window for young people into a possible future, as well as the past.
Written by: Hannah Bentley

Analogue Appreciation: 47SOUL
Dualism — In an ever more digital, online world, we ask our favourite artists about their most cherished pieces of physical culture. Today, it’s Palestinian shamstep pioneers 47SOUL.
Written by: 47SOUL
Meet the hair-raised radicals of Berlin’s noise punk scene
Powertool — In his new zine, George Nebieridze captures moments of loud rage and quiet intimacy of the German capital’s bands, while exploring the intersections between music, community and anti-establishment politics.
Written by: Miss Rosen

Amid tensions in Eastern Europe, young Latvians are reviving their country’s folk rhythms
Spaces Between the Beats — The Baltic nation’s ancient melodies have long been a symbol of resistance, but as Russia’s war with Ukraine rages on, new generations of singers and dancers are taking them to the mainstream.
Written by: Jack Styler

Uwade: “I was determined to transcend popular opinion”
What Made Me — In this series, we ask artists and rebels about the about the forces and experiences that shaped who they are. Today, it’s Nigerian-born, South Carolina-raised indie-soul singer Uwade.
Written by: Uwade

Inside the obscured, closeted habitats of Britain’s exotic pets
“I have a few animals...” — For his new series, photographer Jonty Clark went behind closed doors to meet rare animal owners, finding ethical grey areas and close bonds.
Written by: Hannah Bentley