Sarun “Top” Pinyarat

Founder and CEO, Fungjai

Industry : Business

Sarun ‘Top’ Pinyarat has spent more than a decade building the infrastructure through which Thailand’s independent musicians can be heard, supported and taken seriously as an industry.

He founded Fungjai in 2014 as a platform for independent artists, later expanding its reach into promotion, marketing, bookings and live events. What began as a means of connecting musicians with listeners has grown into a wider ecosystem, helping artists develop audiences while navigating the commercial realities of a sustainable career.

Top’s ambitions increasingly extend beyond Thailand. In 2018, he co-founded Maho Rasop with Seen Scene Space and Have You Heard?, establishing an independent festival capable of bringing acts including AIR, Slowdive and Interpol to the country. A year later, he launched Bangkok Music City, combining a professional conference with artist showcases to connect Thai talent directly with international bookers, delegates and industry figures. Its 2026 edition featured more than 80 artists across eight stages and attracted over 12,000 attendees.

Now working at the intersection of music, culture and international trade, Top also serves as a Babel Xpert for Asia. His relationships span major global music markets, including SXSW, WOMEX and The Great Escape.

The objective running through each venture is clear: to create pathways for Thai artists to travel further while establishing Bangkok as a credible destination for the international music business.