[1] The group was formed in 1980 by university students Yuenyong Opakul (Aed), Kirati Promsaka Na Sakon Nakhon (Keo or Khiao) and Sanit Limsila (Khai) who met while studying at Mapúa Institute of Technology in the Philippines.

The word carabao means "buffalo", a symbol of fighting, hard work and patience.

They are known for their phleng phuea chiwit (เพลงเพื่อชีวิต), or 'songs for life', which came to prominence through the protest songs of the 1970s political upheaval in Thailand, especially from the band Caravan.

Lead singer / songwriter Aed Carabao is loved by many and is also famous for his sharp tongue and open criticism of corrupt politicians, big business, and environmental destruction.

This album featured a simple, primitive folky sound, not drastically different from other Songs for Life bands from that era, although it did feature a noticeable rock influence, something that earlier Songs for Life bands like Caravan and Hammer had lacked.

The album did not sell many copies, but Aed set about recruiting other members so that the band could effectively perform live.

The bass parts were played by President Band bassist Anupong Prathompatama (Ot), who has since gone on to be one of Carabao's longest running members.

Like the second album, Wanipok featured Aed, Khiao and Lek backed by members of the President Band, including Ot on bass.

The album also featured contributions from woodwind player Thanit Siiklindii (Ajaan), as well as backing vocals from Thierry (Ri), both of whom would soon become an official members of the band as well.

The album featured a remarkable variety of musical styles, mixing rock, folk, regional Thai styles like Luk Thung and Mo Lam, some reggae and Latin beats, and even some classical Thai music with the song "Refugee."

By this time, woodwind player Thanit Siiklindii (Ajaan) had become a permanent member of the band, and guitarist/vocalist Thierry Mekwattana had joined as well.

The resulting 7 member band, consisting of Aed, Keo, Lek, Ot, Pao, Ajaan and Thierry, is regarded by many fans as their classic lineup.

After recording and touring for the album, Khiao became the next member of the classic lineup to leave, and the band announced a breakup.

Originally, this band was not called "Carabao," but rather just 'Aed, Lek, Ot,' going by the remaining classic lineup members' nicknames.

After their 12th album, Satja 10 Prakan, Carabao fans got another shock with the departure of Lek, who was replaced by Kajonsak Hutawatthana (Mee) on guitar.

[6] The lineup has also remained stable, although percussionalist Nong left the band due to illness after their 25th albums, and later died.

Since then, Carabao has released one more album, 'Sawadii Phrathet Thai' (Hello Thailand) and has continued to play live with their long-running 8 man lineup, abetted at times with other classic-era members.

(This was actually the second movie to tell this story, the first being เสียงเพลงแห่งเสรีภาพ "Siang Playng Heeng Seripaap" meaning "Music of Freedom" released in 1985, in which the band members played themselves.)

For instance, Thierry was played by both his own son Jessie Mekwatanna (for the teenager) and by Hugo (for the young adult).

In October 2023, with the increasing age of each member, this makes performing music and concerts each time difficult.

[7] In March 2024, keyboardist Luechai Ngamsom or Duk died at the age of 70 of a heart attack.

Duk was a Chonburi native and had joined Carabao since 1991 in the album 'Wi Chaa Pae' (The Scapegoat Lessons).

[9] Carabao has a long and complex history, with multiple lineups and several members who have left and rejoined the band numerous times.

Leader/guitarist/vocalist Aed is the only member who has participated in all their albums and tours, although most of their lineups have featured bassist Ot and guitarist Lek.