‘Chompoo’
Araya
Hargate:
Thai-British Actress
Araya A. Hargate, born on 28th June 1981, is a famous actress
in Thailand. She was born to a Thai-Lao mother and a British
father. Thus, she holds Thai and British nationality. At the
age of 17 she was discovered and became well-known after the
Misens Motor Show Contest. This was also the time when she was
a member of the Girl Power Group that organizes sports day.
She was the majorette at this Power Group. In fact, Araya is a
very sportive person and does yoga to keep her fit.
Chompoo Araya Hargate
Chompoo Araya
She was educated at Kanmanee School and later got a degree
from Badindecha school. Her teens where also the time when her
acting career started. Nevertheless, she also went to
university and got a Bachelor degree in English from Rangsit
University.
Today, she is known by her nickname Chompoo which means ‘pink’
in Thai which is also her favourite colour. She is an
accomplished and versatile actress who was in numerous Thai
lakorns, e.g. in Luk Mai Klai Ton, Plang Prai, Pee Pian Hotel.
Her role models are Thai actors like Chatchai Plengpanich and
Lalita Panyopas.
Thai-British actress Araya Hargate at Cannes
Film Festival
Thus, the movie that made her famous was Morlum Summer where
she starred as the character Anny. Apart from acting, Chompoo
is a model and singer who has been in many music videos. Thus
for instance in Lux Thailand’s ‘Soft touch with your love’.
What is more, She is know as a fashionista and High Fashion
Queen. Thus, she is also an ambassador for L’Oreal Paris. In
fact, she is a regular guest at International Fashion Weeks
and at the Cannes Film Festival where she stunns everyone with
her impreccable style annd stylistic command. She has had some
dramatic appearances wearing marvellous gowns on the red
carpet which added to her princess moments. She enjoys wearing
designer pieces by Channel, Burberry, Dior, Zac Posen and Ashi
Studio Couture.
Fashionista ‘Chompoo’ Araya
Up until today, she has received more than 50 awards, such as
FHM Sexiest Actress in Thailand Awards 2007 – 2010, W Style
Awards, Siam Dara Stars Awards, and The Best Actress Awards.
In 2015, Chompoo got married to the wealthy Thai business man
Nott Witsarut Rungsisingpipat which was a great media event.
Araya Hargate & Nott Witsarut
Rungsisingpipat
Summing up we may say that Chompoo Araya Hargate is an
impressive woman and an accomplished artist. In addition, she
is also a great fashionista.
Yours, Sirinya
(all photos in this article: Araya A. Hargate, FB page)
Pete Thongjure: Thai-American
Actor
Pete
Puntakarn
Thongjure
was
born
in
January
1968
in
California, USA. He is a famous half-Thai actor and model. His
family moved back to Thailand when he was six years old. He is
the eldest son of the famous actor and rally car driver Pinyoo
Thongjure.
Pete Thongjure
‘Pete’
Puntakarn
Thongjure
(photo: SaReNIE, sharerice.com)
Thus, it does not come as a surprise that Pete started acting
early in his childhood. What is more, his three younger
siblings are also well-known in Thailand. Perhaps you’ve heard
of Saifar, NamThansod and NamPoung (Honey) Thongjure.
He first did some Thai TV commericals when he was a kid and
soon other opportunities arose. Thus, Pete also got into
acting and appeared in his first movie when he was only seven
and a half. Hence, at the age of nine he was already cohosting the show “Pao-ying-shoob”. At the age of 11, he was a
popular actor in TV series and movies. However, when he was
13, his parents sent him back to the US for his further
education. Today, Pete has been in the Thai entertainment
industry for over 30 years and he is still going strong.
Over 30 years in the entertainment industry:
Pete Thongjure (photo: dara.wirelessscale.com
He was in a number of popular movies and Thai TV series. His
first drama was the lakorn ‘Ubattihed’ with half-Thai
actress Katarina Glos.
For instance, he starred in the classic ghost story ‘Mae Nak’
(2000) on Channel 7 and he was in horror movies like ‘Bangkok
Haunted’ (2001), ‘Lizard Woman’ (2004) and ‘Fan Mai’ (2010)
starring alongside Thai movie star Ananda Everingham.
An interesting alternative movie produced by Pete Thongjure is
‘Province 77 Los Angeles’ (2003). He also starred in his movie
which is about Thai immigrants in Los Angeles. There is a
place called ‘Thai Town’ where most of these immigrants live –
hence, it is also referred to the Thai 77th province. The
movie draws a grim picture of a Thai family in LA whose
restaurant is in danger of being confiscated for unpaid taxes.
What is more, it seems hard to maintain traditional Thai
values in the environment where gangs rule but finally the
family unifies again. By the way, the soundtrack to the movies
is by the Thai rap band Thaitanium.
Province 77 movie starring halfThai actor Pete Thongjure (photo
tambon.blogspot.com)
Nevertheless, Pete maybe regarded as a rarity the showbusiness
being an actor who is introvert and does not like to talk much
about himself. He enjoys his privacy and loves quiet and
peace. In his view, keeping his privacy has been vital in
maintaining such a long career.
The racing driver and actor (photo:
Pete Thonchua Fanclub, FB page)
His proudest acting achievements are his action TV series whom
Pete enjoys very much. Nevertheless, he is a passionate racing
driver and loves fast cars like his father. Hence, he also has
a reality show about his racing career. He loves race driving
because it requires precision and concentration. Thus, racing
is like meditating since the mind has be stay focussed and
quiet.
Today, Pete is father of three children and a true family man.
His wife is Wilailak ‘Jeng’ Tongchua. Hence, we may say that
Pete Thongjure is truly a versatile actor with a long career
and also a popular racing driver.
Yours, Sirinya
Janesuda: Fashion Label by
Thai-American Actress Jane
Parnto
Janesuda ‘Jane’ Parnto was born 1982 in Thailand to an
American father and a Thai mother. She grew up in Thailand and
entered the Thai entertainment industry at the age of 14. Jane
was in music videos and eventually became a host, VJ at MTV
Thailand and an actress. She is also a good friend of ThaiBritish actress Paula Taylor and the godmother of Paula’s
daughter Lyla.
Janesuda
Janesuda – Thai fashion designer*
Jane has always dreamed of creating her own fashion line and
at the age of 19 she made her first try to sell her own t-
shirts. Hence, she asked a fabric factory to produce 10 tees
for her which they did. Since Jane’s friends liked the shirts
very much she gave them all away for free.
Thai-American actress & fashion designer Janesuda
Parnto*
In 2012 her fashion label Janesuda was launched. At first,
Jane only wanted to create the most comfortable and stylish tshirt, a piece of clothing that she thinks essential in every
woman’s wardrobe. Thus, she created her Signature Tee which
became a great success. In her view, a tee can reflect the
wearer’s personality. It is all about finding the right fit
and style.
Creating the ideal comfortable t-shirt by Janesuda*
Thus encouraged, Janesuda started to create more fashion items
and essentials like the Signature Tank (Top) and the Signature
Dress. These pieces have in common that they are formfitting,
timeless and made from premium cotton.
A Signature Tank Top by Janesuda Parnto*
What is more, Janesuada has also been producing thematic
seasonal lines, ranging from casual sundresses to formal
evening gowns. Her aim is to create timeless and meaningful
fashion that lets the wearer’s personality shine through.
Hence, Janesuda is not about following trends
Her latest collection, AW 2015, is called ‘Make Your Romance’.
Personally, I really like this collection because it is very
boho, chic, elegant, feminine but also dainty. In fact, it is
also romantic and unconventional. There are a lot of flowing
dresses and lace tops. Let us dwell on some more of Jane’s
creations for ‘Make Your Romance’.
(photos: janesuda.com)
Finally, we can say that Janesuda prefers the imperfect look
which she thinks fascinating and creating a lasting
impression. Hence, her fashion design is extraordinary,
elegant and wearable. I think that she offers something for
everyone’s taste whether casual tees or elegant dresses.
Yours, Sirinya
(*All pictures in this post are from Janesuda, FB page unless
otherwise stated)
Thai Art & Illustrations by
Yasaman Haghighat
The language of creativity has always been my strongest point
and I want to be able to express my stories, my background, my
fears and my happiness through the language of Art (Yasaman
Haghighat)
Yasaman Haghighat is a 27 year-old Thai-Iranian artist born
and raised in England. Since her childhood, she has been
artistic and very much interested in mythical creatures and
fantasy worlds. Hence, her art works are very much inspired by
her interest in mythology.
Thai Art by Yasaman Haghighat
Ramakien character
Yasaman Haghighat
Hanuman
by
Yas studied English and Theatre. Thus, she spent most of her
time with theatrical societies sewing costumes, painting set
and designing marketing and publicity. However, Yas is also an
English teacher. Hence, after working in an international
school, she went back to her roots and moved to Thailand for
three years, where she was a primary school teacher in her
home town of Chanthaburi.
Fan with peacock illustration by Yasaman Haghighat
With her younger students, she did a lot of arts and crafts.
For instance, she taught them how to sew, how to create shadow
puppets, making art from recycling, drawing still life,
fashion shows and much more. While she was in Thailand, she
spent a lot of time around temples with her family, who are
very traditional Thai. Her grandparents told her many
mythological stories from Thailand, which were very inspiring
to her.
Buddha illustration
Haghighat
What is more,
books, Yas was
In addition,
costumes stuck
by
Yasaman
when her mother bought her a set of Ramayana
captivated by all the amazing characters in it.
she saw some Thai dance and the marvellous
with her.
Kinnari, the half-bird half-human
divine musician by Yasaman Haghighat
Yas’ heritage is a Thai mother and an Iranian father – both
cultures are full of rich history and mythology. Hence, Yas
loves mythology because of all the beautiful morals and ethics
they imply. She likes how you can learn the values of a
society from reading their ancient stories. That is to say,
you can learn about their traditions and honours from a simple
nursery rhyme, or a story!
Colourful elephant by Yasaman Haghighat
Naga, the mythical snake by Yasaman
Haghighat
Thus, her main inspiration is story telling which is an
important tradition in every culture; Yas has grown up with
stories from England, Iran and Thailand. Thus, she likes to
spread her mix of culture through her art which is her way of
story telling.
Furniture coffee table by Yasaman Haghighat
Side table with elephant painting by
Yasaman Haghighat
Since returning to England this year, she has been slowly
working on her art – She hand draws illustrations for greeting
cards as well as hand painting fans, furniture and household
items such as bowls or coffee coasters.
Coffee coasters ‘Fruits’ by Yasaman Haghighat
Coasters with elephant painting by Yasaman Haghighat
Finally, Yasaman Haghighat will be exhibiting her art works in
Bristol at the Totterdown Arts Trail. This will be from 20th
-22nd November 2015. For more information, please check out
her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/yas.haghighat/ and
Twitter: https://twitter.com/yas_haghighat
Yours, Sirinya
Katreeya
English:
ThaiBritish Singer & Actress
Katreeya English was born in September 1976 to a British
father and a Thai mother in Oxford, England. Hence, Kat
English is fluent both in Thai and in English. She started her
career as a singer in 1999 and was a very popular face of the
new millenium. Kat’s musical style may be described as pop and
of course as Thai pop. She was an artist at GMM Grammy from
1999 to 2009.
Katreeya English
Kat
English
(photo:
lostinheaven, sharerice.com)
Apart from being a singer and dancer, Kat is also a successful
actress, model and presenter. From 2000 to 2007 she produced a
new album every year. Hence, her sound deeply influenced Thai
pop of the 2000s like this song called ‘Siamese Kat’ (2003).
When she was a teen, she was discovered by an agent when she
walked home from school with her brother. This was when Kat
got into making her first commercials and thus her first movie
also followed. In 1992, she appeared in the films called ‘Anueng Kit-teung por Sang-keb’ and ‘Chem laew kor Cham’.
However, I find that she is a singer in the first place. Here
is one of her very early songs from the 2001 album ‘Kat around
the clock’.
From that time on, Kat has had many roles in Thai TV series on
Channel 3 and 7. Thus, she had her first break with her early
Lakorns in the 1990s like Khun Ying Jom Kaen (1993) in her
role of Lady Kantima and Nam Sai Jai Jing from the same year.
Katreeya English, Thai-British singer & actress
(photo: fanshare.com)
Kat loves entertaining people and she truly enjoys being
famous and a role model for kids. It is important to her that
she is able to do the things that she loves doing. She is a
great performer and loves big concerts. Thus, Kat has been in
Thailand’s biggest concerts of course.
However, Kat did not becomes famous overnight. When she thinks
back at her early career she describes it as enjoyable but
also stressful. Thus, her success developed gradually and she
got to appreciate the different stages of her career. Well,
Katreeya never seems to be aging. She is also a model and
keeps fit by doing a lot of sports like swimming and
gynmastics and she loves working out.
Katreeya English could be a
model (photo: women.sanook.com)
fitness
Until today, she is good friends with other actors like
Chakrit Yamnarm (Krit) and half-Thai-Scottish actor Ray
McDonald since they went to school together. For instance,
their friends used to refer to Chakrit and her as KitKat.
Finally, we may say that Katreeya English is really a great
and versatile performer. Her dancing skills are amazing.
Today, she is still energetic and going strong in the
enertainment industry.
Yours, Sirinya
Jay
Montonn
Jira:
ThaiAmerican Singer & Actor
Jay Montonn Jira is a Thai-American singer and actor. In fact,
he is also called a show business ‘allrounder’ with good
reason. Born in November 1981 in Hong Kong, he returned to
Thailand as a kid with his family and went to school there
until grade 11. Then he moved to California to complete high
school.
Jay Montonn Jira
Thai-American singer & actor Jay Montonn
Jira*
However, in his youth, he already won a talent competition at
the age of ten. Since then he has been working in the
Thai entertainment industry. By the age of 13, Jay was also
doing some modelling and a few years later when he was 17, he
was a lead actor in Thai TV series and movies.
However, Jay sees himself primarily as a musician and has been
pursuing his musical career for some years now. He recorded
his first album after completing high school and returning to
Thailand. The album is called ‘J’.
What is more, he is also a DJ, arranger, composer and
producer. Nevertheless, Jay acted in a number of Lakorns where
he played both good and bad guys. For instance, he was in the
drama ‘Sai Tarn Hua Jai’ with Ae Isariya Saisanan on Channel
7.
Jay Montonn Jira*
Another drama Jay was in is ‘Look Poo Chai Hua Jai Petch’
starring alongside singer Hugo Chakrabongse Levy and Namfon
Kullanat. In addition, Jay starred in the Thai movie ‘Pop
Star’ (2006). As far as films are concerned, Jay has also
written movie scores. For instance, he was an assitant editor
for the ‘Lion King’.
In fact, he studied music composition and electronic music
production in the US. In 2007 he was the musical director and
programmer for Neptune. Thus, he toured around the world
performing with international stars like Jusitin Timberlake
and Nelly Furtado. This was also when he performed at ‘Live
Earth’, a gigantic concert event in New Jersey.
Jay Montonn Jira*
However, he has also worked with Thai artists like Modern Dog,
Siam Secret Service and The Crub, for instance. Today, he has
his own music label called ‘Samut Prakarn Sound’. Most
recently, he is performing with Hanna L. Bengtsson producing
charming and beautiful songs like ‘The Way’ and ‘Be True’.
Finally, we may say that Jay Montonn Jira is an international
half-Thai artist. Even though he is a great actor, he sees
himself primarily as a musician with good reason and sings
both in English and in Thai.
Yours, Sirinya
Paula Taylor:
Actress
Thai-British
Paula Taylor is a popular half-Thai actress, model and
presenter born in January 1983. Her real name is Punlapa
Margaret Taylor but in the entertainment industry she is known
as ‘Paula Taylor’. Her father is of British descent and her
mother is Thai-Chinese.
Paula Taylor
Paula Taylor, Thai-British actress*
She was born in Bangkok but then her family moved back to
Australia where she grew up in Perth until the age of nine.
Eventually her parents divorced and thus Paula moved to
Brisbane. She is very comfortable and happy with being a luk
kreung because she claims to have had the best of both worlds.
In her teens, Paula went to visit her family in Thailand. That
was when she got into contact with the Thai entertainment
industry. At the beginning of her career, she did some
modelling, appeared in TV commercials and acted in small Thai
movies.
Paula Taylor: Thai-British actress, model and
presenter*
After being discovered by TV producer Tanawat Wansom and
becoming a media personality, she also starred in the Thai
romance comedy film ‘Ruk Jung’ The Memory (2006) in the role
of Jaa. Thus, she became well-known not only as a TV hostess
but also as an actress.
Hence, in 2011 Paula had her Hollywood debut in the ThaiAmerican supernatural thriller ‘Hellgate’. She had the role of
Som Mathews starring next to William Hurt and Cary Elwes. What
is more, she was also in a number of music videos like for
instance ‘Mark mai’ by Bie the Star.
Before this Hollywood movie, she participated in ‘The Amazing
Race Asia 2’ thus gaining more popularity in other Southeast
Asian countries. Thus, for instance she has also appeared on
the Philippine TV Sunday variety show. In addition, today she
also produces videos giving some make up tips for a daily
look, for example.
Paula lives in Thailand now and still does Thai TV commercials
and television guest appearances. In 2010 she got married to
Edward Buttery who is of Anglo-Chinese descent. She has two
children, a daughter born in 2011 named Lyla Jane Buttery and
a son called Luca Christopher Buttery born in 2015.
Paula Taylor and her daugther Lyla Jane*
Hence, Paula has also done a few videos with her daughter.
Like this charming video, where she prepares cupcakes with the
little ones. It really seems fun and Paula is enjoying herself
in the role of a mother. What is more, today she also runs a
clothing line for children called ‘Paula and Baby’.
Finally, I think that Paula Taylor is an admirable,
successful half-Thai actress who is also a devoted mother.
What more could one want?
Yours, Sirinya
(*all photos in this post, credit: Paula Taylor FB page)
Nadech
Kugimiya:
Austrian Actor
Thai-
For some years now, half-Thai actor and model Nadech Kugimiya
has been a popular face in Thai media and the entertainment
industry. Hence, he is famous on Channel 3. I think there is
hardly any Thai teenager who does not know him. As a devoted
reader of my blog, you may know that I have dealt with him
shortly in my article about Nadech & Yaya. Nonetheless, there
is of course a lot more to say about him seen individually
Nadech Kugimiya
Nadech (photo credit: Nadech Kugimiya
FC, FB page)
Nadech, nicknamed Barry, was born 1991 in Khonkaen and his
original name was Chonlathit Yodprathum. He is considered to
be of Thai-Chinese and Austrian descent. At the beginning of
his career there was some confusion about his origins and
background because people generally assumed that he must
be part-Japanese because of his last name ‘Kugimiya’. What is
more, he also has the appearance of a Japanese manga character
with his light complexion, thick eyebrows and doe eyes
However, Barry was brought up by his aunt Sundarat and her
husband, the Japanese Yoshio Kugimiya. Nadech adores his
Japanese foster father and this is the reason why he himself
claims to be half-Japanese, even though he is not. However,
Nadech does not know Japanese but speaks fluently in Thai and
Isan dialect.
‘Barry’ Nadech Kugimiya
women.sanook.com)
(photo
credit:
Barry was discovered at the age of 16 and has been working as
a model, actor and singer since then. Up until today, he has
been in numerous Thai commercials and on magazine covers. For
example, he was in commercials like Trident chewing gum with
actress Pachrapa Chaichua, Shokubutsu shower cream for Men,
Samsung Monte 3G, Yamaha Fino, Baoji shoes and Lays with ThaiNorwegian actress ‘Yaya’ Urassaya Sperbund.
What is more, he was the first brand ambassador and brand
presenter for Thai Air Asia. He was also a surprise guest
flight attendant serving snacks to the delighted passengers in
2014
Nevertheless, Barry is not only a ‘pretty face’ – he has been
studying Communication Arts at Rangsit University. Hence, most
recently he has presented his short film ‘Mr. Peter’s Project’
which is a work to complete his B.A. at Rangsit. The film
is concerned with the Nan’s forest conservation.
Hence, Barry’s aim is to raise an awareness of
deforestation. Here is the film, though only available in
Thai.
Nadech has been in numerous TV series and films since 2010
when he debuted in Ngaorak Luangjai. Furthermore, he gained
popularity with his work in the series 4 Hua Jai Haeng Khun
Khao (Duang Jai Akkanee or Akkanee’s Heart). He played the
character of Fai Akkanee Adisuan starring alongside Urassaya
Sperbund.
Nadech & Yaya in Akkanee’s Heart (photo credit:
iheartlakorns.com)
What is more, he was in Gamerai Gamerak or Love Game Evil Game
as “Saichon/Charles Makovich” and in The Rising Sun series
also starring alongside Yaya Urassaya. He had a very popular
role in Sunset at Chaophraya (Khu Kam, 2013) playing the
Japanese engineering officer Kobori who falls in love with a
nationalistic Thai beauty called Angsumalin. He also sang the
song to this movie.
Hence, it does not come as a surprise that he also won Best
Actor from Starpics Thai Film Award for his role of Kobori in
Sunset at Chaophraya. This is really well-deserved!
Finally, we may say that Nadech Kugimiya is certainly one of
the hottest luk kreung actors in Thailand at the moment. With
good reason, he can be called Mr. Everywhere because he is
frequently spotted on magazine covers, in television
commercials, billboards and soap operas. You cannot escape
Barry, thus you must love him
Yours, Sirinya
Luk
Kreung
and
the
Construction of Thainess
Cultural studies have explored the relationship between farang
and Thai national identities or Thainess. These studies put
forward that since the 1950s and the beginning of the 21st
century, foreign influences have intensified to intimate
levels of cultural and physical hybridization. Thus, in the
form of Thai-farang or luk kreung, foreign otherness seems
to have become an object of cultural intimacy in Thailand.
Luk kreung & Thainess
We may say that as a post-Vietnam War era phenomenon, cultural
intimacy between Thai and farang have increased, hence
exceeding the forms of cultural contact in previous
generations. Thus, interracial marriages have become a
widespread social phenomenon since then, although these kind
of unions, and hence luk kreung people, have been known since
the Ayutthaya period.
The half-Thai Prince Chula Chakrabongse & his
English wife Elizabeth Hunter (photo credit:
viola.bz)
In earlier times, i.e. prior to the later decades of the 20th
century, interracial marriages were generally limited to small
groups of people. These were persons who were in the main
cultural contact zones (e.g. Christians, Chinese) and
who worked closely with Europeans.
Ekaterina Desnitskaya, Prince Chakrabongse
Bhuvanath and son Chula (photo credit:
commons.wikimedia.org)
Nevertheless, there were some rare cases in which Thai and
European unions occurred among royals or the elite. For
instance, think of Prince Chakrabongse Bhuvanath (Prince of
Bisnulok) and his Ukranian wife Ekaterina ‘Katya’ Desnitskaya
and their half-Thai son Prince Chula Chakrabongse.
Prince Rangsit, his wife Elisabeth and their
three children (photo credit: songkran.eu)
Another prominent example is the racially mixed marriage
between Prince Rangsit Prayurasakdi and the German lady
Elisabeth Scharnberger. They had three children, two sons and
a daughter called Princess Charulaksana Kalyani Rangsit.
Princess Charulaksana Kalyani
Rangsit (born 7 August 1924)
(photo credit: Seissenshi,
wikimedia.org)
In fact, there were a few Thai men of royal descent who
married Western women at the beginning of the 20th century.
For instance, there was Lady Ludmilla Ivanovna Barsukova from
Russia who was married to General Mhomjao Thongtekhayu
Thongyai. They had four children together and stayed in Hua
Hin. Lady Ludmilla, who is probably of Russian royal
lineage, lived in Thailand until she died in 1980 at the age
of 90. Her Thai name was Mhom Mali.
Lady Ludmilla & Mhomjao Thongtekhayu Thongyai
with their four children in Hua Hin, 1921
(photo credit: returnthai.com)
Thai-farang relationships first became a common social
practice since the 1960s when American GIs were stationed at
the US military bases in upcountry Thailand. Hence, some of
them formed relationships to Thai women who mostly stemmed
from the countryside. As a consequence, a remarkable numer of
half-Thai people were born who also became a prominent topic
in novels, movies and TV series during the 1960s and 70s.
The most significant novels dealing with Thai attitudes to luk
kreung were Sifa’s ‘Khao nork na’ (1976, Wild Rice or
literally translated ‘Rice Outside the Paddy Field’) and
Botan’s ‘Phuying khon nan cheu Bunrort’ (‘That Woman’s Name Is
Bunrort’) which was published in 1981. You might recall my
previous article about ‘Luk kreung and Concepts of Mixed Race
in Thailand’, then you know that the luk kreung from the
Vietnam War era were not regarded as desirable.
The
Siam
Renaissance
–
luk
kreung
as
representatives of Thainess (photo credit:
viki.com)
However, this perception has changed since the 1980s.
Generally, it seems that Thailand has discovered Thai-farang
as representatives of a modern form of Thainess. For example,
the movie ‘The Siam Renaissance’, starring Thai-French
actress Florence Faivre, deals with this subject. The movie
reveals how the concept of the powerful West is stripped of
its foreignness in order to become part of modern Thai
identity.
The Thai-ization of the farang in the Siam
Renaissance (photo credit: 2g.pantip.com)
What is more, cultural anthropologist Jan R. Weisman argues
that the luk kreung boom reveals the Thai fascination
with half-Thai people, a phenomenon related to issues of
modernity, sexuality and race. In this way, Thai-farang is
presented as being cosmopolitan, thus being able to act on a
global stage. Hence, the general popularity of Eurasian luk
kreung have also strengthened the allure of farang in popular
culture that manifested first in the late 19th century with
the Siamese strive for ‘siwalai‘ or ‘civilized’ things.
Summing up, we may claim that the present popular cult of the
European-Thai luk kreung shows that they are very important in
constructing a modern Thai identity which is also referred to
as Thainess.
Yours, Sirinya
(Reference: Rachel V. Harrison & Peter Jackson eds. The
Ambiguous Allure of the West. Traces of the Colonial in
Thailand, 2010)
Kimberly Ann Voltemas – ThaiGerman Actress
Kimberly Ann Tiamsiri Voltemas, born in 1992, is a popular
half-Thai actress and model. She has a Thai mother who is from
Chiang Mai and a German father. She is the youngest of four
siblings, her sister is called Jennifer and her brothers
are Thomas and Daniel. She is nicknamed Kimmy Kimberly which
is also her stage name.
Kimmy Kimberly
Kimberly Ann Voltemas*
Kimberly entered the Thai entertainment industry as a teenager
in 2009. At first, she did some modelling and was featured in
several music videos. As an actress, she debuted in Channel
3’s most popular TV series called ‘4 Huajai Haeng Koon Kao’ (4
Hearts of the Mountains).
Kimmy Kimberly*
This TV series was aired in 2010 and Kim played the role of
Nam or Thipthara who is a warmhearted and compassionate
doctor. In this movie, she acted alongside other well-known
young luk kreung actors like Nadech Kugimiya and Urassaya
Sperbund.
Acting in the role of Nam is this series has gained Kim many
fans in Thailand and all over Asia. In addition, she has been
constantly improving her acting skills, thus becoming an
accomplished actress. Kim’s manager is Noom Piyachart and
together they have succeeded in establishing her a fine
reputation in the entertainment business.
In 2012, Kim acted alongside Prin ‘Mark’ Suparat in the roles
as Cha-Aim and Khun Tam in the remake of Punya Chon Kon Krua
2012. Hence, both actors became very popular as an onscreen
couple (‘koo jin’). Since then they have frequently been
paired in series and modelling
In fact, Kim has been much praised by her fellow
actors. Hence, she may be regarded as a young actress in high
demand. Even acclaimed actress Ann Thongprasom thinks highly
of Kimberly and her talents. Ann is of the opinion that Kim
might one day replace her as a princess of Thai entertainment.
Furthermore, she finds that Kim very much resembles herself
and thus can even identify with her. Consequently, Ann also
holds the view that Kim might reach same level of success as
herself. Great compliment!
Kimmy & Ananda Everingham*
Hence, Kim has already starred in the series ‘Ab Ruk Online’
in which actress Ann Thongprasom is also in. Further, this TV
series features her partner Prin ‘Mark’ Suparat and acclaimed
actor Peter Corp Dyrendal. In fact, up until now Kim is
the first and only younger generation actress who has been in
three out of five lakorns produced by Ann Thongprasom. These
are ‘Punya Chon Kon Krua 2012’, ‘Ab Ruk Online’ and ‘Piang
Chai Kon Nee Mai Chai Poo Wised’.
Furthermore, Kim has been the cover-girl of several magazines
and has also featured in a lot of TV commercials like this one
for United Almond, for instance.
Summing up, we may claim that Kimmy Kimberly is one of the
most aspiring and promising actresses of the younger
generation in Thai entertainment industry. She is not only
popular with her fans but also with her fellow actors
Yours, Sirinya
(*photo credit: Kimmy Kimberly, Official FB page)