How did your modeling career come about?
I have always liked all things beautiful. In my high school years at Vajiravudh, we all had to do sport; so I played tennis and wanted to be Anna Kournikova. Then the school would take us to art festivals at Silpakorn University or Srinakarinwirot University. At those fashion shows I saw models on the catwalk, and I wanted to walk, too. But I was a boy, and I was thinking I couldn’t see myself as a male model because I always wanted to be a woman, not a man. So I couldn’t really do anything about it just then. Later, when I had my gender reassignment surgery, I started to pursue my dream. I went to Yo Yossavadee’s model school, and she helped me with some work to get started.
Who are your role models?
For Thai models, they must be Ornapa Krisadee and Rojjana Phetkanha. Maa Ornapha inspires me so much on the importance of being disciplined and taking good care of yourself to be at the top level. Seeing her successful career gave me the idea that it’s possible. And Gisele Bündchen, to me she’s the very, very top.
Why New York?
You soon realize it’s a tough market in Thailand for transgender models. In New York, there were Thai models who had made it. People like Stang Disayanon, Gift Piyawan and Cheera Choo, who have the more Thai ethnic look, so I thought I might have a chance. People from outside may think modeling is a luxurious job. But I didn’t have much work in my portfolio, so it was difficult at the start. Not only is the living cost high, I came across all sorts of people: from scammers to pervert photographers. I had to go to the police station a couple of times. But there are nice people who were really supportive as well. The best thing about New York is that, over there, I barely have to think at all about gender. Everyone just focuses on what they do. Nobody cares too much about your background, whether you used to be fat or a boy or anything.
Does being a transgender play a part in your career?
Over there, they wouldn’t know unless I told them. If they don’t take me it’s more because of my looks, not my gender. They’re pretty open. Sometimes it’s an advantage when some collection is emphasizing unisex. Transgenders have been in the scene for some time; you have big names Lea T, Isis King or Caroline Cossey who paved the way with her appearance in James Bond.
What do you make of your career so far?
It’s only my second season, but I’m really, really happy I got to do what I always wanted to do. I was a tutor and also studied, getting two degrees for my family. I think most parents still think modeling’s not a stable job and that you can’t make a living out of it. But money isn’t the only way to happiness. Nothing fulfils me better than the pursuit of my dream. I’m proud of my decision. Anything related to modeling is what I want to do and am really excited to let the work take me to different places in the world. I want to make sure that in my older days I won’t regret that I haven’t given my best shot at this.
