BK: Have you always liked animation?
I loved to watch cartoons on Channel 9 every weekend. It really made me love anime. I like ones that have lots of characters like Pokemon or Digimon. There are lots of hidden meanings about life in them, too.

BK: So, you started drawing cartoons?
No, not at all. My first love is actually computers but, my parents, who are both farmers in Phetchabun, didn’t have enough money to buy me a computer. All I could do was pursue my interests through reading books. I used to love computer books as well as the epic myth stories about the Hindi gods; they’re so supernatural and super fun. Anyway, I had the chance to take computer classes at school and more special computer courses in my hometown. I knew how to use a computer, I just didn’t have one of my own. The first time I got a PC was when I moved to live with my aunt in Samut Prakarn in grade 10.

BK: When did you start making anime?
In my first year at King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMIT). I heard that there was a Thailand Animation Contest (TAC) so my friends and I decided to enter. We made it into the final round two years running and we got to learn about how to make animation using free software. I then managed to get on the Talent Development Program for International Animation Contest (TIC). It was through this that I was able to send my work, Buddhist Elation, to the Asia Digital Art Awards 2011. There were more than 1,000 animations submitted, but I managed to get a Finalist Prize, it’s like an honorable mention. They said I am the first Thai to win this award.

BK: What is your dream?
I know that my work isn’t that great, so I will definitely look to improve both my skills and my storytelling style. I dream of making a long movie featuring characters that I love, maybe those from the Ramayana. And it must be all made using freeware. It’s kind of my personal challenge. I always hear people say that you have to have cool software to make a cool animation. But I think it doesn’t matter if you use free or expensive software. It’s all about your ability and imagination to create good work. I also dream of opening an animation studio, but it’s way too soon. I have to make money first.

BK: What do you think makes a good animator?
You must be patient because the process really takes time. Sometimes I get very little sleep for two weeks just for a 10-minute animation. If you can’t do animation, no matter your money or skill, you just have to keep practicing and build up your creativity, which is the most important part. Sure you need to be as skillful as everyone else, but it’s creativity that will ensure that you get ahead of them.

Translator Device from Sanchai Noichan on Vimeo.