I want to rid myself of myopia—lasik, baby! Then, perhaps, these eyes can be opened as to how I can forever chuck my irrational fear of lizards.
—Loh Hsiao Ying, owner of fashion boutique Granny’s Day Out

I want to get myself a spanking new wardrobe in place of my boring old ones.
—Calvin Sio, Marketing Manager of Ministry of Sound

I will tell myself to throw my junk away (heartlessly) so I can work on having a nice clean home for my dog, my cat and myself!
—Jasmine Tuan, Senior Designer of Zouk

I wish only to throw out the old ideal of keeping reality beautiful. I’d rather keep it real.
—X’Ho, DJ and musician

I want to get rid of old habits like impatience and secondhand information.
—Justin Lee, artist

Mixing elements of house, techno, breaks, electro and more into potent tracks, Paolo Mojo is rapidly gaining attention in the club world. We sit down with him for a lowdown on what makes him tick, and what doesn’t.

What’s the latest record that has caught your attention?
The Chemical Brothers’ Electronic Battle Weapon 8. I love how they use real elements and electronic sounds to create raw, atmospheric moments. I don’t like everything they do but when they get it right, they hit the spot. My friend Eric Prydz is another one who can make those moments. The best dance music tracks are always about these moments—basic things that hit emotional touch points.

More people seemed to find your music touching too. So what’s the weirdest compliment you’ve ever received?
A girl once came up to me at a gig in London and told me she loved my set (OK, great), that it made her feel horny (OK, not QUITE normal but absolutely fine) and that she was going home now to take lots of heroin and kill herself (errr right-ho). Fortunately, it never got that far, but the rest of the evening was interesting, persuading the poor girl that it would be better to go home and get some rest.

That’s a bit scary! Well, and we heard Danny Tenaglia left you a phone message praising you before…
He left a message way back in 2001 to thank me for sending him my “Music Is Freedom” demo mix, left a few compliments and how it made him feel. The fact that he listened and phoned me was a classy and unexpected thing to do. He’s the kind of DJ I really respect, so it was a nice moment. Most messages tend to be fairly mundane; usually reminding me I owe someone some money somewhere.

Haha. OK, and what do you consider to be a sin at the dance floor?
Night clubs are places where people go to let off steam, so I don’t think too many rules should really apply. The only thing I get irritated by is if people get in my way while I’m playing. If you’re rude and persistently distract me, I’ll get a bit cheesed off. However, I don’t mind people coming up to talk to me while I play. I dislike musical elitism. It usually covers up insecurity. It’s the whole “My dad is harder than your dad” school of thinking that’s ridiculous. I’ve never been able to understand how people can dismiss entire genres of music, particularly musicians. You’re just locking off whole areas of potential ways to get inspired. I often hear little things in music I wouldn’t necessarily play and then think of ways to use that in stuff that I would play.

What makes you happy then?
Peace of mind is the main thing that makes me happy. It’s not something that’s easy to achieve. Music makes me happy because it’s a channel for our emotions and thoughts and memories. I really enjoy DJing too. I love the fact that when you get it right, the atmosphere in a room really changes. Something “clicks” whether it’s 50 people or 3,000 who lock into what you’re doing and once you have that, you can take them wherever you want to go. I’m constantly searching for that “click.” I try to learn from every experience. When you stop learning or thinking, that’s the day you start going backwards.

One moment Kira from the movie Death Note, the next, a German S&M dominatrix from the musical Cabaret, and another moment, Jessica Alba from the Tiger Beer ad. Actress Judy Ngo is going to poke fun at several familiar characters in the show Forbidden Chestnuts: Portrait of a Brokeback Geisha. One thing’s for sure, a wacky time is guaranteed in this crazy musical. We engaged her in a quick banter as she spoofs the role of the auntie featured in the counter-terrorism ad you see in MRTs (yes, that one).

First, what was the audition for the video on counter-terrorism like?
I rehearsed for months before the audition. It was an extremely hard audition. All of us had to do three rounds of screen tests, plus a 100-meter dash to the MRT emergency button, plus show extreme fear calmly, plus display our ability to talk without being heard at all!

Now, tell us, what should we do when we see an unaccompanied bag?
Never open an unaccompanied bag in the MRT, it might be a Recycled Bad Christmas Present (RBCP), which you would have to claim if you so much as touch it. Anyone who disclaims ownership of their RBCP is not only extremely suspicious, they are liars as well.

You sound a little paranoid… Erm, do you get very nervous when you see people carrying bags on the MRT?
Yes, and the bigger the bag, the more nervous I get! Once I even attacked a mother who was carrying a huge diaper bag, and I only realized my mistake when both she and her baby started crying! Another time, it was a student with his oversized tennis bag. Then there was that incident with the soldier and his Ali Baba bag…

And has any one asked you for autographs after the release of the video?
Yes, I even get offered free taxi rides, which is my main mode of transport after making the video. I can no longer take the MRT without fighting with fellow passengers.

Well, do you think making this counter-terrorism video is your step towards fame?
Of course, I now get free chicken rice at hawker centers just like some local celebrities!

Any producer approached you to be starred in another film yet?
I think Jerry Bruckheimer has spoken to my agent about casting me in CSI season 7 as “Panic Metro Lady No.3.” Also depending on Bruce Willis’s schedule, we might co-star in a local version of Die Hard titled Die Already Lah, to be released in 2008!

First, what are people’s reactions when they learn about your occupation?
They’ll say it is interesting, unique, niche and ask, “Can you really make a living?”

What are the things you can decipher by looking at someone’s handwriting?
You will gain insight into their hidden talents, skills and weaknesses. You can identify compatibility and know who’s being honest and who’s not.

And the most unusual reason given for handwriting analysis?
To find out if a person has violent inclinations and suicidal tendencies.

Ever examined a poison pen letter?
Yes, when I examined documents that were in dispute to find out the authentication of handwriting and signatures. Poison pen letters of a criminal nature can be relatively mild or be threatening, as in cases of jealousy or rivalry. In a more serious sense, they can be about extortion and kidnapping.

OK. Can you read my handwriting?
Sure. You’re personable and place importance in creating a good impression. You’re confident and have inner strength. You’re an agile minded individual who loves challenges and moving forward. At first sight, you appear friendly and easy-going, but despite your sociability, you have a slight tendency to inner ambivalence. Mood swings influence your behavior; however, as a rule, you’re able to find the right tone in dealing with others.

What interests you in reality TV? Is this a case of career burnout?
This is just me taking a break from the music world. Since the transition from Bakery to LOVEiS, the repetitiveness and overworking took a toll on me both physically and professionally. I was searching for new inspiration and visions. As far as a career on TV, how can a man who can’t act set foot into the acting world? That would leave me with the only option, reality TV.

How did you come up with the show?
It all started from a shopping trip for a motorcycle with my son. Then, it just turns into my free-time favorite with several of my friends getting involved. One thing led to another, and the next thing we knew is we started putting it together into a TV production.

What is behind the concept of Dreamchaser?
This TV concept is relatively new in Thailand with hybrid between reality and documentary. It is more in-depth documentary with fresher presentation. The show is about people whose dreams become goals and then become realities. These are the people who think outside the box, and favor less conventional approaches in life. Throughout the trip, we will be able to explore each destination and participate with the locals. Being an observer is not on our agenda, but rather being a partaker. We have set the bar high for ourselves, and hope the show to be a source of inspiration for our audiences.

What is the focal point of the show?
With the combination of both reality and documentary, the show is able to offer its originality of unscripted, uncensored and unplanned production. The variety of my guests—just to name a few, J Montonn Jira, Boyd Kosiyabong, and Nana Reibena—will also present a wide range of interests for our audiences.

The concept of the show is really similar to Ewan McGregor’s Long Way Round.
I had heard of Long Way Round before, and the format and presentation of both shows are fairly similar as far as riding on motorcycles traveling around. I faced the same kind of criticism when releasing my albums. Regardless, what really matters is that you just give it your best shot and deliver the best to your fans.

What is your next project after the completion of the show?
Being in the music industry is my childhood dream, which has been fulfilled. At this moment, I am detached and ready to take on any opportunity. My family is also extremely important to me. I am planning on getting more involved with my family’s business. I am getting interested in real estate after watching The Apprentice.

Lots of people were surprised to see me in politics. They always think of me as a social animal, businessperson or sportsman.

Changing careers from a businessman to a senator has been a turning point in my life.

One thing I learned is that there are still a large number of people who don’t understand democracy and sometimes don’t even care. They don’t know what their duty as a Thai citizen is.

I cannot teach everyone, but I can tell them what I have done through my books. Some people might read them and feel that they can do something, too.

I have no family relations in politics. I didn’t have a political background and I didn’t use my money to buy the title. I jumped and made my way in on my own.

What brought me to parliament were my connections, my knowledge and my standpoint. I can do it all by myself and I think my readers will find lots of things they can apply to their lives, too.

Politics affects everybody, not just people in business. It affects the social sector, education, living and everything else around us. If every part of society doesn’t pay attention, doesn’t care, or doesn’t understand, it will affect us all in many ways.

I think I have the potential and experience, so I’m going to try helping the country as much as I can.

I have had the opportunity to meet with those in need. They are sincere with me because they know that I want to help. It’s touching when you open to someone and they receive you sincerely.

The experience helped me learn more about the problems of others, not only those of my family or relatives. I couldn’t solve the problem of poverty but I think I helped make life better for some people and their children.

I had people running to me asking me to help them and promising me something in return. One person even recorded the conversation, like some kind of blackmail set up. If a person like me face such situations, what would happen to an ordinary person who wants to work for the country?

People looked at the list of senators and called us names like “family senators.” Give us a chance; don’t judge us by our surnames. Regretfully we couldn’t do anything much in our eight months before the coup came.

I don’t agree with the stereotype that having a big surname or some politician relatives will make people bad.

The most important thing for me is to contribute to the country. I feel that I have enough potential to help besides just paying taxes.

How did you get started in art?
I have always been fond of art even when I studied in the Faculty of Education. My teacher was so excited that a guy at my age would be enthusiastic enough to hold a solo exhibition. I was the first in my year to have one.

Why didn’t you become a government teacher?
Because I want to work with children and I wanted a certain degree of freedom and creativity in my teaching methods.

What is art therapy?
If a kid cannot walk straight like ordinary people, we can use music or poetry to help him find a balance, to help him organize his body. Art therapy helps balance your mind, your life and sometimes your body. It’s called art therapy but it’s not restricted to drawing or painting only. It can be sculpture, movement or whatever. In Germany, they divide it into subcategories like clay therapy or painting therapy.

Where did you learn this kind of therapy?
I learned from Bordox, an idealistic school that has been operating for more than a hundred years. It doesn’t teach art but it teaches humanism. It focuses on working with children aesthetically. Art isn’t just a subject; it’s a drive to grow and flourish. The school uses art to elevate the mind of the patient, to relax their mind and to cure them.

How did you start as an art therapist here?
I presented my portfolio at Samitivej Hospital and Doctor Jom, who works in the children psychology department, got interested so he asked me to join. The more I worked, the more I saw changes in Thai society. There’s an unnoticed imbalance that happens in a materialistic society. There are more and more rare diseases occurring with people. I see how violence and the lack of love in a family can affect a child. There are many similar cases.

Growing up in St. Charles, Missouri, I felt like an outsider, considering I looked different. I was happy to move to Los Angeles at 17. My life and my world opened up to a whole new place.

When you are a kid, being different can make you insecure. However, you are happy to be different when older. Adversity builds character.

In Los Angeles, I started working with an artist named Tony Duquette. He introduced me to Asian culture, from Balinese and Chinese to Japanese. He was a world traveler and known for doing old Hollywood movies. He was a huge influence on me, opened my eyes to the world and who I really am.

Bangkok has always been one of my dream destinations. Thai food, which is really popular in Los Angeles, is my favorite. I want to get the sense of what Bangkok is really all about.

I have been so blown away by the immensity of the shopping structure in Asia. You can find big brand names like Louis Vuitton and Gucci and high-end fabric stores all in one place, which is not common in the US.

Fashion-wise, what I have seen here so far is very international. I want to experience people in sois and markets to get the real essence of cosmopolitan life here, which I have so far only seen out of a window during my cab rides.

The fame and notoriety of the show has been huge. It has opened up a lot of doors for me.

I transmit my stories through fashion.

As a fashion designer, I barely have free time. I am always busy looking and searching for inspiration.

My focus is currently on custom-made pieces. I need the right investors to take to the next level. You are going to see my own label or we will all die trying.

There is a big misconception about me because I was portrayed as an asshole on TV. Some parts were edited out until later on when my real personality showed through, not just soundbites. People who meet me would describe me as well rounded.

In life, I take a lot of risks. However, at the end of the day, if you are a current person and recognize the beauty in the world, you will make out OK, no matter if someone tries to paint you in a negative way.

I believe in being a master of your own destiny.

It is not about winning or losing. It is about the journey—where you go and where you take it.

I love music even when I don’t understand the lyrics. What matters is that I get the feeling of the music.

Reality TV can make things seem unreal. However, being on TV allows people to feel like they know you. When we get to meet in person, it creates an immediate connection. There are no walls.

What was the Pepsi World Challenge like?
I was one of the two Thai footballers who got selected. In 10 days we had to compete in stages with other contestants. At the end, the one with the most points would get a chance at a penalty kick, and to take home four million baht. We didn’t win.

Who did you get to meet?
We went to Spain to practice with Ronaldino where he told us to treat football like a friend so that we could get familiar with it. We competed with other teams in Brazil and practiced with Roberto Carlos. We also got to coach children in Manchester with Gary Neville and helped Thierry Henry make campaign posters. We practiced with Beckham in Madrid and Nesta in Milan. It was so unreal.

Which stage was the most impressive for you?
Everything was impressive. It was overwhelming. I was really excited for the Madrid stage with Beckham because the winning prize was an Audi, but we didn’t get it. A chance to practice with Beckham was more that I could ever ask for.

What was the most difficult thing?
There was a lot of stress and pressure from both the challenges and from the other contestants. Other kids looked down on us because they thought that we couldn’t do it but we remained strong and proved them wrong. Our team came in second in the challenge so that said a lot about us. The whole experience was so lifelike. I just thought that if I got through it, then there would be no problem making it professionally.

What is football to you?
It’s something that makes you laugh, smile, sometimes even cry. It gives you friendship, opens up doors of opportunity for you, and basically teaches you about life in general.

“SUPERFLAT” is inspired by contemporary artist Takashi Murakami’s recent Superflat movement. Can you tell us more?
Superflat was initiated by acclaimed Japanese pop artist Takashi Murakami in 2000. According to Murakami, Superflat began as a search, in the context of globalization and a post-war Japan, for Japanese identity and the meaning of art in Japan. He draws from Japanese art history and the current Japanese creative scene to expose the postmodern Japanese consciousness, muted in the Japanese arts scene previously but revealed in subcultural art forms like manga narratives. Through Superflat, he introduced a new wave of Japanese artists to an international audience through various collaborations.

And “SUPERFLAT” is a story about Mr Sweet. Tell us more about him.
Mr Sweet is a young, androgynous boy in search of a lost memory in a realm known as the mushroom cosmos. To fill in more details, Mr Sweet is one who lives side by side with quiet pain and is nourished by this pain, which I see as an elegant expression of life.

Well, how do you personally relate to him?
I do not consider him my alter-ego. He is a channel of expression to transform unknown impulses into known consciousness, he can be a vessel of dreams and fantasy and he can be a common link between my audience and me—a plane that can connect us from two ends of the communication formula.

Let’s go on to the story in the exhibition. What is this episode about?
This episode is the one that communicates my idea of contemporary human history—our history as it unfolds—in the most direct manner. For instance, I explicitly write “Marshall McLuhan’s global village is no more” in the main painting for this show and made overt reference to the current Superflat movement in my title. I no longer hide my thoughts through fictional devices but instead expose our human narrative as narrative.