Pete Thongjure - Sirinya`s Thailand

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 tshirts. 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)
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
Montonn Jira*
singer
&
actor
Jay
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:
Kugimiya FC, FB page)
Nadech
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
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)
Peter Corp Dyrendal – ThaiDanish Singer, Model & Actor
Peter Corp Dyrendal was born on 1.January 1976 in Ishøj,
Denmark where he was raised. Being half-Thai, he often went to
Thailand as a kid where he would stay with his aunt in
Bangkok. He went there almost every year during
vacations. When Peter was 17 years old, his aunt pushed him to
go for a camera test with a modeling agency. The following
year, Peter was back in Bangkok and did some modelling jobs
which were at that time mostly for fun.
Peter Corp Dyrendal
Peter Corp Dyrendal*
However, when he was 19 he got a promising offer by a Thai
advertising agency. On this occasion, he was also discovered
as a singer and an artist: Peter was on a modelling job on a
beach in Thailand playing the guitar. That was when one of the
team members became aware of Peter’s potential as a musician.
Hence, he was invited to the Thai record company
GMM Grammy for a test.
Thus, Peter was encouraged to try a career as a singer and
began taking sinning lessons. A few months later, he signed
his contract with GMM Grammy and his debut album ‘Hin Pha Ga
Darb’ (1998) became a great success and made him a famous ‘luk
kreung’ singer in Thailand. However, the following albums were
not so successful. For this reason, he went behind the scenes
and worked for the production company Nebula.
Peter also went into acting in Thai TV series (Lakorn). Up
until now he starred in five TV dramas. For instance, in 2002
he acted alongside Marsha Vadhanapanich in ‘Sai Lom Kub Saeng
Dao’ (Wind and Starlight). In this drama, he played the role
of a water sport instructor of Thai-New Zealand descent. I
think the following clip is from this film
In 2012 he was in ‘Noom Baan Rai Khub Whan Jai Hiso’ (Farmer
boy and High-society sweetheart) with Thai-British
actress Araya A. Hargate. What is more, he also starred in the
2011 Thai movie Fabulous 30.
Lovely picture
with his cat*
of
Peter
There is also the drama ‘Narng Rai Sai Lub’ (Villain’s spy)
with Rasri Balenciaga and finally ‘Ab Ruk Online’ (Secret love
online) with the renowned Thai-Swedish actress Ann
Thongprasom. Here is a song from the latter drama ‘Ab Ruk
Online’ featuring Peter.
Today, Peter is still an actor and married to Ployphan
Taweerat since 2013. They have a little son called Panther,
his name is thus a mix of the parent’s names. A next son is
expected soon who should be called Puma. Hence, it seems that
Peter and his wife keep the ‘P’s and stick to the feline theme
as well
Peter, Ploy & son Panther (photo credit:
asianfuse.net)
By the way, Peter is the older brother of Michael Corp
Dyrendal who is an entrepreneur and who also has experience in
the Thai entertainment industry.
Summing up, we may say that even though Peter Corp Dyrendal
has been working for about 20 years in the entertainment
business, he is still going strong and we are curious to know
what he will come up with next.
Yours, Sirinya
*photo credit: Peter Corp FB page
Michael Corp Dyrendal – ThaiDanish Entrepreneur & Model
Michael Corp Dyrendal was born on 21.December 1977 to a Thai
mother and a Danish father. He is the younger brother of the
well-known half-Thai singer, actor and model Peter Corp
Dyrendal. Michael grew up in Denmark. After graduating
from High School, he followed his brother to Thailand who
already was there in the modelling business at that time.
Michael Corp Dyrendal
Michael Corp Dyrendal*
Thus, Michael figured out what he would like to do and stayed
on in Bangkok where he went to ABAC (Assumption University),
doing his Bachelor and graduating with honours after three and
a half years of studying. Afterwards he went to the UK taking
his Master’s degree in European Business in Oxford. Back in
Thailand, he took his second Master’s degree in Business
Administration.
Michael also has experience in the modelling and the
entertainment industry. Hence, he has been in more than 20
Thai TV commercials up until today. The following clip, for
instance, features him in TV Commercial Beger Photo Clean
What is more, he was also in four music videos and starred in
the Lakorn ‘Jao Sao Salawan’ (เจ้า​สาว​สาละ​วัน​), a Thai TV
series on Channel 7. Well, this is a long time ago, but still
very charming to watch. Here is a song from the series
featuring Michael.
Today, Michael is the co-owner and Managing Director of DEFINE
Living by KroellCorp, a Bangkok based world class Design,
Architecture and Construction company. He runs this business
with Asbjoern Kroell who is the CEO, Design and Concept
Director of the company. Asbjoern is the more creative,
whereas Michael is concerned with the business side.
DEFINE Living (photo
defineinterior.com)
credit:
In addition, Michael works for Mintel which is the world’s
leading market intelligence agency. In fact, he is the Country
Manager of Thailand for Mintel. Hence, Michael does two jobs
now, has been living in Thailand for 18 years and feel at home
over there
Michael at work in the
business*
What is more, he has recently participated in the ‘Dress the
Stars Project’ by the Accademia Italiana Fashion and Design
Institute in Thailand. This is a great project since it gives
undiscovered talents the opportunity to design new outfits
for ten celebrities each famous and renowned for their unique
sense of style.
Michael
traditional
dress*
wearing
Thai men’s
Summing up, we may say that Michael Corp Dyrendal is a
versatile entrepreneur who has a profound cultural knowledge
from both a Western and an Asian perspective. Whether it be in
business or the entertainment industry, he always cuts quite a
figure and has also been a Buddhist monk for two weeks in the
jungle which was a great experience for him
Yours, Sirinya
*(photo credit: Michael Corp Dyrendal, FB page)
Mai Davika Hoorne:
Belgian Actress
Thai-
Davika Hoorne is a young half-Thai actress and model popular
in Thailand. Born 1992 to a Thai mother and a Belgian
father in Thailand, her nickname is ‘Mai’. Thus, she is often
referred to as ‘Mai Davika’. She was discovered as a model
early in her teens at the age of 14. Later she was educated in
Communication Arts at Rangsit University.
Mai Davika Hoorne
Davika Hoorne (photo
women.sanook.com)
credit:
In 2010 she debuted in the drama series Ngao Kammathep in the
role of Tien. In addition, she starred in a number of other
Thai TV drama series like Neur Manoot (2011), Maya Rasamee
(2012), Roy Lae Sanae Luang (2013), Kularb Rai Kong Naai Tawan
(2015) and most recently as Rinlanee in Nang Chada (2015). In
Nang Chada, Mai also engages in some classical Thai dancing,
wearing the beautiful and opulent Khon dancing dress.
Mai Davika has also done a lot of modelling for brands like
Ponds, Nikon, ZA and more. In addition, she has appeared as
cover girl on numerous magazines like for instance herworld.
She was recently the cover model of this magazine in February
2015. Here is a video clip of this shooting from behind the
scenes.
Mai has also been engaged in some
example, in 2012 she debuted in the
Haeng Ruk. A year later in 2013,
actress in Phi Mak Phra Khanong
the wife of Phi Mak (Mario Maurer).
popular Thai movies. For
film Bpidtu Poom Prom Dan
she became famous as an
in the role of Mae Nak,
Lovely Mai Davika as
Mae Nak (photo credit:
news.zing.vn)
In fact, Mai and Mario are a nice film couple and hence, they
have also been paired in photo shootings and commercials.
In 2014 Davika starred as Riam in the Thai romance-drama Plae
Kao (The Scar), a remake of the same-titled film from 1977.
This is the story of two peasants in rural Thailand engaged in
a tragic, romantic relationship.
Today, Davika is a well-known young lady in the Thai modelling
and television industry. Nevertheless, she seems to be
still the nice girl next door, natural and very lovely.
Finally, we may say that Davika Hoorne is an amazing young luk
kreung actress and model. What is more, she has got the look
to become extremely successful in Thai entertainment
industry with her fair skin, tall statue and large eyes
Misstar Cafe (photo credit:
Misstarbydavika, FB page)
Additionally, she has recently founded ‘Misstar by Davika’ and
promoted the Misstar Café.
Yours, Sirinya
Why
are
‘Luk
kreung’
successful in Thai Media?
Half-Asian Advantages…?
“The signs of beauty are the signs of health” (R. Elisabeth
Cornwell, psychologist)
The topic I want to address today concerns the increasing
success and dominance of ‘luk kreung’, half-Thai people, in
Thai entertainment industry since the 1990s. I’ve already
brought up this subject in my recent article about ‘Luk
kreung’ and concepts of mixed race in Thailand arguing that
half-Thais are preferred because of their Western appearance
and adherence to the current Thai beauty ideal of fair skin,
tall statue and large eyes.
This seems to be a lucid but also a superficial explanation.
However, I’ve asked myself if there might also be a
scientific interpretation for this phenomenon? Are we
maybe justified in saying that half-Asian people
possess genetic advantages? I know this sounds controversial
but might not there be some truth in it?
Half-Asian
advantages? Mario Maurer
and Mai Davika in Volume
magazine
180
VOLUME
WONDER 9 (Credit: Volume
Magazine)
Taking the example of the lovely ‘couple’ Nadech and Yaya,
they have their good looks in common and they are both halfThai. The same is true of half-Thai actors Mario and Mai
Davika whom we know from the comedy ghost movie ‘Phi Mak Phra
Khanong’. There are numerous other examples that show ‘luk
kreung’ have become a kind of ‘elite’ in Thai entertainment
industry. An interesting case is also the luk-kreung actress
Florence Faivre in the movie ‘The Siam Renaissance’
(2004). What’s more, Thai youth culture also seems to
have incorporated and favoured the presence of half-Thai
entertainers in Thai media. Thus, some years ago, the ThaiBritish actress Paula Taylor said that ‘everyone in the
entertainment industry is luk kreung nowadays’ and she seems
to be right.
Do ‘luk kreung’ have
advantages?
Nadech
Kugimiya
&
Yaya
Urassaya (photo credit:
Amat
Nimitpark
via
asianfuse.net)
Half-Asian advantages
In popular culture, people with mixed racial origins are
generally referred to as ‘hapa’ which stems from the
Hawaiian Pidgin word for “part” or “mixed”.
As far as ‘luk kreung’ are concerned, there are so many
popular half-Thai people in Thai media today. Hence, it only
seems natural if society would also go for and embrace a mixed
look. Nonetheless, media exposure alone does not
completely explain the perception of half-Asian, and in
particular half-Thai beauty in this context.
We may assume that half-Asian people possess genetic
advantages that let them appear more attractive. For instance,
as Psychology Today (1/2006) claims it is a fact that Eurasian
faces are generally considered to be more appealing
and pleasant than European or Asian faces. One reason for this
perception is that Eurasians and other ‘hapa’ people seem to
be of good genetic health which makes them attractive. Like R.
Elisabeth Cornwell, a psychologist at the University of
Colorado, argues: “The signs of beauty are the signs of
health”.
Markers of beauty = Markers of
health?
(photo
credit:
thebrightnessproject.com)
Consequently, we must assume that people who are beautiful
must necessarily be more productive and more fit for survival
than others…this is a controversial topic, I know and what is
beauty anyway? We may define ‘beauty’ as a matter of symmetry
concerning features and body statue. What is more, it is also
a matter of subjective perception, preference and culture…
In fact, studies have shown that half-Asians seem healthier
because of their diverse genetic ancestry which
generally lower the chances of particular genetic diseases.
Some studies in this field have also revealed that the
perception of attractiveness is mainly connected to the
appearance of a person’s skin. I’m aware of the fact that
this subject is disputable but on the whole I guess the
argumentation is right and plausible – diverse genetic
ancestry seems to be beneficial to a person’s health
Nevertheless, it remains controversial if Eurasian
features are generally the most attractive. There are also
studies that claim the opposite. Well, I think this is
primarily a matter of subjective and cultural perception.
Considering the case of successful ‘luk kreung’ in Thai media,
I think it might be their mix of being at home in different
cultures that
desirable.
makes
them
particularly
interesting
and
Hugo Chakrabongse Levy – example of
a distinctively mixed heritage
(img.kapook.com)
A very prominent example of a distinctively mixed
heritage with Thai royal origins is Hugo Chakrabongse Levy
whose grandfather Prince Chula Chakrabongse (1908-1963) was
already a half-Thai. Hugo can be considered a good example of
a person who seems to be both comfortable with Thai and
Western culture even though he is only 1/8 of Thai
origin (amazing!).
In a nutshell, we may certainly be justified in saying that
there are half-Asian advantages, considering the fact that
people of mixed heritage come inevitably into contact with
different cultures generally. Nonetheless, this topic is broad
and there remains a lot more to say about advantages and
disadvantages that hapa people generally face in different
contexts and cultures…this may be a subject for further posts
concerning ‘luk kreung’
Yours, Sirinya