Pango’s curse

Caffeine fiend spills the beans

By Tatat Bunnag
Photographs by Varuth Hirunyatheb,
and courtesy of What the Duck

Following her single, “Puar Wa Ther Kid (If You Ever Think),” the lovely 28-year-old singer Chintnudda Lamakanond (Pango) has returned to surprise her fans with her first ballad “Kum Saap (The Curse).”

Co-written by her boyfriend Wanchai AF5, “The Curse” is Pango’s first sad song about heartache and being lost in love, which contrasts with her usual songs about sunshine, optimism and hope.

Apart from making music, the singer is now very busy with her acting career.

After her first drama, Kehas Dao (The House of Star), Pango will star in the remake of the 2001 drama, Tawan Tad Burapa (The Sun and the East), playing opposite actor Yook Songpaisarn.

Student Weekly recently caught up with Pango who told us all about her music and acting, as well as her love for coffee.

Student Weekly: It’s been almost a month since you released “The Curse.” What feedback have you received so far?

Pango: It’s been great. “The Curse” is the first ballad I’ve done, and my fans seem to love it. The song is now on many pop charts and people are posting it everywhere. I guess I did a pretty good job!

Student Weekly: What’s the story behind “The Curse”?

Pango: It’s a metaphor about love. When we’re in love, it’s like we've been cursed by being in love with a person and we don’t know why we feel that way. And when that person no longer wants us, it feels like the curse is still there. It’s a heartbreaking and beautiful song with piano and strange ambient sounds. When I listen, I feel like I’m lost and alone in the woods.

Student Weekly: Why did you decide to write a sad song this time?

Pango: Because I love sad songs, but never had a chance to do one before. Maybe the record label thinks my character and my voice suit acoustic pop with positive lyrics. But I personally enjoy listening to ballads. I can relate to them because the mood and words touch my emotions.

Student Weekly: How busy are you these days?

Pango: My life is very hectic nowadays. In the past, I’d probably have four days a week doing gigs or attending events, and have three days of free time. But now acting has taken up the rest of my schedule. Although I’m very busy, I love all the things that I do, so I don’t feel that I’m suffering. I just need to take care of myself better, like finding time to rest and always taking vitamins.

Student Weekly: Can you tell us more about the new TV drama, The Sun and the East?

Pango: The acting in The Sun and the East is harder than any I’ve done before. I play Ticha, a lady who owns an art gallery, who becomes involved with a criminal named Burapa [played by Yook Songpaisarn]. There are a lot of action scenes, which is something I’ve never done before, so I had to learn a lot.

Student Weekly: What do you get up to in your free time?

Pango: I love taking photos. I studied photography in high school and learned to do everything by myself, including developing film. I’ve taken a lot of photos over the years, but never had chance to show them in public. I love film cameras more than digital, but film is very expensive. I used to carry 30 rolls of film every time I’d go on a trip, but now I’m using a digital camera that has a similar quality to film.

Student Weekly: We also heard that you’re a caffeine fiend. What kind of coffee do you usually order?

Pango: Other people may order something like cappuccino, latte or Americano, but I usually order a basic iced coffee. My favourite beans are from Kenya. I never add sugar or syrup to my coffee. I love it strong! [Laughs.]

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