Gam presents with popular appeal
By Tatat Bunnag
Photographs by Varuth Hirunyatheb
Did you know
Gam has a Master of Law degree from Cornell University in the US.
Anybody who regularly watches the news on Channel 9 will be familiar with celebrity news anchor Pinyapat Danutra (Gam). Gam is popular with liberal viewers for reporting up-to-the-minute news with empathy and intelligence.
Apart from her attractive appearance, Gam is renowned for her ability to be informative on current issues on both her morning news programme, Kui Ka-mong Kao Chao, and on the Channel 9 midday news.
Student Weekly recently met up with the 29-year-old Gam at Channel 9 headquarters. The pretty newscaster told us about her work and about her favourite types of news.
Student Weekly: Since you have a degree in law, why did you decide to become a news anchor?
Gam: I’ve had interest in journalism since I was a kid. I love to read the news in both Thai and English. I’m glad I studied law because I can use that knowledge to understand the news better.
Student Weekly: How did you start and develop your career?
Gam: I began with a career in law, then later started reading the news on Modern Radio FM. Eventually I started reading the news on television. It was an exciting time because the media industry was quite interesting to me and there were a lot of different opportunities.
Student Weekly: How do you feel about your current career?
Gam: I love what I do. It allows me to use my skills to produce interesting and relevant content for the viewers. I also get to meet all kinds of people and travel occasionally.
Student Weekly: You mostly read international news. What are the main differences between local and international news?
Gam: They’re too numerous to mention! International news stories are different because the issues affect people in a very different ways to local issues.
Student Weekly: Are there any types of news stories that you’re particularly interested in?
Gam: Actually, I really like entertainment news. [Laughs.] But I haven’t had a chance to do entertainment news yet. I also enjoy reading economic and political news, but sometimes they can be a bit dull if there’s nothing really important happening. Hopefully I can try reporting entertainment news someday.
Student Weekly: What do you think of social media?
Gam: I used to sign up for websites like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, but now I only use Facebook. Honestly, I can’t think of anything to post on my Facebook page that would be interesting to other people. [Laughs.] I understand that it’s a great way for people to communicate, but there seems to be a lot of drama in the social media world. I think it also takes people away from getting out and meeting real people.
Student Weekly: Do you have any advice for people who are interested in doing what you do?
Gam: If you’re still at school, pay close attention in your Thai and English classes, because they’re really important. Keep working on your skills. Nothing beats hard work. Just keep at it no matter how long it takes or how difficult it may seem. And always keep a look out for any opportunities that come your way.
Vocabulary
- liberal (adj): willing to understand and respect other people’s behaviour, opinions, etc. especially when they are different from your own
up-to-the-minute (adj): having or including the most recent information
empathy (n): the ability to understand another person’s feelings, experience, etc.
informative (adj): giving useful information
relevant (adj): having ideas that are valuable and useful to people in their lives and work
numerous (adj): existing in large numbers
economic (adj): connected with the trade, industry and development of wealth of a country or an area of society
