Beauty queen turns actress
By Suwitcha Chaiyong
Photos by Varuth Hirunyatheb
Did you know
Mameaw reads psychology books in her free time.
Pornchada Krueakoch (Mameaw) was crowned Miss Teen Thailand in 2013. Like previous winners, the 18-year-old beauty queen landed a job as an actress at Channel 7. Last year, Mameaw was in the sitcom Krob Krua Tueng Nuen Tued Khan Thep (Stingy Family) and is currently appearing in Hor Heo Khon Hua Look (Haunted Dorm).
The actress has recently been the focus of attention after it was announced that she will play the main character, Cho-aueang, in a remake of the TV series Mae Ai Sa Euen (Tragedy in Mai Ai), which was a massive hit in 2004.
Student Weekly met up with the pretty actress at Channel 7, where she told us about her acting and the preparation for her upcoming role.
Student Weekly: Do you like acting?
Mameaw: I enjoy knowing a lot of people and working with the crew. Acting helps me to become mature. I’ve learned to be organised, plan ahead and manage my schedule.
Student Weekly: How did you feel acting in your first TV series, Stingy Family?
Mameaw: I was very excited. In the first scene, I was on a tricycle and had to scream when I was almost hit by a car. I had no idea what I should do. The director gave me advice and sometimes showed me how to act in a scene, but he told me to not copy him 100 percent.
Student Weekly: What was it like to work on sitcoms?
Mameaw: It was difficult. I wasn’t good at it but I did my best. I don’t make jokes in real life. I like to be straightforward, but I do enjoy watching sitcoms.
Student Weekly: How do you feel about getting a part in Tragedy in Mai Ai?
Mameaw: I feel thankful that the executives gave me this great opportunity. I didn’t expect it. This drama has an excellent script. I admit that I feel pressure because in the previous version, Nina Suthita played Cho-aueang marvellously. When I watched her act, I cried along with the character. I wonder if viewers will cry when I play Cho-aueang.
Student Weekly: How are you preparing for the role?
Mameaw: I’m taking acting classes, studying Northern language and learning Thai dancing as well as the Northern drum performance, Glong Sa Bud Chai. During the first scene, I have to speak a three-page dialogue in Northern language. I barely understand the language, so I have to study it several hours a day.
Student Weekly: Do you like the character Cho-aueang?
Mameaw: I really like her. She develops from a naïve girl to become a tower of strength. The veteran actors Sorapong Chatree and Pooklook Fonthip make me feel like I’m part of the family. I feel really good working with them.
Student Weekly: Is it true that you’re also filming the drama, Sab Dok Soi (Curse)?
Mameaw: Yes, I play Sompor. She’s an obedient girl who has a gentle mind, but her body is very strong. This is challenging because I’ve never worked on a period drama before. The language and personality of the character are different.
Student Weekly: What would you like to do in the future?
Mameaw: I plan to study hospitality at university. I love cooking and would like to be a chef.
Vocabulary
- stingy (adj): unwilling to spend money
straightforward (adj): easy to understand or simple
marvellously (adv): extremely good
tower of strength (n): a person who gives you help and support when you are in a difficult situation
obedient (adj): doing, or willing to do, what you have been told to do by somebody in authority
hospitality (n): food, drink or services that are provided by an organisation for guests or customers
