It's about time: Lydia and Matthew plan to wed

Having been “an item” for almost a decade, they figure the time is right for them to sample some official marital bliss, and plan to marry next March. “I actually proposed to her two years ago in France,” Matthew said. “But he kept it a secret and no one knew about it, not even our close friends or family,” Lydia chimed in mischievously. Apparently she shocked herself by accepting his proposal without a second thought. 

Matthew subsequently worked on a more formal proposal, arranging for his phuyai to talk to her people and work out terms for the granting of the green light. “My parents have seen us together for almost 10 years, so there’s no problem,” said Lydia. 

Next they’re heading back to France, scene of the “crime”, for pre-wedding photos. “We’ve got to do that soon while Lydia is free from work,” said Matthew. 

At this stage there’s no wedding “theme”, Lydia said. She just hopes to have friends and family together having fun on the big day. 

“Any weird feelings now that you’ve announced your plans to wed?” a reporter asked weirdly. Matthew said nothing’s changed in their lives – apart from the fact that they actually have to plan a wedding now.

 

Good night, Robin Williams

The jolt from the death of American actor-comedian Robin Williams was also felt in Thailand, more than ever for actress Jintara Sukapat, who played Trinh, the Vietnamese girl with whom Williams’ character falls in love in the movie “Good Morning Vietnam”. Other Thais who served as extras in the making of his 1987 film set during the war with the US are sharing fond memories as well. 

Williams spent 21 days in Bangkok and upcountry shooting the picture about a wild and crazy US Armed Forces Radio DJ who breaks the rules.

Jintara heard the terrible news from friends. “I didn’t believe at first, until my friend sent me all the details,” she tells our sister newspaper Krunthep Turakij. 

“He was already ‘somebody’ at that time – everyone knew Robin Williams – but I was a ‘nobody’. He helped me with my lines. He was everyone’s favourite on the set. When he came into the room he cracked everyone up.”

Jintara recalls him as down to earth and quite serious and professional about work. “He was sensitive too, as you can see in the scene where we parted ways. I cried and then he cried, seeing me in tears. He later complimented me on the scene.”

Sompit Watkins was an extra on the production and posted a photo online of Williams and her together. She echoed Jintara’s recollections of a friendly, simple man. “I’m grateful I had an opportunity to meet and get to know him,” Sompit says. “During our very brief encounter on the set of ‘Good Morning Vietnam’ in Bangkok, he was warm and funny, just like the way he’s known on screen. During breaks he chose to hang around with us, a bunch of extras, instead of staying in his personal van or room with an army of bodyguards like superstars nowadays.”