The 'Force' is with him

SELECTED FANS of the Star War franchise were in for a treat at the end of last year as Krungsri Signature led by Wanvimol Kanoktanaporn, managing director of Krungsri Ayudhya Card and Atis Ruchirawat, managing director of the bank’s General Card Services, invited their members to enjoy early screenings of the latest film. 

Held at Paragon Cineplex, Siam Paragon and SF World Cinema, CentralWorld along with a private before-hours party, the highlight of the events was an exhibition of Star Wars collectible pieces belonging to Thai fans that included a Stormtrooper helmet signed by George Lucas, which belongs to Atis. Recognised as the official Star Wars fan of Thailand – he won the title on the hit TV show “Fan Pan Tae” in 2001 – Atis has been involved with Star Wars for more a decade and has worked both in the translation process and as a script consultant.

“I have more than 10,000 pieces in my collection,” he says proudly. “One of the most memorable pieces is the Stormtrooper helmet with an autographed picture signed by George Lucas that I received because I was the only Thai to join the Stormtroopers at the Rose Parade in 2007 in the US. It was the best day of my life and these pieces are priceless.”

Partygoers included Thawee and Nanjaporn Chongkavinit, Patpong and Preeyamon Thanavisuth, Kulapath, Sajeepath Phornprapha and Pitinun and Jeerasuda Kisadatanont.

Celebrity Dr Navin “Tar” Yavapolkul also joined with party, along with Rhatha “Yaya Ying” Pho-Ngam, looking pretty in her Princess Leia costume, who came with her Chewbacca plush, a perfect furry friend who can talk and sing when squeezed. Star Wars Stormtroopers and Spacetroopers also put on a parade stopping often to pose for photos with fans.

Members of Krungsri Exclusive Signature and Krungsri Signature should present their cards to Krungsri IMAX counters at Paragon Cineplex, Major Ratchayothin, Central Plaza Westgate, Central Festival Chiang Mai and Central Festival Had Yai to get two free movie tickets.