Mon's last wish: Peach sees the full scope of stardom
Play
Mon, a 12-year-old boy in the final stages of brain cancer, had a dying wish - to meet actor Patchara 'Peach' Chirathivat, whom he'd idolised since seeing him in the hit film 'Suckseed Huay Khan Thep' (just 'Suckseed' in its English title).
Peach got a call from the Make a Wish Foundation and didn’t hesitate a moment. He immediately went to visit Mon at his home.
“I never thought I’d be such an influence like this on people,” says Peach, who family is among the wealthiest in the country.
Mon’s parents told Peach when he got there that their son was really excited and had been awake since 5am. When they met he found the lad looking surprisingly strong. “It was me who felt weak when we got talking. When he said he was glad to meet me and this was his final wish in life, I just burst into tears.”
Mon wanted Peach to teach him how to play the guitar just like Peach did in “Suckeed” and continues to do with a band in real life. “Then I felt sad when I got home because he’s so lovely and he seems to be enduring the pain really well.”
Peach continues to provide support for the boy, which the actor says is the least he can do in return for the way Mon has inspired him. “When we have a good life, a good job and good health, we should share our happiness with others. I tell myself I have to do best every day, because we never know what might happen.”
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Noon in the moonlight
The digital boom has intensified competition among the TV stations, and Channel 3 recently issued a formal ban on its actors under contract working for its rivals.
So it was quite a surprise to see Channel 3 regular Siraphan “Noon” Wattanachinda listed as the star of a forthcoming GMM Channel One remake of the series “Phuying Khon Nun Chue Boonrord”. The new series is being made by the GMM affiliate |X-Act.
Asked if she’s jumping ship, Noon said she’s “just an actress”, so she can’t comment on the behind-the-scenes business. She did, however, obtain permission from Arunochai Bhanuphan of Broadcast Television Co, to which she’s also contracted. Broadcast makes shows for |Channel 3.
She said the central character, Boonrord, “is a real challenge and I really want to play her”. Talks on the series went on a long time, she added, even though shooting has just begun, and were underway before Channel 3 formalised its prohibitive policy.
“Boonrord” is a well-known story by novelist Botan about the uneducated title character who, with her sister, must take care of their large family, even as American GIs are traipsing through Thailand while the Vietnam War rages.
Described as unattractive, Boonrord, with her darker skin, is mistaken for a mia chao (“rented wife”) by her fellow Thais and disdained. Finally, though, she meets American engineer Bob, who recognises her good heart and asks her to marry him. In Noon’s case, half-farang Willie McIntosh will be her Bob.
The story has been retold several times on film and invariably tests the talents of the lead actress. You can’t really blame Noon for wanting to give it a go.
