As she approaches her 30th birthday, Thai model-turned-actress Aokbab reflects on her journey in the industry, her newfound courage, and her aspirations for diverse roles.

Thai model-turned-actress Aokbab Chutimon Chuengcharoensukying, known simply as Aokbab, is marking a significant transition into her 30s with a refreshing outlook on life. In a recent interview with Harper’s Bazaar Singapore, she expressed her evolving personality, stating, “What’s funny is the older I get, the sillier I’ve become.” As she approaches her 30th birthday, Aokbab feels empowered to express her feelings more openly, remarking that this newfound courage sometimes annoys her friends.

The photo shoot accompanying the interview highlights Aokbab’s quirky and vivacious nature, contrasting with the serious roles she often portrays on screen. Clad in iconic Chanel designs, the shoot features whimsical settings, such as playfully arranged pink mattresses and swings, capturing the essence of her character off the runway.

Aokbab’s journey into the fashion industry began unexpectedly at the age of 15 when she was discovered while working backstage at a school reunion party. Her initial career aspirations were quite different; she had dreamt of becoming a doctor or psychiatrist, influenced by her upbringing with two older brothers. Reflecting on her unconventional path, she humorously notes, “I wanted to become a doctor or psychiatrist. I also grew up with two older brothers, so I was quite rough and manly.”

At the age of 17, Aokbab gained international attention through a fashion spread in Harper’s BAZAAR UK, which marked the beginning of her ascent in the modeling world. Her breakthrough role as Lynn in the film Bad Genius (2017) further established her as a significant figure in Thai cinema, showcasing stories beyond the conventional action-packed performances associated with Thai films.

In an impressive career highlight, Aokbab was recently honored as the first Thai actress to win an International Emmy for Best Actress for her outstanding performance in Hunger (2024). “Just finding out that I was nominated for the award was already a big shock for me,” she expressed, reflecting on her experience leading up to the prestigious event. She emphasized the significance of representing Thailand on an international stage, noting that it may help global audiences recognize the richness of Thai film culture.

Preparation for her role as Aoy in Hunger, a complex character who transitions from street food to fine dining, required intensive training. Aokbab described the physical demands of the role, including cooking techniques that tested her limits. “I had to handle a wok…the hardest thing was overcoming my fear of fire,” she revealed, indicating the challenging yet rewarding nature of the role. She also mentioned the personal growth that came from learning the intricacies of cooking, stating, “I value the effort behind it more,” following a newfound appreciation for culinary arts.

Currently balancing projects, Aokbab is filming a series in China, with aspirations to expand her filmography to Europe and America. She expressed a desire to play a wider range of characters, aiming to break free from being typecast as intelligent and strong female roles. “I want people to see other sides of me,” she said, indicating her interest in exploring characters that may not fit the mold she is frequently offered.

Beyond acting, Aokbab finds solace in scuba diving, enjoying the peaceful escape it offers. She highlighted the unique nature of underwater exploration compared to regular meditation, noting, “With meditation, someone can still nudge you, but no one can nag you with scuba-diving unless it’s to ask how much air you have left.”

In addition to her personal interests, Aokbab has garnered significant experiences as a Chanel ambassador. She appreciates the craftsmanship and cultural support the brand provides, investing her time to learn from her peers within the arts. Reflecting on her interactions with British actress Tilda Swinton, another Chanel ambassador, Aokbab recalled advice that resonated with her: “There isn’t any trick. You will just see yourself. It was just a few words, but they were so profound to me.”

As Aokbab continues to evolve both personally and professionally, she remains focused on honing her craft while adding diverse skills to her repertoire. Her journey illustrates a blend of ambition and an expansive perspective on her career as she embraces both accolades and opportunities for growth.

Source: Noah Wire Services