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Award Winning Actress and Model, Aokbab loves Her First English Fry-Up

We caught up with rising star actress/model Aokbab during her stay at The Standard, London. Aokbab’s unique, refreshing and enigmatic personality has enabled her to navigate both the modelling and acting industries with great success, winning a host of awards—Asian Film Award for Best Newcomer and Thailand National Film Association Award for Best Actress amongst others—and international acclaim for her performance in the mega box office hit Bad Genius. Her fashion credentials have seen her grace the covers of Harper’s Bazaar UK, Numero Magazine and star in numerous campaigns. She also enjoys an enduring relationship with the house of Chanel representing the brand internationally.

What does your name mean?

My real name is Chutimon Chuengcharoensukying, my nickname is Aokbab which actually means design. My father who’s an engineer chose this name for me when I was born; it’s a Thai tradition to be given a nickname at birth. 

3 words to describe your personality?

Crazy, peaceful and musical.

What in your personal life has influenced you to choose your career?

I was approached by someone in high school who said I could be a model. I thought, ‘Me, a model?’ I was 15 at that time, my Mother even asked, if I was sure she was being genuine and telling me the truth. My Mother accompanied me when I went to the meeting; I’ve been modelling ever since then. I took it step by step modelling and studying for a few years before I shot my 1st campaign for Boyy Bag. My parents at the time were very strict about my studies; in Thai culture you’re encouraged to graduate before you can leave the country. I needed to finish my education before I was allowed to travel internationally for work.

Which role do you prefer, being a model or actress?

I like and enjoy being both.

What was the driving force that you got you where you are today?

My heart; being true, it drives me to be me and recognize the good people around me. 

What made you take the role of Lynn in Bad Genius?

Lynn was a wonderful, interesting and complicated character, I never saw the full script during my audition and was only allowed to read 3 scenes; 3 amazing scenes. I worked for a long time on the intricate traits of Lynn’s personality with my acting coach writing down what defines her character: where she went to school, who her friends were, her favorite things; her entire world.

"Always be yourself. Don’t lie to people, be confident with all your heart and soul. DO IT!"

What advice would you give to someone trying to make it into industry?

Always be yourself. Don’t lie to people, be confident with all your heart and soul. DO IT! 

Who’s your inspiration? Why?

Liu Wen, China’s 1st supermodel. I met her at a Chanel event. When I was a young model I wanted to be like her, she’s an inspiration for Thai models and the first Asian model to gain success internationally.

What would your dream project be?

I want to star in a big Hollywood movie.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Receiving my 1st award at the New York Asian Film Festival, I won the Screen International Rising Star Asia award in 2017.

What's your goal for this year?

In December my new movie "Happy Old Year" directed by Nawapol Thamrongrattanarit will be released in Thailand. I want to see the finished film with the audience, to see their reactions. It will be nerve-racking but satisfying at the same time! 

What’s your idea of fun?

Creating personal playlist for my friends and family.

What is something you treasure?

A ring that my Grandmother wore, she gave it to me before she died and told me it will bring me luck.

What item would you be lost without? 

Music, whenever I forget my headphones, it’s a bad day. I cannot live without music, I listen to music all the time, every day.

What do you consider the ultimate luxury?

Chanel

Best gift you’ve ever received?

A necklace that my mother gave to me; it’s a simple chain with a small diamond. 

Who or what influences your style choices the most?

Music.

Favorite item that you own?

My Chanel J12 watch. 

What is your greatest extravagance?

Shopping

If you had the opportunity to meet one person you haven’t met who would it be?

My Great Grandfather, he used to live in mainland China.

What’s your favorite film?

Harry Potter, I love the first 5 movies. I really want to visit the Harry Potter studio tour in London. 

Inspiring exhibition you’ve recently seen?

I studied Exhibition Design and I love to see art; especially installations. I visited the V&A this week and Saatchi Gallery; my favorite was the Beyond The Road exhibition there.

Artist to watch?

HONNE, they are London based electronic music duo. Love listening to them while I'm here.

If you could become film character or work of art, which one would you choose?

The character Kevin in the film Split, he has 24 distinct personalities.

"We use WIFI together but don’t talk to each other: you could be in the same building using WIFI and not know each other."

If you could have any super power what would it be?

To make the world peaceful.

Favorite places to stay?

The Standard in London, especially my room which had a bath on the terrace and a view of St Pancras station.

What do you miss most when you’re away from home?

My Mother’s cooking.

Favorite airport and why?

Hong Kong airport; I travel through there a lot and I love to eat at Lady M, I'm obsessed with their cakes.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

My home, Thailand, I love my Mum.

What has your favorite discovery in London?

Saatchi Gallery

Name 3 things to do or see in London?
Shopping, visiting galleries and riding on the bus/tube.

Do you unpack immediately

Yes, always.

What are the top 3 songs on your playlist?

San Francisco Street by Sun Rai

Nuit 17 à 52 by Christine and the Queens

Strawberries & Cigarettes by Troye Sivan

Favorite game?

I play the 2048 puzzle app.

Most used emoji?

The black heart emoji 🖤

WIFI is the glue that holds us together, what's your opinion?

It’s hard to agree with that, half of my heart says ‘Yes’ but then the other half says ‘No.’ We use WIFI together but don’t talk to each other: you could be in the same building using WIFI and not know each other.

"I absolutely like the English Fry Up, so many things to enjoy in one menu! Like a mini buffet, but to be honest it’s a bit too big of a portion to me."

This is your first time to London. What are your first thoughts on the city?

I first remember seeing London in the movies, it’s a charming city full of heritage and never lacks newness. In my opinion London has been the backdrop for fashion and creativity. Staying here at The Standard, London with the incredible view of St. Pancras Station opposite the hotel is somewhat surreal and will eternally hold a special place in my heart.

Have you had British food before?

Of course, I’ve had Fish ’n Chips and I believe that’s quintessentially British, right?

How did you like the traditional English fry up?

I absolutely like the English Fry Up, so many things to enjoy in one menu! Like a mini buffet, but to be honest it’s a bit too big of a portion to me.

Ever heard of bangers and mash?

Yes, I’ve heard it before, funny name I must say. I actually ordered it in flight on my way to London. 

While in London, was there a certain dish that particularly spoke to you?

I would have to go back to Fish ’n Chips, it’s much more delicious here and I might come back just for that.

Popcorn or dinner

Dinner

Beer or Wine?

Wine

What’s next?

Ordering room service for some chips.


Clothing Credits

White Fringe dress - Xu Zhi / Black Trainers, Rainbow Slides - Nike / Watch - Chanel J12 / Hooded shirt, Orange Shirt, Orange Trousers - Eudon Choi / Skirt - Curated / White Silk dress, Black leather jacket - SUKI / Pink bathrobe - Craig Green X The Standard

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