WOODY TALK opens up Oh Pakjira Speaking through tears! On the day she decided to separate, what was the greatest sorrow? She describes the transition in her married life, making decisions based on reason rather than emotion, co-parenting despite changes in family status, learning to care for her own heart, dealing with societal pressures, starting a stable new life as a mother, sacrificing for her child's happiness by leaving the home to prevent her child’s pain, and renewing care for her body and health as she approaches 50, becoming a woman who loves herself more.
Two to three years ago, when filming a show, Oh mentioned she was worried about her figure and wondered if all hope was lost?
Oh Pakjira: Honestly, I wasn't too serious about my figure. But when people in the industry commented, they probably cared—they wanted me to be slim and beautiful. People expect that, but I like to eat and go out. I didn't get many jobs because I was a full-time mom, so I didn't really care much.
Do you see the version of yourself today as more mature than 10 years ago? How have you changed?
Oh Pakjira: If I look back to when I was young, I just wanted money—I had to do everything for money. Today, it's different. I've felt for a long time that the industry changes, we grow older, and start families. I dream that this is a life beyond my dreams: having a lovely child and family. My mindset was fixed on family alone. I even told my younger siblings, since I raised them and sent them to study abroad, that if they don't do well or study hard, I have kids now, and that's the end of it. I always told them to take care of themselves, learn to work and study. I used to take care of them full-time and told them, 'I have kids now; everything ends with them.' And it was like that—we have a wonderful child. Nowadays, people ask on LINE if I'm free, and I say I have to look after my child. Everyone says the child is already 13 (laughs). Now, when my child says, 'Mom, I want you to pick me up,' I can't say no. We still sleep together. Whoever says kids don't want their moms anymore, that we just drop them off and send them away, that's not true. We still hold and comfort each other. When I go to pick up my child, I ask if she's embarrassed that I come, and she says it's okay.
What about your child makes you see a changed version of yourself?
Oh Pakjira: I lack [something], too. When I was 15, I worked and earned money, supporting my whole family. No one in my family had a profession. Every day we had no choice but to work (tears welling). I protected my parents and siblings always, but I felt like I never got anything for myself. When I got into the industry as a host, I still felt I had little knowledge. If I had the chance, I'd learn another language. Regarding love, I'm sensitive because I never had it; I always put others first. My parents were like that, too. Every day it was about money.
It was a home we had to find and rent apartments for 3,500 baht, but gave my parents better places costing thousands. I saved money daily, ate on set. One day, I bought a house for 2 million baht. One day, when I have a child, I'll never let them lack anything. I don't know if it's right, but I won't let that happen. It was difficult because some might have careers, but my father didn't, and my mother was a housewife. I felt I couldn't rely on anyone. I once got sick and stayed in hospital with no one to pick me up because I had no money. I had to borrow from a childhood boyfriend—not really a boyfriend, just a guy who liked me and would take me home—because I had no money.
Looking back, many people have helped me a lot. Producers didn't have to choose me, but I kept working continuously. At that time, I had so much work. It felt like heaven watching over my family. Otherwise, we'd be homeless. I can't imagine what I'd do at 15 with so little knowledge. Growing up, I gained my own power, knowing I did my best beyond what anyone else could see except myself. I also feel my child will never face what I did.
Has your child been fulfilled and never felt a lack of love?
Oh Pakjira: Yes, my child has only love. The father loves her very much. We talk about our child often. He really loves her. I just hope he keeps loving her like that, because I will never change. I don't want more children. I feel a bit sorry for Beer [her new partner], who won’t have our child (laughs).
Have you talked with Beer about this?
Oh Pakjira: We talked from the start. I'm a planner. I've always said my life was like this. I even chose my child's father carefully. I believe that Feat can be the father of my child. I will never regret because I chose him. After that, my life felt like a closed book. This chapter is closed—I live with this family. In my mind and eyes, there is only this family—Feat and my child. When our status changed, we still talked about how to give our child the best environment without lack.
What did you tell your child? Some parents don't want their kids to be sad about such matters.
Oh Pakjira: Honestly, my child was about 10 years old then. Feat might have thought the same. We thought about it but had no choice. So we told her directly that her parents had separated. But kids nowadays are more aware because of the internet and get some education about this. We spoke gradually without pressure. I still go to that house often. Doctors say the best environment to prevent a child feeling change is their home. If possible, children shouldn't move around—like spending 3 days with mom and 2 with dad. Honestly, if they can stay in the same place, that’s best. So I decided it should be me who leaves, since I came alone. I was willing to hurt myself by leaving for the child's sake because Feat has a more stable career.
How many years has it been?
Oh Pakjira: Three years. That's why having Beer is good—like having fresh flowers; it soothes the soul. Beer came to bring positive energy to my life. Before, I wasn’t sure what would happen, but I never thought about remarrying or having a new family. I met him through a connection, not an app, because as a celebrity, I thought I wouldn't have a new family.
But after dating, I felt he gave me energy, encouragement, and mental support. When I feel down—like thinking about my child who still lives there—it makes me a bit sad because I was once in that same place. He helps me change the topic. Even now, he never complains about me staying with my child for many days. If he posts pictures of me on Instagram late at night, I see them the next morning because I have to take my child to school. He posts that he misses me.
So I know I wasn't there the night before. He can only be so dramatic; he can’t say much else. I am strong and told Beer I don't want children—I want just the two of us. I said from the start I wouldn’t have children again. I told him if he really wants kids, he should leave me and find someone else who can have children, because I really don't want any. He agreed to go along with me because if he wants kids, he wants them with me. I'm not a perfect mom—I’m tired. I want to grow old holding hands, sitting and talking.
Did heaven send Beer to you?
Oh Pakjira: Yes, truly a blessing. Because at over 40, as a widow, I always wondered if any man would want me. Everyone wants their own children. I always thank him for coming into my life.
Looking back to when you started caring for your health and loving yourself more, what did you realize then that you hadn't before?
Oh Pakjira: I started wearing nicer clothes. Looking back, I didn't have much thought about it then. Now, it's definitely better—for health, walking, and beauty. Of course, when I was heavier, some people might have gossiped. But as a celebrity, people notice. Now, people just say, 'Don’t get fat again.' I lost weight because of those who love me. Beer told me he never cared whether I was fat or thin because he met me when I wasn’t beautiful due to being overweight. Still, everyone says I used to have a great figure. I said, 'I can do it. I'll show you.' Then, Pek suddenly called me and reminded me I used to be very beautiful and slim and encouraged me to get back in shape.
You were once ranked among FHM's 100 hottest women. How do you feel when people say you were very beautiful before but perhaps not now?
Oh Pakjira: I don't think about it at all. As I said, I have to age. My child grew up before my eyes. I feel like any mother has the right to be a little overweight (laughs). Back then, I was very slim—48 kg at 170 cm. I was a model. I've been in the industry for 30 years, so I believe I have the right to gain weight. Pek wants me to lose weight and be more beautiful; it’s well-intentioned to boost my confidence and help my career. Now I'm 49, almost 50, and it's harder to lose weight. I had help. Before, I weighed 78 kg; now, I've dropped to 58.
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