After Ice Thalachanun the wife of Neng Mengjai, the late comedian, posted a sharp message saying 'Now that the event is over, stop putting on a show,' before later clarifying and apologizing for the post, stating it was aimed at those who never showed respect and crossed the line. She said she just wanted to protect herself and her family.
Netizens then uncovered that Ice's post was actually about JJ Yuvachart, Neng's ex-wife. Meanwhile, Mangpor Cholticha, a female luk thung singer, posted a message defending JJ, who is a close friend. She said her friend brought Nong Penny, her daughter, to attend Neng's funeral to say a final goodbye to her father, affirming that her friend came sincerely and was not seeking attention or money. Recently, reporters met with Mangpor Cholticha to ask about the issue.
Asked about her post defending JJ?
“I just want this matter to be over. But because I love my friend and it became clear who the post referred to, I felt I had to speak up a little from my friend’s perspective.”
How long have you known JJ?
“A very long time, almost 20 years.”
How did you feel when you saw JJ being attacked?
“I felt sorry for my friend because, as I wrote, she didn’t come to seek attention or money. She came because she wanted to bring her daughter to say a final goodbye to her father.”
When did you notice the drama? After the event ended or was there drama throughout?
“Honestly, there were many things happening during the event. But I considered it over once the event ended, and everyone went back to their lives. When that post appeared, I waited to see who it was about. Then someone sent me a message about an edited post, which referred to my friend. So I spoke out briefly to settle it once and for all.”
What was your initial feeling upon seeing that post?
“I felt she was trying to protect something. She posted that she wanted to protect herself and her family. But from what I witnessed during the event and knowing my friend’s story, there was nothing she needed to fear.”
Did you find anything suspicious about the post, or did you already know the context?
“Knowing already? It’s hard to say. But if she named someone specifically, I could explain it from my friend’s side.”
What impact has the drama had on your friend?
“She’s not very stressed but worried about the impact on her daughter. Honestly, Nong Penny doesn’t have Facebook, so if she hears anything, it’s through friends. She’s afraid that friends talking about it might cause stress. After the event, she’s mostly stayed in her room because she’s still grieving.”
Did you speak privately with JJ after the event?
“We talk all the time. I told her it’s okay, to stay calm and quiet, and that I would explain things for her, so she wouldn’t have to speak out and risk affecting others.”
Are you angry on your friend’s behalf?
“Not angry exactly, because people have different views. Someone might think one way; I just explain from my perspective.”
How is your friend’s mental state?
“She cried throughout the event. She’s never faced drama like this or stood before the media so much before. After her interview with the press, she came back and cried again. I had to comfort her.”
But she didn’t cry in front of the media?
“No, she believes life must go on. Honestly, at this time, she’s okay about her daughter. She never minded because she didn’t intend to take anything from the start. She believes she can raise her daughter herself and has her own career. Also, everyone in the industry loves her and her daughter, so they support her.”
Since your post, have you experienced any backlash?
“A little bit, but it’s much better now. It helped people understand my friend more. Before I spoke out, some questioned why she went to certain places, so I had to explain her reasons.”
Do you think your post has changed your life?
“(Smiles) I don’t know. That’s up to her.”
Since your post, has anyone from the other side contacted you?
“No, we’re not Facebook friends anyway. All the news is sent to me by others.”
If she sees this, what would you say to her?
“I’d say let’s end this. Everyone came sincerely—P’Ball, P’Yuri, P’Mam—they all came with heart. JJ herself came sincerely too. When she first heard the news, she asked if she should wait and go together to the temple. But she said no, she had left home since noon and went alone to help.”
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