He is known as a resilient individual who inspires many with his fighting spirit, the former singer and actor. Chen Thana also known as Chen Thanatraichat Phuchokanan who is currently still working hard to pay off business debts, which have decreased from over 800 million baht to over 580 million baht within 3-4 years.
Recently, Chen emotionally opened up on the "3 Zaap" show on Channel 3, sharing about the kindness of people in the industry who supported him during his downfall, including Tak Boriboon, Four Sakolrat, Duke Panudej, Aff Taksaorn, and Punjan Promma. Chen Thana recently shared with Thairath Entertainment about this matter.
When asked about the reason for appearing on the 3 Zaap show, what was the background?
"I think it started when I attended a TikTok event and appeared in the media for the first time in 18 months. Then the 3 Zaap team contacted me. Honestly, my mental state wasn’t ready to talk because I had to keep my problems private and just focus on selling products. But since it was 3 Zaap, with P' Aff and P' Chom, I felt I had to go."
Were there tears on the show that you couldn’t hold back?
"When P' Aff asked, I couldn’t hold back. I felt I needed to respect them. The questions were things I didn’t expect to be asked, like about drama or stress. Actually, I had buried those feelings and didn’t want to bring them up because I needed to keep positive energy to sell products. But when she asked, I answered everything. It was good—like talking to an older sister."
"I want to thank and apologize to my friends as well. For example, P' Duke often wanted to help behind the scenes, but when P' Aff and P' Chom asked, it brought those feelings to the surface. I wanted to share that even on the worst days, I had support, and I’m thankful."
Tak Boriboon’s name was mentioned as well?
"Actually, P' Tak was the very first person to reach out when I was at my lowest. I remember it was in the evening; I had just parked my car and was with my child when he called asking for my bank account number. By then, I had started borrowing from friends and told them about my problems—things I didn’t share on 3 Zaap. P' James (Ruangsak Loychusak) also helped.
I guessed that P' Tak found out from P' James that I was borrowing money. That day he asked for my account number, and I asked him, 'Hey, am I borrowing money from you? Has anyone told you about this?' But he didn’t say anything, just asked for the account and transferred money. That was the first key moment on my worst day. P' Tak was like the first button that solved the problem."
Another person who helped was Four, a close friend?
"With Four, I think many people have known my story for some time because we’ve been friends for over 20 years. As I said, it’s warmth and inspiration to many. In today’s online era, some say friends from childhood often drift apart, but in Four’s case, I believe there’s nothing that could break our friendship."
Another name mentioned was P' Duke?
"P' Duke is an indescribable warmth. It’s hard to explain because he’s a top producer. There was a time when 90s actors had producers who were like older brothers or parents. On days when I couldn’t cope, I called one such father figure."
"P' Duke’s story is very sensitive because it happened after a trip to Dream World when P' May Wasana was at the dining table. It was a day I felt like ‘what else will happen to me? I can’t take it anymore.’ It was a turning point with feelings more intense than other cases."
"That day, I was sitting at a TV station preparing to mediate debt and about to sign contracts. I felt I had to stockpile money to negotiate because I couldn’t keep up. So I called P' Duke because I felt I couldn’t handle it anymore, and the problem couldn’t be solved."
Why did you decide to call P' Duke?
"It’s a personal matter. I’ve worked on shows with him for over 10 years. During my singing career, I dreamed of acting, and his company was one of my life goals to work with, but circumstances didn’t allow it. We worked together on shows, so we’ve known each other for a long time."
Another name was Aff Taksaorn?
"This might be hard for many to understand, but I grew up as a rural kid who built myself up. I started with a fee of 15,000 baht per concert, then gradually improved, eventually stopping singing and becoming a host earning 5,000-10,000 baht per episode. I worked steadily, then became a clinic employee earning 30,000, 50,000, up to over 100,000 baht before quitting."
"Throughout my journey of supporting myself and family, I always gave. When I started my company, it was a time of mutual support. For example, we bought TV media worth hundreds of millions per year. I didn’t know about agency perks like trips, but I never demanded anything. I always gave."
"But before the news came out, when I got to know P' Aff, she sent gifts, and Nong Pimarn wrote a card for a birthday space. It was a warm and safe feeling. Some might think it’s exaggerated, but I can count on one hand how many times I received anything because it was very rare. It was encouragement for everyone. I believe you don’t always have to take; the opportunities I received when I was down came from 12 years in business and 8 years as a singer. I’ve worked hard and given continuously. So, when I fell, people helped me. It shows the world isn’t entirely cruel. I want to encourage everyone. The small things from P' Aff and her family might seem minor but are immense for someone like me who’s struggled for 12 years. Receiving a cake or gifts when a child is born was the first touch of kindness I felt."
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How much debt remains now?
"As I mentioned in the news, it’s about 580 million baht. My debt repayment isn’t by paying cash but through selling products. For example, each can sold contributes 20 baht toward the debt, so if we sell a million cans in a year, that reduces the debt by 20 million. There are various repayment methods like installments, discounts from creditors’ kindness, principal and interest reductions. Over four years, the debt has reduced from over 800 million to over 500 million."
Have you had a health check-up recently?
"Not yet (laughs). I keep postponing. I plan to go after the 6.6 campaign. This round will be tough—from 17 May to 7 June. I promised myself I will definitely go. Has my body sent warning signs? Yes, constantly. I encourage everyone to address their problems because we all know when our bodies can’t take it. Sometimes resting makes it better, so I wonder if it’s just sleep deprivation, but after 6.6, I’ll get checked for sure."
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