She has become a businesswoman now, for Toey Jarinporn Joonkiat. She has spent all her savings to buy land and build a stylish minimalistic vacation home in Japan.
Toey explained the origin of this house with a smile, saying it started purely from personal liking since she enjoys snowboarding and loves the lifestyle in Japan.
“I’ve always liked snowboarding and the lifestyle there. I used my savings from working to build it there. Honestly, I didn’t think too much about it; I did it just because I liked it. Later, I’ll rent it out or do something with it. When you invest money, you expect a return.”
So, you bought land and built a house on it?
“Yes.”
I heard land tax in Japan is expensive and you’re a foreigner buying it?
“That’s why I said I did it purely from the heart. After finishing, there are taxes and other fees to pay. (Was it difficult to handle the paperwork?) I had to follow their system very strictly because Japan is quite strict about everything. But it’s clear and well-defined. There are many steps, so there will be a management company to take care of the house, and I manage that.”
How do you alternate living between Thailand and Japan?
“Maybe I’ll stay there at the end of the year. (How many months have you stayed so far?) About three months so far. It’s 100% finished now. People keep asking. Soon it will be listed on websites, so don’t forget to book.”
Are you thinking long-term about liking Japan and doing business there?
“Yes, looking long-term, it started with the lifestyle I like and what makes me happy. But if I only build it and don’t live there, it’s pointless, so I’ll rent it out too.”
Will you live there permanently in the future?
“I don’t know yet; nothing is certain. But it’s another place where I feel very happy when I’m there.”
Do you have Thai friends building homes in that area too?
“Yes, I followed others. I have idols like P'Ken and P'Noi—they’re my idols. Our houses are nearby; we’re neighbors.”
May I ask, have you invested a lot in this house and business?
“I’d rather not talk numbers; it hurts a bit. But I work in Thailand; I haven’t moved. Nowadays, people ask if I’m still in Thailand because they tease me. Actually, I worked and saved money, then invested in something I like. It’s not that big, just like building a small house in Thailand. (People envy your beautiful house?) Thank you very much. I’m lucky to have a good view—it’s a mountain view.”
Regarding your relationship with your boyfriend, Carlos E. Lang, a Mexican photographer and influencer, with whom she has been in a relationship for over two years. It’s a long-distance relationship across the globe, and Toey admits it’s quite challenging.
How is your love life?
“It’s good, steady. Being in a long-distance relationship isn’t easy; it’s tough because he’s on the other side of the world, so our times don’t align much. But it’s also good because we each focus on our own things.”
How long have you been together?
“About two years and a bit.”
How much of an obstacle is the distance?
“It’s not easy at all. The time zone difference means it’s morning for him when it’s the opposite here, so that’s hard. Plus, cultural differences, language differences, and time differences make it quite challenging. But overall, we talk and understand each other, which is the most important thing.”
Do you both understand each other’s work?
“He might not fully understand because our social contexts differ, but I find it fun. I learn new things and get to know his culture.”
With the time and cultural differences, what principles do you follow in your relationship?
“I think it’s about trust and constantly encouraging each other. We have to keep communicating, though we’re mature enough not to need to talk all the time. Mostly, we send messages and chat a little when free.”
Does he understand your work?
“Not much, but he supports me as much as he can.”},{
Does he know you’re a famous leading actress in Thailand?
“He has been here, and when we go out, people call out to me like ‘Mata! Mata! Actress! Actress!’ and he understands those words.”
Do you get to see each other often?
“It depends a lot on timing. We haven’t seen each other for about three to four months now. Hopefully, we’ll meet briefly soon when he comes. I confirm it’s ongoing. We need to get to know each other and adjust, but overall, we’re happy.”
You’ve met the real one now, right?
“He can’t speak Thai at all. I wish he could speak more Thai (laughs).”
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