The entertainment industry was shaken once again when veteran talent manager “Up Wiriya” opened up candidly about the darkest phase of his life when he had less than 100 baht left, forcing him to reach out to industry contacts and former protégés for help feeding over fifty dogs and cats. He was met with painful silence—messages read but unanswered—leading to severe stress and even suicidal thoughts.
Did you call celebrities to ask for dog and cat food?
“It was a very difficult time. I called to ask, some people read but didn’t reply. I wasn’t asking for tens of thousands, just a thousand or two. Sometimes I felt hurt, especially from those close to me—kids I helped launch. I felt, ‘I can’t take this anymore.’ Right now, I have 50 animals: 40 indoors, 10 outdoors, and hundreds more in the provinces. But Sek Loso sent food regularly before he went to jail, and Kant (Wipakorn Sukphimai) would call to ask if I was short on anything and how many cats I had, then send supplies.”
“However, some very close people—even major beauty queens with big crowns—would neither read nor reply when I messaged them. That hurt a lot. Whenever they had events, I helped them for free. It’s disappointing. Sometimes people in the industry create an image of unity, like sharing one meal, but it’s not true. Help should not require a big case or big news. I help everyone if I can.”
Did those you once mentored help you?
“On 5 December, Aum Patchrapa transferred 20,000 baht. But some favorites of mine said they didn’t have even 2,000 baht. If they don’t want to help, that’s fine—I’ll name them: Way Thaitanium, Lift Supoj, Fuse Kittisak, Teen Sarawut. I’m going to take back all their old nicknames. I gave those nicknames myself (laughs). Lift was once called Dong, Fuse was Tom, Teen was Tom, Way was Bee, Wave was Kla. I’ll reclaim them all. They don’t help dogs or cats—I’m very upset (laughs).”
Are they not active on social media?
“They read, they do. Normally, when it’s my birthday, everyone would make merit and help. Lately, when I have something, I don’t bother them often—just occasionally asking for a thousand or two, not tens of thousands. I feel sad and very disappointed. So now I’m working on building my own value.”
You seem very stressed?
“I admit I was very stressed. I even thought about suicide, but I worried about who would take care of the cats. Many people encouraged me—like Ko Teerasak and Tim TV Pool—who said I still have a light and reputation to use. So I decided to keep fighting, and things have improved.”
Was your suicidal thought related to the lack of help?
“Yes, because it was very bad. I had less than 100 baht and couldn’t ask anyone for help. I used to have millions and hundreds of baht worth of gold. This taught me a lesson: we can't be poor forever; we must have resources. I will continue doing good, helping dogs and cats until I die.”
What about the negative comments from people who don’t understand you?
“Now I don’t care or pay attention anymore because society understands. When people insult me, others defend me, saying I really care for dogs and cats and I’m not like that. Fortunately, about 2% criticize while 98% praise me, so I’m fine (laughs).”
If you meet former protégés or celebrities at events, what will you do?
“If I meet them, I’ll greet them. If they don’t greet me back, that’s their issue (laughs). I’ll thank them and call them by their old nicknames. For example, to Lift Supoj, I’ll say, ‘Thank you, Dong, for always helping me.’ I’ll call them by their old names to remind them. I’m not asking for tens or hundreds of thousands, just a thousand or two—not even enough for condoms (laughs).”
“Now I live with my dogs and cats and help society. People don’t help anymore because of backstabbing. I focus on helping dogs, cats, monkeys, and elephants—like the Lopburi monkeys numbering 500, and the 1,000 monkeys at the Karajieb sanctuary. This brings me happiness.”
You don’t think about that situation anymore?
“No, I’ve let it go. I’m poor now but I can become rich again. After hitting rock bottom, I’ll rise to the top.”
Click to readEntertainment newsMore
