The new look of Nong Gle the adorable daughter of superstar actress Chompoo Araya A. Hargate, recently caused quite a buzz. Both Chompoo and Nong Gle attended the launch event of the mascot “Love You as Much as the Sky” on the M floor of M Sphere shopping mall, dressed as Thai Airways air hostesses with a banana-shaped updo hairstyle, reminiscent of Chompoo’s character in the Channel 3 drama “Golden Orange Blossom.” Reporters took this chance to ask about the look, as well as the Cannes red carpet trip where their luggage didn’t arrive on the first night, and also got updates on the children’s recent garden trip in Chanthaburi province.
How do you feel about today’s look?
Chompoo Araya: Today, I’m like an airport manager (laughs). But we have a new crew member. As for how it is dressing like this, the stylist prepared everything. The fabric was actually bought from Thai Airways, tailored especially for the crew.
I see the hair is swept back in an updo?
Chompoo Araya: Yes, swept back. Tonight, I have a flight (laughs).
Was this hairstyle difficult to do?
Chompoo Araya: Actually, once we knew about this event, I discussed it with teacher Ek. Deep down, I wanted the banana hairstyle because it’s so Thai Airways, right? At first, they were a bit worried Nong Gle might resist since she usually sticks to a few hairstyles. Kids sometimes don’t cooperate much. It was a bit challenging, but many people helped persuade her gently, making sure she felt no pain—no pins pressing her head. We built this look over several days because I really wanted this style today.
Did she like this look?
Chompoo Araya: She seemed to like it, though she joked she couldn’t spread her legs (laughs). Maybe it’s not quite her usual style yet.
Going back to when you wore an air hostess uniform?
Chompoo Araya: That was a role, right? But I never had a chance to wear a national airline uniform then; I was with a foreign airline.
This will definitely become a meme or go viral?
Chompoo Araya: Keep an eye on my content, I’ll have more (laughs). Does it complete the feeling? Not really, I think it’s more coincidence that I once had a role like that. But it fits partly because our family travels a lot, and we often use Thai Airways.
Many joked she’s like "Reya Junior," what do you think?
Chompoo Araya: When she throws a tantrum, she can be like that (laughs). She really can.
Tell us about Cannes?
Chompoo Araya: I was happy this year; things went pretty smoothly. We planned everything and followed the plan like autopilot, enjoying the moment. The trip was fine, though there were some exciting moments and surprises. But when you’re well-prepared, a few hiccups are manageable.
You mentioned the luggage didn’t arrive?
Chompoo Araya: Yes, the luggage didn’t come until that night. Were we surprised? A little, but we knew the outfits had already shipped there. The diamond shoes were already there too. It was mainly about hair and makeup. But those items are available there since, for example, L'Oréal has a stockpile. Everything was replaceable. Still, every stylist has their own preferred tools and plans, so sometimes we have to adapt and improvise.
But overall, did things go as planned?
Chompoo Araya: Aside from the luggage delay, everything else went well. Looking back at what we did, it was hectic, but at the time it felt fine since we followed our plan. There were hotel changes, location moves, and release points—many details—but it was okay.
Did everyone cooperate well?
Chompoo Araya: Yes, everyone stayed calm and knew their roles (laughs). Once we realized the luggage was missing, after checking in at the hotel and going to fittings, everyone split up to find or fix things. After an hour or two, we regrouped and started the event.
Was that luggage for costumes and makeup?
Chompoo Araya: Every single bag (emphasized). All the bags for the entire trip.
How did you feel when the luggage didn’t arrive?
Chompoo Araya: We quickly assessed what we needed for that night. The team that arrived earlier also had no luggage; theirs was missing too. It seemed like a chaotic festival or something. We asked others, and it turned out that actress Nicha (Nattanan Cha Dangwattananavich) also didn’t get her luggage (laughs), though she didn’t walk the event that night.
Some others didn’t get their luggage either?
Chompoo Araya: Yes, basically, no one got their luggage (laughs). But we prioritized what was needed the first night. I realized I was missing items like underwear for a particular outfit, which was a detail I had planned.
Has this happened before after going to Cannes?
Chompoo Araya: In over 10 years, this was the first time.
Recently you took your kids to a garden. Did you return to the same place?
Chompoo Araya: Yes, we went back because last time Paa Yuu didn’t go.
Did you decide to do more activities this time?
Chompoo Araya: The kids liked it. For city kids like ours, who live in a condo, experiences like this are rare. Usually, they only get to step on soil at grandma’s house or garden. Quiet places where no one bothers you are perfect. The first time, Paa Yuu had a car race so couldn’t join. Everyone loved it and wanted to go again. This time we went as three.
Have the three of them started liking durian yet?
Chompoo Araya: (laughs) I like it the most, obviously (laughs). Yuk eats it. Saifah has tried a little with an open mind. This one (looking at Nong Gle) hasn’t yet. If smelling it, what’s her reaction? She’s still not open to it, but we don’t force her. We never force anything at home.
About the legendary garden look with Chanel boots—women can wear boots to the garden, and you did too, right?
Chompoo Araya: (laughs) No... I bought them to keep for Cannes but never wore them. When I bought them, I even scolded myself for buying them (laughs) because I rarely have the chance to wear them. This time I got to wear them. Have I worn them elsewhere? Once at grandma’s garden. Actually, foreigners wear boots on rainy days or so.
But people said, "Wow, wearing boots to a garden?"
Chompoo Araya: It has to be like that. Wearing them for exercise is not right (laughs). That day there was hardly anyone at the waterfall. I joked that I called the municipality to close it (laughs). No one was there. Was it raining? Just a light drizzle, a bit humid and muggy, but not raining while we played.
The kids looked happy playing with water and fish?
Chompoo Araya: Yes, it’s a natural water source. They played with the fish—fish were swimming with us in the water.
Did they ask to go again?
Chompoo Araya: I asked if they wanted to go next year, and they said yes, they’re hooked.
How do you teach the kids about life and learning from nature?
Chompoo Araya: I don’t really teach. I just take them when there’s a chance. We’re lucky grandma has a garden and pets, so they get to play and try things.
Recently, you and Nong Gle did voice acting?
Chompoo Araya: She voiced about 3-4 lines, playing a child from the village, a minor role without a name (laughs). Did she do well? Yes, both kids did fine.
What kind of lines did she have to voice?
Chompoo Araya: I don’t remember exactly, but I can’t spoil it (laughs). Listen in the show. I stayed with her during recording to coach her on how to deliver the lines. She understands acting. When I told her the context—like when you’re arguing with your sibling and upset with Saifah or Paa Yuu—she responded with real emotion. She understood it.
So she didn’t just copy your voice but added her own feeling?
Chompoo Araya: Yes, I didn’t ask her to imitate pitch or tone. I just explained the situation—like when Saifah did something—and she understood the brief.
How would you rate this voice actor?
Chompoo Araya: (laughs) If she’s well-fed and not sleepy, she’s great (ten out of ten).
Will she do more than 30 or 40 words in the future?
Chompoo Araya: We’ll see gradually. The focus is on experience and fun rather than doing everything.
People say the Araya kids are very experienced, doing a variety of things?
Chompoo Araya: I try to give them opportunities. Being where we are, traveling with us, working alongside us—they gain diverse experiences and train themselves differently. For ordinary kids who just go to school and play, this is a fortunate chance.
But when they eat well, their energy is full, right?
Chompoo Araya: Yes, all kids are like that—well-fed and rested means no fussiness or sleepiness. Now, (looking at Nong Gle) it’s late afternoon (laughs), almost done.
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