Regarding the recent drama Nirin the daughter of actress and TV host Ning Panita Patthana Hiran and young businessman Jin Jarin Thamwattana who said she didn’t want to look like her father and called Jin during his live broadcast, which escalated into a big controversy. Jin expressed regret and confirmed he didn’t know his daughter was calling during the live stream.
Recently, Ning Panita attended the 8th Nakharat Awards at Aksara King Power Theatre. She opened up about the drama, her daughter Nirin’s dance performance at the event, and shared her thoughts on the recent school shooting incident.
Did your daughter perform a dance today?
“Yes, she’s quite excited because this dance style isn’t really her forte. They had little rehearsal time since she has many commitments, and the team she’s with rehearses a lot, so they rarely met to practice together. She’s definitely excited.”
But your daughter probably believes 'the show must go on,' right?
“I secretly watched the rehearsals, and she should do well. They had very few joint rehearsals, but at home, I saw her practicing often. Because the dance style is different, she was a bit stressed. She said, ‘Mom, P’Jin is the main dancer, he’s an artist, and I’m just a trainee. I’m worried I might let the team down.’ She had some worries, but I saw her practicing well.”
How do you encourage her to relax and not be stressed?
“Usually, I don’t pressure or interfere with these things. I let her do it. When she wants something and tells me, I help her. This way, she learns and grows with every job she does.”
Are the seniors supportive and giving her chances to gain experience?
“I must thank all the seniors at every event and big stage (hands in a wai) for giving Nirin the opportunity to perform. It helps her gain experience and understand what she needs to do when working.”
Did you bring a lightstick today?
“(Waves hand to decline and shakes head) Today is an awards ceremony, not just a concert. If I brought one, I’d embarrass her. She’d say, ‘Mom, stop it’ (laughs).”
May I ask about the drama with Jin?
“Actually, I want to apologize to all reporters who called and I didn’t answer. At the recent event, I didn’t give interviews. I sincerely apologize because I felt the country’s situation has bigger issues than our family matter. I thought it better to focus on that. Our family issue is small.”
“I’m grateful for all the support that showed how much people love our daughter. I’ll have Nirin read the messages and tell her that many people love her and she must be a good child and not disappoint everyone.”
How is your daughter’s emotional state?
“It’s not easy for her. But I believe every experience strengthens her to get through it. No matter what work or situation she faces, with lots of praise, I always teach her another perspective. I’m confident Nirin will be strong and overcome this, though it’s not easy.”
Has she had a chance to talk with her father?
“Actually, they have no problems. If anyone watched the live from start to finish, there was nothing wrong.”
What about her saying she doesn’t want to look like her father, which became a big issue?
“I already said in a live that it was just playful teasing between father and daughter. It’s normal for them. I see it as a normal part of their relationship.”
But when Jin went live, people thought he might feel hurt?
“Let me say this: from others’ perspectives, I can’t answer for them. Even from Nirin’s perspective, I can’t answer for her either, because it’s her own view.”
During your live, Nirin said she didn’t want people to talk about this, fearing insults and not wanting to be involved?
“As I said, these things aren’t easy in many contexts. We don’t need to go into details. There are more important societal issues now. But I firmly believe that encouragement from everyone—fans and those around her who support and guide her—will help her grow into a strong, quality adult.”
“For me, I try to see it as not a big deal. If we treat it seriously, it becomes drama. I try to keep things light so she can get through it with love and support, learning what’s right and wrong and not disappointing others.”
What has she learned most from this incident?
“How to handle social media. I believe she will overcome it. I told her she’s already halfway into the entertainment industry, but she’s only 13, so give her time to learn. I believe encouragement will help her get through and grow. Just give her time.”
You mentioned support earlier. Were you surprised by how many people love your daughter?
“I must say it’s the utmost. Even close reporters who I didn’t answer calls from sent encouraging messages in my DMs that I read. At today’s event, everyone told me to send encouragement to Nirin to keep fighting. I never expected so many to love my daughter. I’m truly grateful for this kindness (hands in a wai).”
Some comments criticized your parenting. How do you feel?
“If I tried to explain to those who don’t understand, they still wouldn’t get it. But people who have followed me or reporters know I’m strict. I don’t know what else to do for those who don’t understand. Even when people praise Nirin, I teach her another side—what if things go differently? Ultimately, we teach, and it’s up to her how to use the advice and support she receives. We can only raise her and provide vaccines; the rest is her life experience. Deep down, I believe we must have confidence in our children.”
Regarding the recent school violence, as a parent, how do you feel?
“It’s hard to know how to comment. I’m saddened and worried on many levels. The situation is very complex, and without full understanding, I dare not speak.”
“What I can do is express concern and sympathy for all involved. I won’t comment on causes. It’s human psychology—some things seem small to some but huge to others. Everyone’s issues are different in scale.”},{
