She is a beautiful woman with diverse talents and holds a title on the beauty pageant stage. "Captain Cat," Police Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Artiya Benjapak, who recently decided to resign from government service to fully engage in her private business, opened up about her new role in life.
Previously, many believed Captain Cat used connections to gain the rights to organize the Miss Thailand pageant for three consecutive years. She told "Thairath Entertainment" that there was absolutely no favoritism involved; everything followed a completely transparent process.
What should we call your current rank?
"You can still call me Captain Cat. Although I have left government service, my rank remains, and importantly, I have earned a doctorate—I'm now Dr. Cat."
If we list your full title, how would it be?
"Dr. Captain Cat or Police Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Artiya Benjapak. But many still call me Captain Cat, and that's fine. Even when I served as the district chief officer, some still called me Captain Cat, so it’s okay."
You’re no longer in government service?
"Yes, I have fully left to run my own business. I established Cat Unique Co., Ltd., which deals with cosmetics. Now, having been a contestant and second runner-up in the Miss Thailand pageant, I became a pageant manager and today hold the rights to organize the Miss Thailand pageant for three consecutive years."
Many people were surprised, and some think you had favoritism?
"After the association announced the schedule for selecting the organizer for 2027-2029 and released documents that many have seen, we submitted our intention as a company to be the organizer. There were various steps and processes, including presenting proposals and meeting the association’s criteria."
I used my knowledge and experience as a former contestant to identify areas for improvement in the Miss Thailand pageant, aligning with the association’s needs. I didn’t expect to win but gave my best during the presentation. Everything was conducted with established standards and procedures by the association."
When the results were announced that my company was chosen, I felt happy but also wondered if there would be any drama. I can assure you all processes were transparent and took a long time to complete before announcing the outcome."
Since the announcement, we have prepared quickly because on 2 September, there will be an official press conference to introduce the new Miss Thailand under the concept 'The Golden Era.' This will open opportunities for aspiring contestants and welcome partners and sponsors."
Can you confirm there was absolutely no favoritism?
"None at all. Honestly, I did not expect to get it."
Some Thais believe in superstition or rituals to achieve success. Did you do anything like that?
"No rituals. Honestly, that’s a personal belief. I don’t practice superstition—not disrespecting anyone, I still pay respects and pray as usual. But I don’t engage in rituals to gain success. I focus on working hard, making the most of every opportunity, and believe those who follow me have seen my continuous growth."
Are you still active in entertainment, like singing?
"Yes, I have a new single coming out next month. I’m still working on the song 'Kaew Na Ma' and have a fan base asking when I’ll return to music. I recently participated in the FM90 Luk Thung Rak Thai concert, where fans asked when I’d have new songs. So I decided to return with music to satisfy their longing."
I also have an upcoming drama on Channel 7. Previously, I acted in 'Det Asun Khan Kaew Noppakao,' but the channel hasn't officially announced it yet. I just finished filming a Yuri-themed series where I play the antagonist alongside Yosh Rinrada and Diena Fleipo."
You have a very busy schedule?
"Yes, mostly in entertainment. I’m still working because many people follow and wait for my projects. At the same time, I continue working with Miss Thailand and my business. Everything runs simultaneously."
Do you have a boyfriend?
"No, I’m single. We live as a group of three, so I’m open to being asked out. Currently, we go to events as a group."
Do you get many suitors?
"I don’t focus on that. You can ask, but you have to go through my manager first. It’s probably difficult though (laughs)."
People think you always have a boyfriend?
"Maybe because of my work and meeting many people, that gives the impression. But if you look at my daily life, I work every day with almost no time to rest."
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