Having lived together for over 27 years, Kob Papassara and Ae Porntep Techapaiboon have one daughter who is the joy of their lives, Nuer Disraya Techapaiboon, who is now following her mother's footsteps into the entertainment industry.
Both define their love as 'never growing old' and reflect on a challenging period when the husband was seriously ill for eight months.
On their 27th wedding anniversary, how do Kob and Ae feel?
Ae said, "Time has passed like a flash of lightning (laughs)."
Kob said, "Our love hasn't aged at all. Over 27 years, our love has only deepened. We've learned a lot about life together. Twenty-seven years is significant for a couple who barely knew each other before marrying after just two months, and now we have this family.
I see that married life is never fixed. We learn every day—how to love, give, and forgive each other—and we communicate. Our family is very simple, nothing complicated. Then one day, a third person joined our family (pointing to their daughter)."
Nuer Disraya said, "Sounds like I'm interfering... (smiles)."
Kob said, "You might think that, dear, but the third person is actually the breath of your mother and father. When she arrived, our love didn't disappear; it grew stronger. She takes up all of our attention, 100%, but our relationship as a couple remains strong. We've learned to live fully with her."
There was a time when Ae was unwell, and we took care of each other. One day, I realized the difference between 'married life' and 'life partner.' A life partner is truly your partner, while married life can just go on. When Ae was sick, I stayed with him; the hospital felt like home. At one point, I wondered how two elderly people like us could continue—those were difficult times mentally.
But we fought through to today. Things are back to normal. My daughter Nuer and I have different kinds of busy lives. On weekdays, Nuer watches over her father when I’m at work, and we alternate like this. It’s a happy, real life, and we have learned a lot about living together."
Ae said, "She's very devoted to family. During those eight months bedridden, she visited every day. I couldn't get up, but I felt the warmth of family. With the children and mother, we got through it. Though things aren't perfect now, we're older. I've seen our daughter grow and succeed, but I rely on fans to look after me now, since I’m getting old."
Kob said, "I’d like to ask the media, photographers, and fans to help look after her for us. I still take care of my husband for everything else. Please also support Nuer and Tangkwa. Both support each other."
During Ae’s illness, did the family provide good care?
Ae said, "We are very close and love each other deeply. She is devoted to family and comes from a rural background, so she values family bonds and caring for each other."
Kob said, "I must say, we had never faced anything like this before. Eight months of illness. We never thought it would happen to our family. To see someone healthy suddenly unable to walk was shocking. It made me wonder how we would manage."
At first, it was confusing. But I told myself we would get through this phase. The most important thing was the encouragement from those close. At that time, I had a busy schedule, and so did Nuer, but I never hired a nurse. I stayed with him every night; the hospital was like home."
Ae felt sorry and suggested hiring a nurse since Kob was tired and working, but I said no, it is my duty, not the nurse's. That’s why I say the difference between 'married life' and 'life partner' is real."
Did Ae feel his love grew stronger after that?
Ae said, "My love has been constant from the start until now. Even when apart, I miss her. We adapt to each other. We used to travel freely; now we live together. I believe this is a dream life for many."
Talking with friends, I realize that in old age, having family care brings confidence and trust more than nurses do. The love remains unchanged. Now I worry about our daughter more, not just us anymore."
He said, "She has left the nest, and we don't know what challenges she'll face. I hope what she experiences will help her learn and solve problems. I tell her it's okay to fall; she just needs to get up. We are behind her, pushing her forward."
How do Nuer’s parents express their concern and promises to her?
Nuer Disraya said, "I can’t take care of myself fully yet. I want my parents to keep caring for me. I definitely couldn’t be who I am today without them. Though I do many things on my own, my learning and path wouldn’t be here without their support and walking with me."
She added, "I believe one day I will stand on my own feet, but I’m grateful that I've come this far because of my parents. When that day comes, I hope to make them proud."
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