They are known as close friends who constantly share humorous moments, including the talented news presenter and announcer. Noom Kanchai Kamnerdploy. And the famous ghost show host. Pong Kapol Thongplub. Or as many people call him, Pong Ruea Jang. On Pong's birthday, his dear friend Noom went all out, posting a photo of Pong with a beautiful woman and writing a striking birthday message urging to do what you want quickly, eat what you want quickly, meet whoever you want quickly, and clear up any lingering issues—leading people to joke it sounded like a deathbed message. Recently, Noom Kanchai addressed this after attending the Praew Awards 2026.
Asked about the big event, wishing his dear friend Pong Kapol a happy birthday?
"I already wished Pong a happy birthday. I selected the best photo of him because I wanted him to look his best and show the happiest face possible. I believe that face is his happiest. The wishes were straightforward: do anything you want quickly, settle any unresolved matters, eat what you desire, and meet whomever you want. (Is it strange?) It’s not strange; it’s encouragement so the next year will be even better."
Many read it as a deathbed message?
"No way. Pong is tough to die; he’d have to suffer for seven days first (laughs)."
What did Pong say?
"He scolded me a lot, saying, ‘Noom, you’re really something!’"
Is the photo real?
"It’s real, not AI. In fact, he sent me that photo himself. He showed it to me and said, ‘Noom, look at this.’ He sent it to many people. I’m keeping them and will release them gradually."
Many posted photos of Pong with women for birthday wishes. Did Nikki Nachat also post one?
"Really? I haven’t seen it yet. Oh, he did the same? That’s just Pong—he always has photos like that. But he’s a lovely person."
Nanaek posted a black-and-white photo that shocked people. Were you surprised?
"I saw it. Yes, I wanted to ask which temple it was (smiles). It’s like extending his life. Pong is indeed long-lived."
Do you usually tease each other so strongly?
"That’s normal for us. Has Pong ever gotten angry? Never. It’s really just playful banter. He knows I’m joking. For me, when I tease someone, only a few people are close enough that I can say whatever comes to mind without filtering and not worry if they’ll get angry."
So you must understand each other well to dare tease so strongly?
"Yes, he teases me too; it’s not just me teasing him."
But he doesn’t dare reveal your chats?
"He can’t. He himself has been caught."
You think Noom has nothing on him?
"No, I’m careful (laughs). If you ask what could make him angry, I can’t think of anything. We’re friends, like siblings. We know when we speak like this, it’s playful. He plays along and swears at me all the time, calling me names, but I never get angry. I also tease him about football; he used to clip sports papers and bet on football. Now it’s all online, just teasing (laughs)."
Is it true he teased you about teaching you how to look at the camera?
"That’s just talk. Do you really believe that? (laughs) He claims that, but I’m not mad. He keeps teasing me like that. I think only a few people can joke like this without getting mad."
Are you afraid he might get back at you for teasing him like this?
"No, I’m clean. Can he keep claiming? He does it every day, everywhere. He tells everyone I’m his hired boatman. Whether people believe it or not, that’s his thing."
How long have you been friends with Pong?
"Oh, a long time—over ten years. Since he had black hair until now I’m gray, no hair left, and my teeth look like cigarette pack models (laughs). Why do you ask about friends so often? (laughs) Journalists are getting clever these days."
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