"Sena Ling," a leading Thai host, opens up about his love journey with his wife "Mod Arada," whom he has dated for over 20 years, sharing untold stories including nearly not marrying due to lack of money. He also reveals the adorable side of their daughter "Nok Yoong" on the show "Kui Zap Show" on One31 channel.
Many people wonder about his love story since photos with his wife look like they have another daughter. Mod is very beautiful, right?
"Almost 20 years, including marriage about 21 years, but it feels like 40-50 years, it's been that long."
How did you meet your wife?
"She was representing her father; he owns a motorcycle shop and is a dealer in Chiang Mai. She went to Tak province on his behalf. I was hosting with Phi Aor and thought, ‘This woman seems nice.’ She seemed natural, easygoing, happy. So, I asked her out. Whenever I went to Chiang Mai, I’d call her."
Did you instantly fall for her?
"Did she fall for me? You can ask her. Maybe she did, who knows? She’s not here today, so I can say whatever I want (laughs)."
How did you court her? Mod is from an aristocratic family, right?
"I was sincere. For example, if she had to leave by 8 p.m., I let her go at 8 p.m. I never tried to hold her back. If I wasn’t sincere, I’d look like a deceiver. So, I had to be honest."
Could she sense your sincerity?
"She did, and her family sensed it too. We dated secretly; her family didn’t know because they didn’t like actors. This was about 21 years ago."
Were you a playboy back then?
"No, I wasn’t a playboy. I was normal."
How many people were you dating?
"Three. No serious girlfriends, just casual. I thought no one would marry me this lifetime, so I lived life as it came. When I started dating Phi Mod, she asked if we were official. I stopped talking to everyone else to focus on her."
What did Mod say when she found out you were talking to others too?
"She didn’t care about my past. If she did, she wouldn’t have dated me."
Mod was very beautiful then, with many suitors. A leading competitor was a big hotel owner. If people hear the names, they wonder why Mod chose you.
"Even Aua asked her why she chose me."
What was Mod’s answer?
"She felt comfortable. In other ways, I couldn’t compete—looks, status—but she felt she could be herself most when with me."
Did Mod say being with you felt like being with her father? Or was she unlucky then, like under a bad spell?
"She looked a bit dull then (laughs). I had to take her for treatments."
Does the hotel owner still have that hotel?
"Yes. Mention the name, it’s on Sukhumvit Road, a large 5-star hotel."
Her parents weren’t very pleased with you. How was it when you first visited Mod’s parents?
"I was worried. Her father reads karma. I had to drink with them. When they asked if I drank alcohol, I said I could but didn’t drink much daily. Phi Aor helped by bringing drinks to toast her father. They began to accept me. Her mother noticed Mod was changing for the better. Mod’s previous boyfriends made her erratic, but I am about 7-8 years older, so she changed. Her family became more open after meeting me."
How did you get her family to accept you?
"I met and respectfully greeted them. At first, I hid our relationship to keep them from knowing."
How many years did you hide it?
"Not long, about 9 months before marriage."
The wedding was very quick. People thought Mod was pregnant before marriage?
"Maybe. The wedding was big news in Thairath and Daily News. It was held on 1 January, New Year’s Day. Originally, they planned to wed next year, but Mod’s family said it shouldn’t cross the year because, according to Northern beliefs, waiting would risk becoming a widow. So, they chose the auspicious day of 1 January."
But you weren’t financially well off?
"I had money but couldn’t afford gold, rings, or cash for the wedding. I had spent money buying a car and other things."
What did you do? Heard you refinanced to pay for the wedding?
"I took a loan. I handled the finances myself and informed my parents, who also discussed it. After that, I borrowed money and told them."
Mod wanted to marry and said if not, she’d move abroad?
"Yes, she planned to live in Sweden, so we married to keep her here. But now she lives abroad anyway (laughs)."
Don’t say Mod is just visiting; Thailand is her tourist spot?
"This month, she’s been in Thailand less than 10 days."
You mortgaged your house and borrowed 2-3 million baht for the wedding?
"About 2-3 million. Mod knows because I said I didn’t want to use my parents’ money to marry her. It should be our money, whether borrowed or earned, so we wouldn’t trouble my parents. Starting from that moment, we built with our own money. It became a good principle. I’m still paying off the loan (laughs)."
You’ve talked about hotels, houses, lots of things. After 20 years together, do you argue?
"Yes, we argue about things like attitudes or words—left turn, right turn while driving, a one-minute difference. Then it gets awkward in the car. It’s tiring. Eventually, I apologize, saying sorry so we can move on and enjoy happy times sooner instead of wasting time."
Mod gets angry but calms quickly. Anything you want to tell her?
"Be more economical, especially on flights. Use economy class (laughs)."
What’s your secret to staying together?
"We try to have faith in each other. We have a teacher who guides us in parenting and communication. His name is Kru Phop. He teaches parents to raise children happily through his 'Phop Suk' class. He asks why we behave certain ways, uncovers personal issues, and helps us understand each other. Sometimes our habits are deeply ingrained. Without guidance, it’s hard to find solutions. He acts like a judge, asking how we feel, helping us see ourselves. He’s like a psychologist. Our child has a child psychologist too. If a child has issues from ages 3 or 4, we consult them. Sometimes there are difficult turning points."
Nok Yoong is grown now. Do you raise her to date premium partners like princes who play polo, ride horses, golf, with grooming just so she gets a prince?
"(Laughs) Just joking. Nok Yoong does archery, sailing, surfing, snowboarding, skiing, horseback riding, golf. I tell her, 'You’ve cost Dad a lot, so if you find a boyfriend, make it a prince (laughs),' because the sports she plays are all favorites of princes."
Has she met her prince yet?
"No prince yet, but she’s met a spirit (laughs)."
Are you protective?
"I’m concerned, but ultimately, it depends on what she encounters and chooses. I just support her."
How old is she this year?
"Seventeen."
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