It is another proud moment for parents, as “Noi Bussakorn” and “Ken Theeradej Wongpuapan” their eldest son “Nong Khun Khunnatham” has passed the entrance exam to the Faculty of Communication Arts at Chulalongkorn University, Department of Film and Photography, fulfilling his dream of becoming a director. Recently, mother Noi opened up about this success moment and shared charming stories about her introverted son at university.
Has your son Nong Khun entered university now?
“I’m proud of Communication Arts at Chulalongkorn. When he got in, I raised my hands in thanks because the tuition is expensive if he were to study abroad. If he went, we would have to support that, but in the end, he’s studying in Thailand, in the faculty he wants because he wants to study film. His dream is to be a director, and he got into Communication Arts at Chulalongkorn, the Film Department. It matches exactly what he wants to study. Importantly, parents save money, honestly, because studying abroad has many costs.”
So if he hadn’t gotten into Communication Arts at Chulalongkorn, would he have studied abroad?
“At first, he wanted to study film in America, which we felt was far and potentially dangerous. We didn’t know if discrimination still existed there, so we worried. We talked with him about possibly studying somewhere closer, and he listened. Eventually, he looked for options and found that Thailand has Communication Arts at Chulalongkorn’s Film Department and also at Ladkrabang. He was accepted to both, but Chulalongkorn announced first.”
When the results were announced, did you scream with joy at home?
“I remember we were in Japan when the results came out. Dad and I just told Nong Khun to check but didn’t want to pressure him. We pretended to drink coffee calmly. His younger brother told him to check the results, and they secretly went outside together. When Khun saw the results, he doesn’t usually show much emotion, just nodded quietly, but his brother cheered, 'Yes, you got in!'”
At first, I didn’t know, then Jun told me. Khun was... and he pretended like it didn’t matter. I said it was okay, if not this time, wait for another chance. But when I found out for sure, believe me, I cried tears of joy seeing my son take the next step.”
Before this, how hard did you see your son study for the exam?
“No, he didn’t take a traditional exam; he applied with a portfolio that had to include many works. Also, he needed a GPA over 3.2 to qualify to submit the portfolio.”
Did you give your son any gift?
“Just money as a lucky gift. In the past, maybe parents would give a car, but kids nowadays don’t want that.”
What advice did you give him about university life?
“I told him university life involves many activities, so do them, meet friends, participate. I don’t expect him to get honors or be number one. I just want him to be happy doing what he loves. If he wants to study film or do something, go for it.”
“University life is a different kind of fun. Going from high school to university opens up a new world. On his first day, he wondered why there were so many people at orientation. Being an introvert, he was surprised. Then he saw P'High Arphaporn perform at Communication Arts. He didn’t know her and sent me a photo saying many people screamed loudly. I told him that Khun is famous nationwide; wherever he walks, everyone knows him. It made sense why friends screamed so much. He even secretly recorded a clip, curious who she was.”
Did you tell him that this person has a hit song?
“Yes, I told him she’s very famous, known throughout Thailand. (Khun hasn’t heard if Chef Ba likes it or not—what is that?) He’s never listened to that song.”
Are you worried about anything regarding your son?
“For Nong Khun, I’m not worried about his studies, but sometimes he’s too naive. I’m just concerned about that innocence. But I believe experience will teach him, and he will adapt.”
In the clip you posted, the father ties his son's necktie?
“Dad must be proud but doesn’t say much. Now that Nong Khun has moved out to live near the university, Dad feels lonely since they used to talk every day. He worries, but now Khun can take care of himself. They want him to be independent.”
Now Nong Khun has grown into a handsome young man like his father and is talented?
“His university friends say everyone is waiting to hear him swear, but he’s quiet and just smiles. Nong Khun is like his father—introverted. He can spend all day with birds and trees, birdwatching.”
Are you worried about girls?
“I don’t think so. He’s probably interested a bit; I see him chatting with his dad.”
Did you say you were very protective of him?
“When he was little, yes, but now he’s grown. We know our son has to live his own life.”
How popular is he? Do you check your son’s feedback?
“I don’t check. Sometimes Communication Arts students post TikTok videos dancing. My son just stands still like this. He’s a basketball kid at Communication Arts and went to play basketball, while others danced. They called him to join TikTok, and he made this (blank face). He doesn’t smile; maybe he can’t do it. He’s very much himself.”
He is a polite young man and doesn’t swear, though boys sometimes act wild?
“I rarely hear Nong Khun say such things, though I don’t know if he does behind my back.”
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