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Jetsetting with Thailand’s Most Beautiful Transgender Poyd Treechada

SINGAPORE — Being named Thailand’s Most Beautiful Transgender is a badge of honour that Poyd Treechada wears proudly.

Poyd Treechada eats instant noodles constantly while travelling and still looks like this.

Poyd Treechada eats instant noodles constantly while travelling and still looks like this.

SINGAPORE — Being named Thailand’s Most Beautiful Transgender is a badge of honour that Poyd Treechada wears proudly.

“I’m very proud of being recognised as a transgender beauty queen and actress,” she declared. “As a celebrity, I recognise the power I have in using my fame to spread the idea of acceptance. I feel no need to prove myself and would rather let my actions speak for themselves.”

She has landed meaty roles in movies such as Hong Kong’s White Storm, and has made special appearances at events, including a stop in Resorts World Sentosa for Through Eyes Of Us Thais, a travelling photo exhibition of Thailand’s hidden gems as seen through the lenses of budding Thai photographers.

As for her own little Thai getaway, she can’t get enough of Phuket. “It offers the perfect mix of nature, outdoor activities and great food. I don’t normally enjoy hanging out in clubs or bars — I prefer to spend time with family and friends in a quiet setting. One of my most favourite resorts in the world is Sri Panwa Hotel in Phuket. It is secluded and peaceful.”

 

Q: You’ll be in Singapore this weekend for the photo exhibition. Do you get recognised abroad?

A: I feel so fortunate to have fans in almost every country that I’ve been to. They usually come to me and tell me that they recognise me from shows and documentaries on TV, and it is such a humbling experience. It helps to reassure me that I am on the right path in life!

 

Q: Will you be appearing in more Hong Kong and international productions after White Storm?

A: Yes, I am very excited because I have just signed a five-year contract with Universal International. It’s the biggest (artiste agency) in Hong Kong. I can’t provide much details about my future projects as of now, but you can look forward to seeing me more often on movie screens.

 

Q: How are you as a traveller?

A: I’m not a picky traveller but I pack my luggage very thoroughly. I do not like missing out on taking something so I pack excessively. I dislike flying because I am a self-proclaimed phone and Internet addict. I cannot live without the two. Most Wi-Fi on planes are either non-existent or very slow.

 

Q: Besides your phone, what are some of your travelling must-haves?

A: I can get quite homesick sometimes so I like to pack things to remind me of home, especially Thai food. I can’t travel without Thai canned tuna and instant noodles. Just tucking into a piping hot bowl of Thai instant noodles is very comforting and very useful when I want a simple meal.

 

Q: Where do you go for your favourite Thai food in Bangkok then?

A: My ultimate favourite meal is home-cooked food by my grandmother. Unfortunately, I do not get to have it often as I travel for work. I make it a point to visit Nara Thai Cuisine at Erawan Bangkok to enjoy a mix of home-style cooking and traditional Thai street food in a comfortable setting.

 

Q: Could you tell us about your best and worst trip overseas?

A: The best trip I have taken so far was to Nairobi. Everything was so new to me and such an eye-opener. I remember being in a van with my friends, and it was so hot and stuffy because there was no air-conditioner. We decided to open the window, but in the end we had to wrap our entire faces with scarves as it was very dusty. It was quite late when we arrived at our hotel and we were told that many wild animals roamed freely around the area, so we were rather afraid to get out of the van. The hotel was paradise — we were surrounded by nature, tribal music and wild animals. It’s located next to a massive swamp where I saw a huge herd of hippopotami. It was such a surreal experience. Unfortunately, Africa was also where I had my worst trip — I visited a remote village where the people were very wary and apprehensive. They even threw marbles at us. Serene Lim

 

The photo exhibition runs May 30 to June 1. Meet Poyd at RWS’ Bull Ring on May 31 from 4pm to 5pm. Admission is free.

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