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The Classical Album
By Vanessa-Mae

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This is what has been stirring up Thailand’s late night news and talk shows as of late. It’s been rather interesting following all the hype since it’s been a while since BKK has been ablaze with such Hollywood-esque news and buzz.

From a western standpoint, I suppose Tata Young's declaration regarding her relationship with Paradorn is hardly anything to fuss over. After all, various members of Hollywood’s elite hold press conferences regarding similar issues all the time. From what all the newspapers and TV shows have been saying, the real reason why the Thai public is so riled up is because they regard Paradorn as the nation’s golden boy and Tata as an arrogant celeb who puts on too many diva-esque airs.  I guess most Thais feel that what she did was far too outspoken and bold, especially considering the fact that no other Thai celebrity has ever come out like this and publically declared details about their love lives and relationships.

Also, the fact that she didn’t officially meet or give notice of their relationship to his parents before going public seems to have violated Thai society's traditional values. Apparently, everyone seems to be against her.  This one show had a poll regarding her popularity, and over 90% of the votes were against her. Even worse, the whole of Paradorn's extended family also disapprove of Tata and her public behavior.  People speculate that she’s doing this simply because she’s just released a new album and wants to feed off of Paradorn’s rising international stardom.  There was this talk show host on TV last night who complained about her being over-confident, too "western", and severely lacking in "kulasathree" traits, something, he said, that Thai women in general have managed to maintain, regardless of how swiftly and extensively our society has modernized in recent years.  He also further speculated that her musical career and ebbing acting career are both pretty much defunct. Ouch.

I myself have only met her once, and that was way back in middle school when our schools competed in some sports event. She was nice enough then, but then again, she wasn’t famous yet back then. Siri and her friend Beer (who’s a huge Tata fan) saw her at the Christian Dior fashion show here in Bangkok last year… out in front of the hotel. Because she was standing alone, they felt that it wouldn't be too intrusive of them to approach her and ask her for a picture. Beer mustered up all her nerve, approached Tata, and asked. But when she did, Tata hardly even turned to face her and, instead, simply said, “Sorry, I’m busy… I’m waiting for someone”. Needless to say, Beer was absolutely heartbroken.

A few of my friends, on separate occasions, recently ran into Cindy Burbridge and Nicole Theriault (fellow graduates of my high school ) at Emporium, and asked them for their autograph. Not only did they graciously give it to them, but they also stood around and chatted to them for a while.

I say those are genuine celebrities worth celebrating about.



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