Hot hosts

Yeepun and Bas get busy

By Suwitcha Chaiyong and Ploy Thamma

Many media personalities have more than one showbiz career at a time. As well as working as VJ's for Channel V, Panupat Sukanlayaruk (Bas), 25 and Napat Banchongchitpaisal (Yeepun), 20, wear several other hats.

Bas plays guitar with the band Better Weather and has acted in the sitcom Baan Nee Mee Rak (Home Sweet Home) for four years. He also works part time as an MC. New VJ Yeepun has acted in music videos and TV commercials. She also recently played the headstrong Muay in the movie, Kob Khun Tee Rak Khan (Appreciated Your Love).

Student Weekly recently met up with Bas and Yeepun at their office to hear all about their busy lives in the entertainment business.

Student Weekly: Bas, does working as a VJ mean that you can broadcast your band's music videos more frequently?

Bas: No. Being a VJ doesn't give you more privilege than other artists. But sometimes people request Better Weather's songs when they see me on TV.

Student Weekly: How did you both get into acting?

Bas: I didn't intend to go to any auditions, but I became interested when I was told about Home Sweet Home. I prefer sitcoms to dramas because they're fun and the actors are great.

Yeepun: Many people auditioned for Appreciated Your Love, so I was surprised when I got the part. Initially I was told that it would be a short film, so I was glad when it turned out to be a feature film.

Student Weekly: What was it like when you first started acting?

Bas: I kept overacting at first, trying to be funny. The director told me that I should just act naturally. I also had to stop myself from laughing all the time because the other actors were hilarious!

Yeepun: I felt tense during my first scene. I worked with Pan Paiboon Keatkeawkaw, who played my character's dad. He broke the ice between us by making small talk with me. After that, I felt more relaxed and I really had fun acting.

Student Weekly: What's the main difference between working as a VJ and acting?

Bas: As a VJ, you just have to be yourself. But some people have trouble acting naturally in front of the camera and they end up looking awkward. It's more fun if you feel relaxed and comfortable.

Yeepun: With acting, you're always playing different characters. Sometimes you can use your own personality for the character, but other times you have to totally change for the role.

Student Weekly: What's the best thing about having more than one job at a time?

Bas: It allows you to experience lots of different things. But it can be hard to get out of character. Sometimes when I'm working as a VJ, I start acting like my character in the sitcom!

Student Weekly: Is there anything you guys would like to improve with your VJ work?

Yeepun: I'd like to improve my speaking skills. I'm talkative with my friends, but I feel tense when I have to speak on air. I also want to improve my memory so that I can memorise my script before every programme.

Bas: I want to make the show really fun every time. I once saw an MC who was able to forget his personal problems as soon as he went onstage. He was awesome, and he inspired me to maintain a high standard all the time.