Waii's For What

Teen star cooks up a hit

By Suwitcha Chaiyong
Photos by Varuth Hirunyatheb

A year after the release of her last album, Playgirl, Kamikaze singer Panyarisa Thienprasiddhi (Waii) has finally released her new electro dance single, "Rak Chan Tham Mai (For What)?."

It was obviously worth the wait, since the music video has already attracted more than three million views on YouTube with its captivating style, dynamic dance choreography and a great guest performance from hip-hop trio 3.2.1. The song will also be featured on Waii's upcoming album, Just Y.

Student Weekly recently met up with the 18-year-old star at the RS office. Waii looked slim, dressed in the same gear that she wears in her new video. She told us all about her new single, her acting career and her sweet hobby.

Student Weekly: Why did it take a year for you to release a new single?

Waii: I was busy with a concert tour around the country. I'm still performing gigs to promote my last album, Playgirl.

I also recently performed in Vientiane, Laos. My fans there were really excited and ran after me! I learned a few phrases in Lao so that I could talk to the audience at the concert. They screamed happily when I spoke Lao.

Student Weekly: Does "For What?" express your personal views about relationships?

Waii: I'm a straightforward person and I like to ask questions directly, like in the song. Being blunt might not always be good for relationships, but I usually speak up about things that I don't like.

Student Weekly: How did you feel about choreography in the video?

Waii: It was tough because the dance routines changed very fast. It required a lot of flexibility.

Student Weekly: Did you choose 3.2.1 to sing with you?

Waii: Yes. Working with 3.2.1 was fun. I'd worked with each member individually before, but I wanted to work with them all together. We filmed the video from 7 am to 4 am. I was happy to have friends on the set so I that didn't feel lonely.

Student Weekly: How did you manage to lose weight?

Waii: I can't stop eating because I'm a real foodie! I love to dance, so that's how I exercise. I usually learn new choreography for more than an hour every day. .

Student Weekly: Is it true that you also like to bake?

Waii: Yes, I enjoy baking. My signature dish is a cookie and cream cupcake. I'm addicted to snacks and desserts. I can eat them all day without having a proper meal.

Student Weekly: What was it like acting in the TV drama, Bam But Rak, Bam Roong Sook [Love Heals, Maintaining Happiness]?

Waii: I was very nervous because I only started acting five years ago. I was afraid that I'd have to re-shoot my scenes and waste time on the set. But after a while, I felt more confident. Now I want to work more in TV dramas and movies.

Student Weekly: We heard that Los Angeles and Paris are your favourite places. Can you tell us about that?

Waii: My dad lives in LA. I've been there so often that it feels like my second home. I like being in LA because I can really be myself there.

I went to Paris to visit a friend. We had a great adventure going around the city without our parents. I enjoyed everything in the city, from the subway to walking in the park.

Student Weekly: What are your expectations for your latest single?

Waii: I have high expectations because my previous singles, "Love You No More" and "Break," had great feedback from my fans. I hope everybody likes the song and the music video.

My next single will be a ballad called "Sia Jai Tae Mai Care (Don't Care)." It's about a girl who has already gotten over her ex-boyfriend, while he's decided that he wants to come back.