Pat does what she loves

Life is more rewarding if you’re passionate about what you do. These days, lots of people try to become celebrities just because they want to be famous. But there are plenty of others who get big doing what they love. The Thai-British actress Patricia Tanchanok Good (Pat) is one of these.

Pat has been into acting since she was a child. In 2012, she first showed her potential in the drama, Noom Baanrai Gab Wanjai Hi-So (Country Boy and Upper Class Girl). More recently, she played a flight attendant in the romantic comedy show, Ded Peek Nangfah (Taking off on Angel Wings). Now, Pat splits her time between her university studies and filming for the TV drama, Debt of Love, which will be aired next year.

S Weekly met up with the 20-year-old star at Channel 3 where she told us about her journey as an actress.

When did you become interested in acting?

Pat: In school, I enjoyed watching other students perform on stage. Eventually, I decided to give it a try myself. I was happy to act even if sometimes the parts were small.

What do you like about acting?

Pat: I like the power to be somebody I’m not. I get to feel somebody else’s feelings. It’s amazing to be able to do that. But it’s hard because you have to try to create some distance from your real self for as long as you’re pretending to be somebody else.

Do you like watching films or TV series?

Pat: Absolutely. I watch them every day. It’s a way to relieve stress after a busy day.

How do you try to improve as an actress?

Pat: I review my own work and I study other people’s acting. Every time I’m on set, I try to forget who I am and become the character. But it isn’t easy because I often think too much and sometimes that makes me act unnaturally.

After playing a flight attendant in Taking off on Angel Wings, how would you feel about being one?

Pat: The job is tough. You have to work crazy hours and you often have to deal with difficult passengers. And I’m afraid of turbulence. So I couldn’t work as a flight attendant.

What was it like to work with the actor Son Yuke?

Pat: It was good fun. He’s so nice and outgoing.

Which role has been your most difficult so far?

Pat: Anna in Lom Son Rak (Hidden Love). I was just 16 years old at the time, but I had to play a businesswoman. It was very difficult. I was lucky that the other actors helped me out.

Have you played any characters that are similar to you?

Pat: Nang in Taking off on Angel Wings. She’s clumsy but hardworking and patient. And she loves her friends.

Can you tell us about your character in Debt of Love?

Pat: I play an orphan called Bell. She’s optimistic and lively, but has suppressed memories from when her family was murdered. From time to time, however, she gets flashbacks of the event. I’ve never played this kind of role before. It’s especially hard for me to understand what it’s like to be an orphan because I grew up in a close family.

What do you like to do when you visit the UK?

Pat: We always visit my grandparents. And when we’re there, other relatives come to join us. It’s become a ritual to have Sunday brunch and afternoon tea together. My favourite place is the seaside nearby. We often play minigolf there.