ON THE CURVE

Miss England 2008, Laura Coleman, visited Tongsai Bay on Koh Samui last week. The 23-year-old beauty queen admires Marilyn Monroe and champions "curves" on a woman's body. She was once romantically linked to England cricketer Stuart Broad and was last week sunbathing on Koh Samui, where we caught up with her and had a chat with the curvaceous beauty.

What's the purpose of your trip to thailand?

I'm here enjoying a beautiful holiday at Tongsai Bay on Koh Samui, which I was lucky enough to win as part of the prize for winning the Miss England 2008 contest.

Is this your first trip here?

Yes, it's my first visit to Thailand. I had been wanting to visit for a long time so I'm thrilled to have been given the opportunity to come here.

How do you find Thailand and the

Thai people?

It is such a beautiful country, so rich in cultural heritage, and everyone I've met has been warm, friendly and welcoming. I've enjoyed a fabulous holiday at Tongsai Bay, and we've been blessed with beautiful weather. We've been able to see some of the local area including the fantastic scenery of the Ang Thong National Marine Park, and we've also visited the local towns of Chaweng and Bophut, where we enjoyed the shopping and meeting local people.

What were the three most memorable, funny, touching, scary, weird or outrageous things that happened during your reign as Miss England?

The most memorable experience has to have been attending the Miss World contest in South Africa in November; it was absolutely amazing and I feel very privileged to have been able to participate. I was able to experience the true African culture, go on safari and get involved in some great charity projects. I was there for over four weeks, as the final itself took weeks of rehearsals.

It was also in South Africa that I had my most frightening experiences, both on safari: On one occasion, a group of 10 of us were in a jeep that was stuck in the mud and we had to wait to be rescued whilst surrounded by a herd of buffalo. On the second occasion we found ourselves on foot and surrounded by rhinos!

I am also actively involved in charity work in the UK, participating in fashion shows and various other fund-raising events, which has been ongoing throughout the year of my reign, and which I intend to continue into the future.

Tell us about the ideas and motivation behind your photo shoot as marilyn monroe to promote "curves" on women?

I believe in a positive body image and that women should most importantly be comfortable in themselves. "Size zero" is often portrayed as desirable, but can be unhealthy and is not necessarily natural. Idols such as Marilyn Monroe had curvy, womanly figures and as role models encourage women to be comfortable in their own skin and to embrace their natural curves and bodies. It is important for women to love themselves for who they are and to lead happy and healthy lives that include a healthy diet and exercise.

It has been reported that you're a size 10-12. Is that correct?

When I was younger, around 15, I was a smaller size, but I have grown into a woman with curves and I like that. It was a natural progression and I'm now 23 and am happy with who I am.

Thai culture is obsessed with the thin waistline and there are a lot of pressures on Thai girls to keep a chopstick-like figure - what advice can you give Thai girls struggling and starving to maintain a size zero?

The main thing is to be happy with yourself and this includes having a positive image of your own body and leading a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

What to you is the most attractive part on a woman's body?

Each woman has their own individual qualities which make them attractive. I think that one of the best attributes to have is to be confident in yourself.

If you could go back in time and change one thing in your life, what would it be?I wish that I had come to experience Thailand sooner!