An inspiring life

An inspiring life

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Thanadda Sawangduean, a former sex-worker-turned-writer, is an exemplar of how writing can transform one's life. The former prostitute and ex-convict rose to fame in 2012 when she won the Chaommanard Book Award for her first book and autobiography, Chan Kue Eri: Kap Prasopkarn Tang Daen (My Name Is Eri: My Experiences Overseas). Income from books and various writers' society have helped Thanadda, also known as "Ning", to step away from her former profession. Ning subsequently penned three books for the Chan Kue Eri series and now writes columns for magazines. She is trying to launch a radio talk show. She dedicates her spare time to charity and holds workshops for prisoners. She also guides sex workers who wish to quit the profession. Thanadda chats with Life about her reading list.

CANDID: Author Thanadda Sawangduean.

— Anchalee Kongrut


Which book is on your bedside table at the moment?

What Are You reading Thanadda Sawangduean

Issaraparb Bon Sen Bantad: Sib Sam Nak Thod Praharn ( Letters And Lines Of Freedom: 13 Death-Row Convicts ) a non-fiction and award winning book penned by convicts who are under a non-fiction writing programme provided by famous non-fiction writer Orasom Sutthisakorn. One of my favourite chapters is Mor Tammada ( Ordinary MD ) penned by Dr Visuth Boonkasemsanti. I just want to know how can he handle life’s changes and still manages to smile. This doctor has seen everything in life — he once mingled with the upper classes and later had to stay in prison (for murdering his wife, Dr Passaporn).

Any recommended book that has let you down?

Every book has its own value and the ‘letdown’ in this respect does not determine its value but preference and taste of individual reader. Kwam Sook Khong Kati , is a good book but I could not the sound of a little girl speaking her mind. For me, Kati’s voice in the story sounds like an adult. An unrealistic voice is the reason why I hardly read fiction.

Any books that inspire your to write?

Kien Fan Duay Chevit ( Dream To Write ) an autobiography of famous writer Prachakom Lunachai. Before becoming a famous writer, Prachakom had done all menial jobs. He worked in a shrimp ball factory, on a fishing trawler, was a rice farmer and a security guard, and has even been homeless and slept on the street. But he never gave up his dream to become a writer. A truly inspiring life!

Your most favourite book?

You might call me vainglorious, but not a liar. My favourite book is happened to be Chan Kue Eri: Kap Prasopkarn Tang Daen ( My Name Is Eri: My Experiences Overseas ). I read it because I still cannot understand how a sex worker with little education and limited reading experience can manage to write a book and won an award for it. I like my first book because it is readable but I have never read my other books.

E-books or dead trees?

Definitely physical books because touching and holding books in your hands is also a part of the joy of reading.

What Are You reading Thanadda Sawangduean

What Are You reading Thanadda Sawangduean

What Are You reading Thanadda Sawangduean

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