'My life is quite good and happy," said Chalatit Tantiwut when we met on a recent afternoon at a coffee shop in Bangkok. The singer -- known by his nickname Ben -- arrived from a voice lesson. A secret to success, perhaps. Learning and improving one's skills never stops, even when you're already a superstar.
Chalatit's definition of "good and happy" covers many things in life: a long-term relationship with his boyfriend, a successful music and acting career for over a decade, and -- just arrived earlier this month -- his new role as UNAIDS National Goodwill Ambassador for Thailand
"It is my pride and joy to be chosen for this honourable role," said the 34-year-old singer. "Not many people in our society would just come out and say 'Let's get tested for HIV', even though it should be a normal thing for everyone to get themselves tested once or twice every year to know about their own health. Especially as a representative of the MSM (men who have sex with men) community, I want to do my part in raising awareness and understanding on the situation."
"I've had friends who are HIV-positive, and the things that plagued them most was they didn't want anybody to find out. They didn't dare go to the hospital, to get a check-up and get treated," he added.
"In the gay community -- especially in the city -- this is quite problematic. Many people don't even know the risks of contracting the diseases [from having unprotected sex]."
People who've contracted HIV find it hard to be accepted in our society, acknowledged the singer. To this, Chalatit said that everyone sorely needs an immediate update of their knowledge.
Tatiana Shoumilina, right, UNAIDS Country Director for Thailand, presents Chalatit with a certificate for his appointment as Goodwill Ambassador. Photo: UNAIDS
"Our Thai society has known about HIV and Aids for decades. Still, we only have a particular image in our brain -- a horrible and scary side of how patients suffer and die from the disease -- and we rarely get to see it otherwise. Not many actually realised that people who have HIV can lead a good life -- even go on to have family and kids -- if they have consulted medical professionals, receive necessary treatments and live with precautions."
As a musician, Chalatit is planning to use his songs to reach out to people. He considers music to be one powerful weapon with a strong influence on people's lives. So far, he is toying with the ideas of organising concerts and fundraisers, as well as promoting the cause on social media. He also said he wanted to help promote the Anonymous Clinic to encourage more people to make use of the facility.
Chalatit also likes wearing his red ribbon pin -- a symbol of support for those living with HIV. He expressed his admiration that international artists have been wearing it, and thus have been helping to promote and raise awareness about HIV for years. He wants to follow their lead, and he's not afraid to do so. The singer expresses no concern that people could view him negatively for being outspoken for the cause -- as a portion of Thai society carries a social stigma against HIV, Aids and homosexuality.
"I may be lucky as I've always felt proud of who I am, and that I also live with people who have never criticised or said that I'm lesser than anyone for being gay. When you love yourself enough, it'll build up strength to convince society to do the same. You just have to respect yourself and who you are, too. Honour yourself before you expect others to do it," he said. "I believe everyone is equal in our society. Whatever we want, everyone else deserves to want and have the same thing."
"Honour yourself before you expect others to do it"
Aside from his role as UNAIDS' goodwill ambassador, Chalatit currently serves as one of the judges for Thailand's Got Talent. His upcoming projects include Something Family, a comedy series that will be aired next month on True4U. And he will be playing a straight guy for a change, as diva Jennifer Kim's husband. His previous starring roles often demanded him to be flamboyant and very effeminate, something he said is quite unlike the real him.
"A lot of people still hold on to that image of the Ben Chalatit they see in Club Friday The Series. I'm not really like that, though. I'm not that rad [slutty]," the singer said. And from our brief exchange, he seemed much more reserved than how he's often portrayed on screen and on stage. Chalatit also revealed he has no trouble playing a straight character.
Chalatit and Jennifer Kim in an upcoming comedy Something Family. Photo: True4U
"I'm an actor. I just live and breathe the character. Some actors play a killer, too, even though they're not really a killer, right?"
In September, Chalatit is set to be in the "Love, Laugh, Cry With 9 Men" concert with fellow Thai stars Pakorn "Dome" Lam, Saharat "Kong" Sangkapricha and Peerapat "Be" Thanewong.
Despite his solid status in showbiz, he is quite apprehensive about the whole concept of success.
"What is success? Just being famous?" replied Chalatit after he was asked if he considers himself to be successful. "For me, success is a step-by-step process. Back in school, I thought if I could make music, then that would be good and a success already. Having my own albums and singles, that's another success. Then, a concert, and having one at Impact Arena is a success as a singer. After that point, everything became a profit and gift in life that I just continue to build on and learn from -- just to see how long people will enjoy and welcome my music."
He said it takes one thing to stand where he is right now, and that is love.
"You can't be here if you don't love what you do. You gotta love and give it your all, because when you love it, you'll be ready to overcome the obstacles being thrown your way."
