Popular actress Jieb Sopitnapa Chumpanee is quite sure that her new job as brand ambassador for Body Shape won't get in the way of her main job - no, not acting - taking care of Bene, her seven-month-old son.

The little boy, whose name means "excellent" in Italian, will still get topmost prime-time ratings from his mum, despite her busy schedule as a professional tout. 

As well as Body Shape's fitness dreams, she's flogging beauty gear for SK II and is public-relations manager at Pacifica, which imports expensive duds like Coach, Kenneth Cole and Camper.

"My duties for Body Shape are to tell everyone that they can return to their normal shape, as I did, and publicise the good services of the brand, which can easily help them lose weight in a healthy way," says Sopitnapa, clearly getting right into the spirit of her work.

"It's not a difficult job, and I can still spend most of the time with my son and family."

Everything's settled down again since she gave birth.

"I've returned to work at the office. On weekdays I look after my son all morning until around 11 o'clock and then go to work. I usually get back home around 4 or 5pm and resume my housewife duties.

"As for weekends, we always go out together."

Husband Thitinan Chumpanee unfailingly helps with the baby, she says. In fact, "he does everything", meaning he's involved with all the different aspects of parenthood, not that he actually does all the work.

Sopitnapa admits that being a mother isn't as easy as she thought it was going to be, but she adds that, with the unconditional love that all mums have towards their children, raising her son has become downright fun.

"There is nothing too difficult to carry out. Changing nappies or preparing food are fun and easy.

"My life now is blissfully happy. I feel very fortunate to have a baby, to have become a mother. Married life is truly miraculous. You get all that warm spiritual support from your family. It gives me strength and all that I need for a happy life."

Sopitnapa says she's learning to be more mature as she strives to fulfil her responsibilities as a good mother and wife.

She's resolved to make sure Bene grows up in touch with nature, rather than being spoiled by technology. She also plans to breastfeed as long as she can to give him strong physical immunity.

As for acting, she's set to return to show business soon: She's been offered a role in a drama series.

Her fans will be delighted to see that sweet face onscreen again, but Sopitnapa says she doesn't want to hang around forever because there are young talents popping up on TV and in the movies every day.

"I'd rather continue helping businesses reach their fullest potential," she says.

That said, she's fervently grateful for all the support she's had from her fans, which she credits for her success in film and television.

"The past three or four years in this industry have been a truly memorable experience for me. I received a lot of good opportunities to do the things I love, thanks to the backing of my fans."

Weeranuch Puttachartsaewee

The Nation

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