Bouquets of bliss

While national reconciliation seems to be an unachievable goal in the Thailand of today, well known TV host Krisana Chaiyarat recently proved that there could be concurrence among people from various fields, at least during his wedding ceremony.

The grand ballroom of Grand Hyatt Erawan last week turned into a forum for open dialogue between those involved in politics, the military, entertainment, arts, mass communication and handicapped foundations. They were all there to pass on their very best wishes to Krisana, who is better known by his nickname Aoy, and his lovely bride, Nathidee Tassanapoonchai.

Among the politicos were Maj General Sanan Kachornprasart, Abhisit Vejjajiva, Korn Dabaransi, Chalerm Yoobamrung, Apirak Kosayodhin, Chuwit Kamolvisit and Khunying Jamsai, wife of Banharn Silpa-archa. Surabot Leekpai, son of former prime minister Chuan, who came with his mother Pakdiporn Sujaritkul.

Ackaratorn Chularat, chief of the Administrative Court, was also spotted at the party.

As Krisana is an art lover (and a keen amateur artist), artists - who are mostly individualists by nature - also shared a palette with each other. Three national artists - Angkarn Kalayanapongsa, Pratuang Emjaroen and Naowarat Pongpaibul - were seen chatting with well known extrovert Chalermchai Kosipipat and watercolourist Suchart Wongthong.

Angkarn's wife Aun-ruen, who couldn't join the party because of sickness, gave the newlyweds a huge painting.

Former Miss Universe Apasara Hongsakul sat close to Suchinda Cherdchai, chairwoman of the Bus Operators Association. Celebrity Darunee Kritboonyalai was spotted with Rabiabrat Pongpanich.

The entertainment sector was represented by Papatsara Techapaiboon and her politician husband Pornthep, Methinee Buranasiri, Phuwanaj Kunpalin and Areeya Sirisoda. News anchors and TV hosts from Nation Channel and Channel 3 took turns as emcees.

With his funny and happy-go-lucky character, Krisana quickly became popular as host of TV programme "Krisana Luang Luke" ("Meddling Krisana").

To make March 31 an even more memorable day, guests used to Krisana sitting in his wheelchair were amazed to see him standing - supported by a specially designed wheelchair that can be adjusted to lift the body vertically.

"This was one of the most significant days in my life, so I wanted to do something special as a way of paying respect to all my distinguished guests. To stand as much as I can was my way of saying thank you to everyone.

"The special wheelchair was designed by a friend of mine. Although I had to stand for nearly five hours, I didn't feel tired," said Krisana during a phone interview after the wedding.

Guests were thrilled to hear the sweet voice of established singer Winai Panturak who crooned "Mae Yod Rak" ("My Darling"), the groom's favourite song.

Famous look thung singer Mike Piromporn performed two of his hits while Narathip Kanchanawat of Chatree band invited Kanchana "Noo Na" Silpa-archa to join him for a rendition of his all-time favourite "Fan Chan" ("My Girl").

During the cake cutting, young singer Ardhawadee Jiramaneekul sang a beautiful cover of "Rak Ther Thee Sud" ("Love You Most"), bringing tears to the eyes of both bride and groom.

"I was so glad that my all-time favourite singer Winai managed to spare time for my wedding party. Mike rushed to the party before heading to a concert in Samut Songkram, while Narathip came directly from Chaiyaphum. I saw my bride's eyes were wet when Nong Mint was singing," said Krisana, 39.

On the stage, the groom carried a banner reading "One husband, one wife" while the bride held a ribbon with the words "Don't touch my husband".

Both banners were presented by former senator Rabiabrat Pongpanich, whose famous slogan, taken from a Thai proverb, is Sia thong tao hua, mai yom sia pua hai krai (literally "it's better to lose a chunk of gold as big as your head than it is to lose a husband").

"I would like to say thank you to all our guests. I didn't expect that so many famous people would take time out from their busy schedules to come my wedding celebration. If there were any mistakes and any conveniences, please forgive both of us because it was our first - and last - wedding party," said Krisana.

"I also felt shame that I've forgotten to invite many respected people because I had only one month to prepare everything."

The couple first met each other nine years ago when Nathidee worked for a short period in The Nation's accounts department. Their newlyweds' home - designed by Amata's president and CEO Vikrom Kromadit, is under construction on a 110-square-wah property on Bangna-Trat Road.

The happy couple hope to have three children - two daughters and a son.