Ears to hear, a heart that cares

With her big, round eyes and clear skin, Suthathip Tantayanurak would seem the ideal presenter for the new TV show "Tua Jing Siang Jing", which airs every Wednesday on Channel 5.

But Suthathip worries that she lacks credibility for the show, which highlights a variety of problems faced by communities around the country.

"I look too much like a doll," she says bluntly. "I think it might affect my reliability when I'm in the field."

Aired at 2.35pm, "Tua Jing Siang Jing" is not exposing the nation's woes to prime-time viewers, but producer Pattama Woradilok says it is reaching out to ordinary people.

The programme debuted with a segment on how the communities around Suvarnabhumi Airport are coping with the constant noise.

Suthathip explored not just the physical problems but also the less-publicised effects, such as the monks who find it almost impossible to meditate or undertake everyday monastic activities that require a peaceful atmosphere.

"We always go back after recording the programme to look at ways the situation can be followed up," says Pattama.

The show covers some issues that have become so commonplace to viewers that those affected have given up on finding sympathetic ears. These include certain bus routes known for their rude ticket collectors and bad drivers.

Pattama knew Suthathip would be ideal for the role of presenter.

"I've known her for a while. She's interested in social situations and is generous to a fault," says the producer.

On one occasion, Suthathip and her husband gave several thousand baht to a woman so she could send her children to school.

"It's not that we're rich, but we can afford to give. We like helping by buying things from vendors," she explains.

The 25-minute show is Suthathip's first real job in journalism since graduating with a degree in communication arts from Phayap University a decade ago.

She worked briefly as a trainee with The Nation during her student days, reporting from the 1995 SEA Games in Chiang Mai.

"I've always been interested in a career as a journalist, but I thought my personality was all wrong for the job. When I conducted my first interviews, I always felt I was being a nuisance, so I didn't ask enough questions," she says.

After graduating, Suthathip was offered a job as secretary to politician Sansanee Nakphong, a post she's reluctant to discuss because she worries it will affect the integrity of the programme.

She resigned when she married and has been helping out in her in-laws' property business.

Earlier this year she opened a bakery franchise with her friends in the US. The Rolbeca brand is available in California and New York.

"Thai people eat rice, not bread, so it's better to invest there," she says.

Suthathip occasionally heads to the States to keep in touch with her business interests, but for the time being is focusing on her role as presenter.

"This job is very close to my heart, so I want to concentrate on it," she says.

When she started her new role, Suthathip felt nervous when the camera started to roll, but the producer says she looks comfortable as soon as she starts talking with the guests.

"I believe that being sincere is the most important asset the host can have," she says. "The audience can sense if a presenter is faking it. I really hope that we can have more shows like this. It's helpful for people to see their problems on the air."

Parinyaporn Pajee

The Nation