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Published on January 5, 2008

 Young superstar Rattapoom "Film" Tokongsub has been involved in several social campaigns but he's both honoured and genuinely delighted with his latest role. That's because the RS recording artist is the first Thai and the first Asian singer to be appointed as an ambassador for non-profit organisation Habitat for Humanity International.

Like internationally acclaimed singer Jon Bon Jovi, former US president Jimmy Carter and Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt, Rattapoom's duties for the international social organisation includes publicising Habitat's work for homeless and underpriviledged people all over the world.

"I want to do something to give back to society," says Rattapoom. "I even thought about building a temple but it would take years."

He became interested in the organisation while surfing the 'Net where he came across a photo of Brad Pitt hammering a nail on a construction site.

"It caught my attention and I started reading more about Habitat for Humanity and its work in the US. Then I discovered that the NGO also had an office in Thailand."

Before joining the campaign, the singer went to a construction site to see for himself that the work was really going to benefit the most underprivileged.

What he found touched him. An old woman ran to him crying and asked him to help.

"I saw where she lived. It couldn't be called a house. There was just a bare wall without a toilet or a roof," Rattapoom says.

Realising his fame could help him promote the organisation and raise much needed funds, he prepared a portfolio listing his experience with social activities along with the products he had presented and sent it off to Habitat for Humanity in the US.

A few months passed while the organisation considered his application. Rattapoom received the good news last autumn.

A month later, he was sent to Argentina to promote the organisation and help build a house.

"I'd never been to Argentina before. It's a long way from Thailand. It took two days of flying then another five hours by car to get to the village where a family of four was waiting for us."

Rattapoom was soon at work on the one-storey house, happily swapping microphone for hammer as he and his co-workers started on the walls.

"I could feel the satisfaction. Even though I only did one wall, I felt a connection with the house."

Although the labour is voluntary and the materials are provided, Rattapoom explains that Habitat for Humanity does not give the houses free to the homeless. New residents pay a monthly mortgage fee through a special financing arrangement.

"However, it's a non-profit charge. The owners also have to build their own houses with the volunteers. It's important they learn how to fix things in their new home. Last but not least, they also have to be givers. Those who receive houses have to volunteer and help build other houses after theirs is finished. That expands the network of sharing and helping," says the 23-year-old singer.

Rattapoom has already finished his second tour of duty as an ambassador for Habitat Thailand, this time in South Korea. He was there last month helping to construct a two-storey home for a family of 10, one of whom is wheelchair-bound.

"The weather was really cold, below freezing, but I wore clothes that were suitable for tough work. It was chilly but I felt warm."

Rattapoom says that working on these houses has taught him the importance of family.

"The job also broadens my experience. I've made lots of new friends and learned a lot about the problems faced by homeless folk all over the world. They share the same fate."

His third mission will be in Thailand. Rattapoom along with RS Promotion staff and his fan club will go to Pathum Thani, Klong 7 next Friday to help construct a house.

"If you want to help out, you can be a volunteer. If you're too busy to show up at the site, there are lots of other ways to help. There are still tens of thousands of homeless on Habitat Thailand's waiting list. People can help by donating money, construction equipment or furniture.

"I wasn't born in a rich family, but I know how important it is to have a shelter. My idea of home isn't a palace filled with expensive furniture. What I call home is the place where my family lives happily together," says Rattapoom.

Tanaporn Tangcharoenmankong

 The Nation