Former actress ready for prime-time politics

Don’t just make yourself happy – make society happy too!”

Former actress Nartaya Dangbungha, 43, remembers well her mother’s motto. As a result, she has devoted 20 years to creating a better society as a fundraiser for many community projects – from new libraries and schools to scholarships for disadvantaged students.

“You don’t have to be doctor or engineer in order to help people. Just devote yourself to improving the community,” Nartaya said.

Nartaya has been politically active for more than a decade. She has helped in election campaigns both in Bangkok and upcountry, including many provinces in the South. She has also campaigned for voters to turn out at the ballot box in communities around the country.

Her high profile as a community activist caught the eye of many parties, but Democrat Party MP Phuthiphong Punnakan has successfully lobbied her to run for the party in the upcoming general election.

“The Democrat Party is a great political institution,” Nartaya told The Nation. “It has a long history and its ideology is based on the rights and welfare of people.”

It also helped that her favourite politician is first Democrat leader Kuang Apaiwong, a founder of the party.

“Kuang successfully reduced the differences between religions and economic status in society,” Nartaya said. “I respect him as my role model.”

Nartaya, a Muslim, received a bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts from Bangkok University before launching a successful movie and TV career. She was best known for the TV drama “Khang Lang Pab” [Behind the Frame] a decade ago. She left entertainment after marrying a businessman and has three lovely children.

Nartaya helped her husband in his real estate business and worked as community activist on family, media and environmental issues.

She says her political ambitions came through her work in the community.

“I now only have to meet people in my constituency more frequently,” she said.

Nartaya admits her popularity as an actress helps her reach people more easily. But to make people trust her is another thing.

“If I fail to make voters trust me, I will also fail in this election,” she said.

“If people consider voting for me, they will be voting on the basis of my years of hard work,” Nartaya said. Nartaya will run for the Democrats in Bangkok’s Khan Na Yow-Saphan Sung constituency.

Sucheera Pinijparakarn

The Nation