BKK Looker: Xander

By Amanda Mookjai | Bangkok Correspondent, Umakorn Potsawat | Photographer

Welcome to PdM's exclusive Bangkok Fashion segment, BKK Looker. The latest in our global showcase of style and fashion, BKK Looker will capture the essence of Thai style with a global perspective.

Our city is full of many people from all walks of life. Many of the farang are known to come to Thailand for many reasons. Some enjoy the beaches, the food, and the people. Others, like Xander Romo, have come to Thailand to experience something different and exciting. Xander is currently an English teacher at a local elementary school in the Bang Rak district of Bangkok. By day, he is known as Aajarn (teacher) "Zee", but by night most of his friends - both local and foreign - know him as the coquette with the enchanting Latin flavor.

"My family is from Los Angeles of Latino background," Xander stated. "We speak English and Spanish, I love dancing cumbia - a very popular dance form, and enjoy biking in my free time. Bangkok doesn't have a huge Latin scene, but it's getting there."

Xander, who is 23 years of age, admits that modeling is not something he initially became enamored with. "It just happened, to be honest," he mentioned with a big smile. "I went swimming with a few friends at a condo in the city center, and a modeling scout was there. He apparently liked what he saw, and he offered me an opportunity to shoot with his photographers."

We asked Xander if there was a difference between American fashion and Thai style. "Honestly, I think Thai people are more adventurous with their style and way of carrying themselves," Xander commented, wearing a pair of red and blue glasses without the lenses. "In LA, people think they are A-listers, but in reality they have so much to learn. American fashion doesn't live up to its hype."

Sipping on dark-roast coffee at a cafe off the Ekamai metro station, Xander admits that his bi-cultural identity has served him well in adjusting to Thai living. "While I've only been in Thailand for 7 months, I feel I fit in quite well," Xander mentioned as he took time to show off his Thai-language skills, which are quite good for a farang. "I don't feel like other farang because I don't look like the typical foreigner. My dark features have helped me blend in when necessary and allowed me to reach many groups of people in Thailand that few Americans will, mostly due to the language-barrier."

As our conversation, and photo-shoot, went on, Xander described his experience as an American Latino in Southeast Asia more in detail. "It's different to say the least," Xander stated. "While I do consider myself a foreigner, I find myself identifying with Thai people more than the Americans, or other Western foreigners, in Southeast Asia. I think this has to do with the kinds of Americans that come to Thailand and the attitude they have towards Asian people."

As we ended our session, PdM asked Xander if he saw himself living and working in Southeast Asia for a while. "I could see myself being very happy in Bangkok," he stated immediately. "However, most of my family is back in the States, and for me family is where the heart is." He finished his coffee, placed the mug down, and got ready to take the last of his photos for the day. "Thailand for me is a happy place that I will always keep with me because it has given me opportunities and experiences necessary to enter the next stage in my life."

After our shoot, we asked Xander what he hoped to achieve in the next year. "I want to travel more, and meet my cousin who lives in Hong Kong. I will most likely return to LA before June and begin preparing for grad school. My experiences in Thailand have been overall positive, but I would like to work in development one day to help the people that are still struggling." Before parting, he smiled, offered a reverential wai and offered his appreciation. "Life is good, and I enjoy giving back. I guess you could say I've acquired a Thai heart while living here."