By Jorge G. Zavala
Creative Director

With honey-colored eyes and luscious brown hair smoother than Thai silk, Damita Chan is not only a Southeast Asian bombshell but also an industrious and assertive woman with a dynamic attitude for life. Beauty, hospitality, and kindness are what describe Damita, a film and glamor sensation from Bangkok, Thailand. Fluent in English, Thai, Spanish, and conversational Italian and Mandarin Chinese, she's a cosmopolitan figure in Thai society that has influenced her surroundings for the better.

I had the pleasure of meeting Damita during my last trip to Southeast Asia and became enamored by her desire to mix business-savvy qualities while striking a pose for the camera. Last week, Le Prestige interviewed the pearly-white skinned beauty on her career, travels, and aspirations.

1) Please share a few things about yourself.

I'm really friendly, outgoing, down to earth. I believe in having an open-mind while being cheerful, funny, playful, optimistic and frank. I love people who have kind hearts and are honest. I do not like to lie or to be lied to: I respect all people equally, A rule of thumb I live by is to never judge people by their appearances or wealth but by their souls. I am a firm believer in treating people the way you want to be treated.

I feel the following quote definitely defines me:

"Being authentic doesn't mean pretending to be perfect, it means expressing yourself with class and honesty."

I love to get to know new places, arts, music, movies, people, food and desserts. Traveling is my passion, and always will be.

2) Why did you become interested in the modeling industry?

I was asked to go for castings several times while I was living abroad and when I was in Thailand, but I never gave myself the chance until I moved back to Bangkok almost 2 years ago. I finally gave myself the opportunity and I started to love it.

3) Where have you lived abroad and why did you choose these locations? Which was your favorite?

I've been to too many places in this world! Some of these include the United States, South America, the Caribbean, and many parts of Europe: I think that I'm a very lucky person. My favorite place to live would be Italy, the whole country. I love the food, the fashion, the romantic places, and, of course, I think the guys there are very gorgeous!

4) In your opinion, what is unique about the Thai fashion industry?

Well, for Thai fashion, it will be obvious that what constitutes a trend is basically having 3-5 people dress similarly to you. Go to places like the Siam Square area in Bangkok and you will know what fashion means to Thais.

5) What is your current profession/day job? What are your goals and aspirations?

I'm currently working as the Assistant Manager in a 6 star hotel business in Bangkok, so i believe my goal is to be on top of the position while maintaining the heart for the film industry when time permits: I always go for it. Regardless, when you work full-time, you have no time to go to a casting: you are either too tired to go or don't have the time at all to go. Also, I don't really advertise myself as a fashion model or film-type: I try to keep a low-profile. It's really only those close to me that knew about my experience, until now!

6) Any advice you'd like to give other aspiring models/artists/fashionistas?

To me, whatever you do, just do your best so you won't regret it later. Never take anyone for granted. Just stay still, be who you really are and never, ever change because of what somebody else says.

By Tint Tint Sandi
Myanmar-Thailand Contributor

“How many days left for me?” I asked the nurse. She didn’t answer. She looked sad. “Please don’t talk too much, Miss Thompson, and try to get some sleep. Everything will be OK when you wake up.”

Really? Is that so? I mean, come on. I know myself. Just how many days will be given for a final-staged cancer patient. Is it the real thing or am I just dreaming? I am flying and...and I can see you right in front of my eyes.

“It’s been a while, my love, where have you been?” I think I asked him but I can’t hear my voice. However, he does answers me. “I am sorry honey. It’s hard to sneak out to come see you.” And I didn’t hear his voice. We were looking at each others' eyes and transporting words with some invisible force.

“You look good. How’s everything?” I asked him. He replied, “My life’s never been perfect. It’s lonely, lacks happiness. It’s been a while since the last time I laughed. How about you?” I looked at him and said, “What do you think? I never wanted things to turn out like that. You should know how I feel.”

Then our conversation went dull. I thought the silence will last forever. We looked at each others' eyes, searching for something we had and we both thought we still had. Before we knew it, we held each others' hands and he said to me, “Thank you and do forgive me.” I smiled with a deep heartache, “I always forgave you, you know that. Until the end I will forgive you and long for you… ”

Before I finished my line, I noticed one thing. “Wait, why are you here? You’ve been away from me so long. You left me without a word: it hurt. I was dying, you know? It sucks to live and stand on my feet all alone. It is so dark, the society I live in. I was alone, no, I am alone, you know? Since you left… it’s… it’s pathetic.”

He held me tight and said, “I know. That’s why I am here. Will you go with me?”

“You should have said it long ago. Why after all these years? I am not me anymore. Not the one you knew. My hair is gone. I look like a blood sucking vampire for I am so pale with this pair of panda eyes. I don’t even have the strength to stand still. I lost all my weight. Look at me. I have changed,” I mumbled desperately.

“Shhh. I don’t care and you’ve never changed. You are still the one I loved. And I still love you.” He whispered. "Again, will you go with me?”

I nodded again and again and the tears came out of my eyes. “I thought you would never come back. I was so afraid.”

He looked at me. His eyes were so sad. “I am always coming back to you, silly. No matter where I go and despite the length of time, I am always coming back to you.”

I saw a light. It was bright enough to make me feel light and peaceful. There’s no one but us. I held him back and he kissed me. I felt no pain anymore.

I felt secure and I felt you.

Is this real or am I just dreaming? I am flying.

Happy 236th birthday, U.S.A.!