It is possible to move easily from one place and culture to another. Ticha tells us how.
When living abroad, you have to learn to adapt to your new environment. Many people find this difficult. But for Kanticha Chumma (Ticha), best known as the winner of TV modelling competition The Face Thailand 2 in 2015, it was natural. The model is a great example of somebody who can move comfortably between two very different cultures.
Born in Thailand, Ticha moved to Sweden at the age of 7. A few years later, she returned to live in Phuket before going back to Sweden again at 13. She remained there until she finished high school in Helsingborg. Soon afterwards she flew to Bangkok to participate in The Face Thailand.
S Weekly met up with the 23-year-old model, actress and TV host at the GMM Grammy building where she told us about adjusting to a different culture and language.
What are the main differences between studying in Sweden and in Thailand?
Ticha: In Thailand, it’s so competitive. Everybody wants to get to the top. But it wasn’t bad. I found it motivating. In Sweden, classes are more open. You feel comfortable speaking up because you know you’re not going to be judged. When people exchange ideas freely, it broadens your perspectives. It made class more interesting and informative.
Were you a good student?
Ticha: I considered myself one of the top students. I always got high scores and asked a lot of questions.
How did your Thai teachers react to your questions?
Ticha: In Thailand, many people think it’s disrespectful to ask the teacher questions. But I made my intentions clear. The teachers knew I was asking because I wanted to know. I wasn’t being rude.
Was it hard to adjust to a new environment?
Ticha: No. My mom told me that smart people embrace a new environment. That’s how you survive. I listened to her advice and tried to be open-minded.
How did you learn Swedish and English?
Ticha: As a 7-year-old, I wanted to communicate with Swedish kids so that I could play with them. That was my motivation. As for English, I was in a private school in Thailand and there were some British-Thai girls who spoke English to one another. I thought they were really cool so I started hanging out with them. I also watched English programmes on the Internet. I realised that the language is universal and I needed to be able to speak it.
Have you ever experienced culture shock?
Ticha: Yes, I was in seventh grade when I returned to Sweden the second time. I was bit shocked when I saw senior students kissing in the hallway. But after a while it felt normal.
Your skills include modelling, dancing and public speaking. Did you learn all of these at school?
Ticha: I developed most of them myself through observation and practice. But public speaking came from school. In Sweden, we had to give a lot of presentations. At first, I was nervous, but I tried to imagine that I was just talking to a friend. Eventually, I got better.
You took a gap year in order to participate in The Face Thailand. Do you think this was a good decision?
Ticha: Absolutely. I’d recommend everybody to take a gap year, if possible. You can find your true passion or explore the world. You’ll grow as a person. That’s what happened to me. I moved to Thailand and had to pay my own bills and take care of myself. I really developed as a person. But in Sweden, we study for free. We don’t have the financial pressure that people in Thailand do.
Apart from your family, what do you miss most from Sweden?
Ticha: I miss the fresh air and jogging in the forest. And in Sweden, people are allowed to express their opinions openly on any topic. I miss being able to speak freely.
