Meaw had the kind of upbringing it can be difficult for Westerners to wrap their heads around.  Her father served in Thailand’s military, and as one of six children, born in Bangkok, she spent the vast bulk of her childhood separated from her parents as they moved with her father’s postings.  The stability she had in life was from residing with her grandmother, “upcountry”.  Meaw recalls that at school she was an average, and well-behaved student.  Of physical possessions there were few, but the love was plentiful. This was the foundation of Meaw’s growing independence, and her nascent cooking skills. Her favourite meal is the Thai classic, pad krapow, don’t forget the fried egg.

They say that the children of today will experience at least four separate and distinct careers during their working lives.  That makes Meaw before her time, as she has already done just that!  Her first job was in gemmology.  Meaw worked for a company which purchased raw diamonds and cut and polished them into highly valuable gemstones, for sale and distribution abroad.  This job gave her the opportunity to reside in Antwerp, Belgium for 3 months, the acknowledged diamond-capital of the world.

Meaw has lived in or visited many places in the world, and has certainly been a master of adapting to suit her environment. This flexibility is one factor that has been of benefit to her in learning new skills to undertake so many different types of work. She states that Spain and Morocco are her favourite places in the world, and we agreed that Morocco in particular can be a full assault on the senses.

Another interesting stage of her life saw Meaw living and working in the Maldives, following her boyfriend’s employment. She is a highly-experienced scuba diver with over 170 dives in numerous locations around the world to her credit, as well as being a qualified rescue diver. Meaw discussed with me the pleasure of sinking, to sit on the seabed and just admire the majesty of the sea creatures circling above.  Even now, one of Meaw’s favourite things to do on a fine day off is head south in her car to take in the tranquillity and scenic beauty of Ao Manao, just south of our provincial capital, Prachuapkhirikan.  When nature calls Meaw, as it often does, she is quick to respond.

Another phase of her accomplished life saw Meaw running a successful restaurant called Crepes & Co in Bangkok for almost 2 decades. It seems that this is where Meaw developed the managerial and entrepreneurial skills she possesses today, that are core to her upcoming market venture I will discuss in further detail later.

Meaw first visited Hua Hin about 15 years ago, and relocated here about 10 years ago, with her now former-boyfriend who came to embrace a career in kite-surfing, a relatively new sport to Thailand, and certainly to Hua Hin, at that point in time.  As her personal skills developed, she decided to undertake the necessary study to obtain her instructor’s certificate.  Meaw loves the sense of freedom she feels in allowing the wind to take her far from the coast, yet still being certain that with just a flick and twist of the bar, she can be in complete control. Meaw is still an active and highly-respected member of the local kite-surfing community and is glad to be able to offer herself as a female instructor to those who might like to take up the kite-surfing challenge.  The viability of working in this field is dependent on both tourism numbers and seasonal weather patterns, so is unable to provide a consistent income in itself.

Meaw also tried her hand at running a small dining establishment by the seaside near Soi 77 for a while, with sunbeds on the sand, and chill music playing. In its truest meaning, Meaw is a sensual person, and enjoys gratifying all her senses and helping others to enjoy theirs as well. She allows her creativity to express itself through cooking but also music, dancing and art as well.

The pandemic lockdowns had a more severe impact on Meaw than on most people.  Meaw is a very social person, though just not with anyone and everyone.  She is careful to only surround herself with genuine, positive people who enhance her optimistic view of life, and is quick to move away from situations or people who she sees as toxic.  Gossiping and judging others are quick ways to lose access to Meaw’s network of friendship.

As a single person by the time Covid hit in earnest, Meaw had to weather the lockdowns alone, (apart from the companionship of her 5 cats and 1 dog) and was able to turn inwards, to art and music, to find the strength and resilience required.  She had already used this strategy to heal herself after the breakdown of her relationship.  When we spoke, noting her interest in music, I asked Meaw about her favourite song, and was told it was “Bang, bang”.  A quick trip down memory lane with Youtube reminded me it was a song by Nancy Sinatra, of betrayal by a long-term love. And while she is only self-taught, Meaw’s sketch pad is certainly worth a good look, if you ever get an opportunity. Meaw has become adept at using Youtube and other social media for meditations to release stress.  She has suffered in the past from moodiness, often in times of great challenge such as the 11 years she was the primary carer for her paralysed Mum. For Meaw, social media has obvious benefits but she remains somewhat wary of it, understanding it can lead to people ignoring those closest to them.

Meaw is actually a climate-refugee from Bangkok. Although she would love to see more of her adult sons, who are now both in their 40s, she finds the clear air and easy access to the beach and mountains much preferable to the stresses and traffic of life in Bangkok and understands her sons have their own lives to lead.  Meaw would have been a terrific mother, as she recalls the years in her early 30s as her favourite time of life.

Everything that Meaw chooses to do is out of following her passions. One of her latest ventures, which began at this year’s Songkran, is into the world of the DJ, a somewhat surprising undertaking for a woman in her early 60s, with long silver hair. (Meaw’s natural colour was close to Coke, but started to change in her 40s, and both she and her granddaughter had the common experience of being accused by school authorities of dyeing their hair.)  Perhaps part of the reason behind this new career shift lies in Meaw’s enjoyment of surrounding herself with youth, enthusiasm and joie-de-vivre. She has regular gigs booked in a number of local bars and nightclubs such as 3Monkeys and East Rooftop, and featured at the opening night of Attitude.  Meaw is proud to be able to support and assist new venues to develop a devoted client base, with her music.  She is currently engaged in preparing a wide range of playlists as she is already fielding bookings for engagements in Phuket during the next high season.  DJ Funky Mama is going to have her hands full.

Meaw certainly cannot be accused of doing anything half-heartedly. She has already been utilising her entrepreneurial talents to organise events in conjunction with some local resorts, salsa nights being one example and performances from visiting artists from Bangkok, such as drag queens.  Meaw had a vision for enhancing the creativity of the entire community, involving a Sunday art and music market, running a wide variety of activities in conjunction with artists from Baan Sillapin. She scoped out a suitable venue, and began the Sunday Art, Music & Playground at The Station off Soi 94. Unfortunately, due to insufficient passing foot traffic and the recent consistent wet weather, this venture is currently on pause until high season, but Meaw remains undeterred. She is working on another exciting event in November and with the kitesurfing season kicking in, Meaw hasn’t a moment to waste.

Meaw’s personal zest for life, creativity and energy seem boundless. I’ll have what she’s having!