Entertainment

In Thailand "pretty" has become a common word used in both Thai and English language sentences to refer to top models that manufacturers and companies employ to boost the profile of their products at motor shows and events.

But according to the girls, being a "pretty" is not all about good looks.

Brains and beauty
Kanokkarn Tempithak, 23, is a pretty for one of Europe's most respected automobile marques. She first started work as a pretty when she was an intern for an event-organising agent.

One day, Kanokkarn said, a pretty didn't show up for the launch of a clothing range. Being 177cm and having a lovely figure, Kanokkarn was asked to take her place, and she has never looked back.

Since then, she has worked at numerous events, including many motor shows.


However, keeping her eye on the future, Kanokkarn is also studying at the Royal Sky Aviation Center.

"I would like to be a pilot and follow my grandfather and father's footsteps," said Kanokkarn, who graduated with first class honours from Mahidol University. With her degree in Thai, Kanokkarn also serves as a motor event MC.

"To tell you the truth, I prefer being an MC to a pretty because I have a chance to apply what I've been studying for the job," she said.


Kanokkarn Tempithak
A challenging task
Landing a role as a pretty for motor shows can be tough, according to Kanokkarn. Thousands of beautiful women attend castings to strut their stuff and hopefully win over the judges.

The girls are chosen for their beauty, physique and personality.

"For a run-of-the-mill event, I just send my photos to the organisers for their consideration. But for something like an annual motor show, we are cast about three to four times, by the organisers, a group of judges and finally an executive team from the brand owner," Kanokkarn said.

"With a cast of thousands, only eight to 10 girls are chosen to take part in the event," she added.

Of the three criteria, Kanokkarn believes personality is the most important.

"We must be outgoing and friendly as we have to interact with so many people," she said. "However, being photogenic does go a long way."


Looking like a million dollars
Motor expos and shows are popular with pretties because they usually run over 14 days straight.

"If I'm chosen to work for a big event, it means that I will get a lump sum when it finishes," she said. "It also boosts your profile and generates more work in the future."

Working as a pretty for a motor show, Kanokkarn earns a minimum of 2,000 baht a day for an eight-hour day. That can double if she is hired by a big auto company. And as an MC, she can earn about 4,000 baht a day.

At a motor show, Kanokkarn will pose with cars for photographs, introduce cars to audiences and entertain visitors.

Kanokkarn admits most people think pretties are highly paid for doing little. But this career is a short-lived one with most models peaking in their mid-20s.

"A pretty car girl aged over 30 is rare. She must be very special. Most of us are in the job for just a few years," she said.


Paying attention to detail
Before taking on a job, Kanokkarn is careful about her employer's conditions. Her major concern is to ensure this sideline doesn't interrupt her study.

Clothes provided by organisers are also a big worry for her. She won't wear sexy costumes because she doesn't want to look like someone from a girlie magazine.

"Before casting and signing a contract, I have to check with the organiser on the concept of clothes. I just say no to sexy clothes even if the money offered is high. My parents would not accept it for sure," she said.

Preeyaporn Seadpaisong was an amateur fashion model. She decided to become a pretty event girl because it provides her with a good chance to experience life.


Preeyaporn Seadpaisong
"There are a constant stream of events so I can get good rewards," said Preeyaporn, a political science student at Ramkhamhaeng University.

One of the highlights, she said, is being chosen as a pretty for a leading motor show.

"I think that the majority of pretties dream about becoming a car girl. This is because we are the centre of attention.

"Visitors gravitate to us. And it is great fun posing beside elegant and luxurious cars."

At 177cm, Preeyaporn has attracted a great deal of attention from organisers. But beauty and a good figure are not enough for her to be successful.

"First impressions are very important when we are dealing with people," she said.

For her, she believes that punctuality can create a favourable impression. Being friendly and reasonable are her tricks of the trade. In addition, she is not fussy about the clothes organisers provide. And she doesn't argue if the payment is just the standard rate.

"I allow myself to be different and stand out. I always prove my worth. Then I can be a preferred choice for a job. Often, I get many repeat jobs from organisers. I have no need to go for casting."

A versatile girl
Preeyaporn understands that beauty fades so she has always improved herself in different areas. She has diversified into related activities and can now host a news conference or MC a grand opening or launch.

Preeyaporn believes excellent communication skills are required along with spontaneity and resourcefulness.

"I've faced some difficult situations. Once, when a star was late for an event, I had to find a way to keep the audience focused. I was nervous at the beginning. Over time, experience has helped me better handle such situations."

Careful financial management
Although Preeyaporn has some useful skills, she is entirely lacking in financial management. So she has turned to her mother to help manage her income and savings.

Each month, Preeyaporn has about 10 jobs on average - earning in the region of about 50,000 baht.

"Being a pretty is a money-spinner. And I don't have to work every day. Unfortunately I'm a spendthrift, so my mother keeps all the money and gives me what I need," said Preeyaporn.

Creating a connection with people
Being a pretty has afforded Preeyaporn great experiences, but it is not a secure profession. The job allows her to meet different people in different fields and she has built up a good network of connections.

"I was asked by many companies to join them but I haven't made up my mind yet. I enjoy what I'm doing now. I think it will not be difficult for me to find a good permanent job after quitting this job," she said.

Being a pretty allows her to practise different skills and exercise responsibility and patience, she said.

On the negative side, most people think that being a pretty is long on looks but short on brains.

"Well, we cannot change the way people think. I just ignore it and do my best," Preeyaporn said.

Also, she feels men sometimes do not treat her with the proper respect.

"When I am hit on by men I dislike, I still have to control my feelings and keep smiling, talk to them nicely and politely - that's what I'm expected to do," she said.