Areeya, nicknamed "Pop," is a multi-talented individual who transitioned from a beauty queen to a filmmaker, educator, and military officer. Below is a look at her diverse career. The Journey of Areeya "Pop" Chumsai
: Shortly after arriving in Thailand for a visit, she began modeling and won the Miss Thailand crown in 1994. She represented Thailand at the Miss Universe pageant in the Philippines, where she placed 13th and won the "Best Kodak Smile" award. areeya cumming
: Born in 1971 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Areeya grew up in the United States as the daughter of Thai immigrants. She graduated with a degree in journalism from Michigan State University in 1993 before traveling to Thailand. Areeya, nicknamed "Pop," is a multi-talented individual who
Areeya’s story is one of constant evolution, moving across continents and industries with a focus on education and social impact. She represented Thailand at the Miss Universe pageant
: In 2005, she co-directed the documentary Innocence ( Dek toh ), which followed the lives of hill tribe children in Northern Thailand. The film received international acclaim, including the Spirit Award at EIDF 2006 in South Korea.