PHBGTU recently sat down with Miss Amanda Obdam, a contestant for Miss Thailand World 2015. Read on for the exclusive interveiw below...
PHBGTU: How old are you and where are you from?
Amanda Obdam: I’m 22 years old and originally from Phuket.
PHBGTU: You mentioned that you recently graduated university. Where, in what and how did you like it?
Amanda Obdam: Yes, I have recently graduated from the University of Toronto, Canada, with a degree in Business Administration and Economics. It was a fantastic experience and Toronto is a lovely place to live and to explore new cultures. Although Toronto can get quite cold, the experience that I've gained is totally worth it.
PHBGTU: That sounds really nice, what did you miss the most from home?
Amanda Obdam: Well, I really missed the warm weather, the beaches, the people in Thailand in general you know, here the “sabai” vibe is really unique from anything else. Ah, I can’t forget to mention my mom’s food, still the best I ever had.
PHBGTU: Next time you stop by to visit please bring some of your mother’s food. Talking about your visit to Phuket Has Been Good to Us, what motivated you to come and visit?
Amanda Obdam: That is an interesting history, back in 2011 I came to visit the Coconut Club project with a friend from British International School, Phuket. We had a really good time playing with the kids and stimulating them to speak English. After all my time living abroad, when I came back to Phuket, I’ve decided to stop by to take a look at how things are going.
PHBGTU: That is a really cool story, what do you think about the project now?
Amanda Obdam: What you guys do here with the local kids is formidable, providing them the opportunity to have a quality English education can change their lives and I really appreciate that.
PHBGTU: We are glad you had a good time, I know the kids loved it. When you're not busy preparing for the contest, what are some of your favourite things to do?
Amanda Obdam: During my free time I really enjoy hanging out with my family and exploring new places on the Phuket island with my friends.
PHBGTU: That sounds fun. Earlier on the interview you mentioned the beaches here in Phuket, do you have any favourites and why?
Amanda Obdam: It is hard for me to pick a favourite because they are all so beautiful, but I do really like the southern part of the island, specially Kata and Naiharn. I think they have a more relaxed vibe compared with Patong, which can get very busy and is where I live.
PHBGTU: You seem to really enjoy nature and a relaxed environment. Where is your favourite place to travel in Thailand?
Amanda Obdam: Yes, you got that right, I do love nature. One of my favourite places to go here is Pai, it is just so amazing to be around all that nature and recharge the batteries you know, we all need that energy to move forward.
PHBGTU: That is a beautiful place, we love it. Just out of curiosity, what is your all-time favourite movie and why?
Amanda Obdam: I really like The Pursuit of Happyness. I find the story to be very inspirational; it makes you appreciate life and not take anything for granted.
PHBGTU: Just to finalise our lovely chat Amanda, if you were granted one wish, what would it be?
Amanda Obdam: I would wish to end hunger! It breaks my heart to be reminded that there are still so many people suffering in this world.