Nong Toom & Asanee Suwan

 

Ms. Ruby likes her shapely boobs, sexy curves, and voluptuous derriere—in short, she enjoys being a girl. (Okay, I do have skinny legs! I mean, back in high school Tom Mier used to call me “bird legs.”) Unfortunately, for some people, it’s not that easy. There are men who feel caged in their bodies (some women, too). I’m talkin’ transgenders, my little pussywillows.

 

Nong Toom was a Thai pro kickboxer who mastered the sport so that he could ultimately pay for the operation to become a woman, which he underwent in 1999. It was an arduous journey and her story is documented in the heartwarming, inspiring film, Beautiful Boxer. Nong is played by actor Asanee Suwan, also a kickboxer champ, who won Best Actor (equivalent to the Oscar) for his portrayal. Both are in town and the three of us hook up at my old standby, Norm’s Restaurant in Westwood (cheap but tasty; retro with contemporary flare)—a little diversion from their usual fare of Thai food.

 

Ruby Comer: Sawasdee. [I’m late and find them sitting side-by-side in a booth.] Let me first say, I am such a Thai fan! I love your diverse, exotic country and the scrumptious food. Having said that, I must tell you, Beautiful Boxer touched me. Nong, I admire your courage, and Asanee, I admire your commitment to the film.

Nong Toom: Thank you, Ruby. Nice to see you.

Asanee Suwan: Khaawp khoon khrap [Thank you]. Please call me Art.

 

You two make such a cute couple; are you involved romantically?

Art: Nong is like my little sister. We are both from Chiang Mai province.

Nong: Yes, he is like my elder brother. We’ve become close. [Warmth and mutual respect flow between the two.]

 

Tell Ms. Ruby, have you two kickboxers been “kickin’ it” with anyone these days?

Art: [he grins and displays a sexy, shy smile] Yes, with a really nice Thai girl who’s very supportive of my film career.

Nong: And I’m seeing someone, but we hardly see each other because of my schedule, and I feel bad about that.

 

And my little sweet pusses, do you wear the glove—and I don’t mean a boxing glove—while engaging in sex?

Nong: Yes, unless the person has earned my complete trust.

Art: Always! [He bites into his T-bone steak.] Prevention is better than a cure.

 

Thailand has been hit hard with AIDS. Are you involved with the pandemic?

Nong: I’ve made donations, and performed at benefits, like for an organization that helps children suffering from AIDS.

Art: I’m hoping to get involved.

 

Maybe Nong can get you connected, Art! Have either of you lost anyone to this epidemic?

ART: Fortunately, no.

NONG: Neither have I.

Good. [I take a bite of my Mediterranean chicken salad.] Just what does AIDS mean to you?

Nong: It’s a lethal disease that I think is still misunderstood. Luckily, you can protect yourself—that’s why education is extremely important. This is not just a homosexual virus.

Art: Yes, definitely. People are still afraid of those who are HIV, but it’s important to show love and support to those who are infected so they’ll have the courage to fight on.

 

Being Thai, and Nong you were a monk for a while, I presume you both are Buddhists, so your take on the afterlife is probably characteristic.

Nong: Yes, I believe in karma. One does a lot of good deeds in their life, and they’ll accumulate good karma for their next life.

ART: I strongly agree. Also, (he takes a sip of Coke.) when I was seven I was a monk. My grandmother passes away so I became a monk for several months to make merit for her.

 

Nong, are you satisfied with how the film turned out?

Nong: Yes! I’m more than satisfied. The film is the greatest gift life has given me so far. I visited the set several times, and once I surprised Asanee and gave him one of my hair bands. He looked so much like me after I put it on him! [She pauses and looks out on Pico Blvd.] Everyone on the film put forth such great efforts and my story is told with such sensitively. The film has already increased the understanding of Transgenders, and for that, I’m very grateful. I am particularly moved by the last scene in the film. It’s really how I felt.

 

What was the most difficulty, Art, for you to play Nong Toom?

ART: To understand what it feels like to be a woman trapped in a body of a man.

 

That must have been a challenge. What is next for you guys?

Art: I’ve been practicing Thai sword-fighting to prepare for my next movie, a Thai-Japanese martial arts adventure called Swords & Spirits. Mr Ekachai [Uekrongtham, director of Beautiful Boxer] will be directing it. The training is very grueling. I practice six days a week, but it’s a lot of fun too. [He takes a bit of his sandwich.] The film begins shooting next year. I’ve also appeared in a TV drama playing Nai Kanom Thom, another legendary Thai kickboxer, and also a number of music videos..

Nong: I recently performed a one-woman show entirely in English, Boxing Cabaret, an interactive live show in Singapore. I sing songs in various languages, dance, do comedy and dramatic segments. Mr Ekachai wrote the script and also produced it. This was all new for me and I was so worried. But with the help of everyone involved, it came off very well. Tickets were sold out! I’ve been invited back to do it again. I hope to tour with Boxing Cabaret, and bring it to L.A.

 

Oh, fantabulous, Nong. Can’t wait.

Nong: Mr. Ekachai is also preparing a film project for me, an action drama where I play a policewoman. It deals with human trafficking problems, something I feel strongly about. I’m very excited because I have always admired action heroines like Michelle Yeoh, Zhang Ziyi, and Angelina Jolie. I’ll be performing my own stunts, as well!

 

What a lovely lunch with two lovely people. I must visit you in Thailand soon.

Nong: Ruby, when you come to Thailand, you will join me and my friends for a game of volleyball; then, afterwards, I’ll treat you to a refreshing Thai iced tea and a dessert called Red Ruby!

 

 

Ruby Comer is an independent journalist from the Midwest who is happy to call Hollywood her home away from home. Reach her by e-mail at MsRubyComer@aol.com.

 

November 2005