Chompoo Araya Brushes Off Viral 'Mafia Kids' Ad Catchphrase

Actress Chompoo Araya responded to the viral catchphrase "mafia kids driving boats crashing" that exploded on social media. The line came from a foldable phone commercial where she played a call-center worker, and netizens quickly connected it to other ongoing controversies.

Most recently, Chompoo and her sister Klen attended the "GrabFood MEGA GALE Cheaper Than Sure" event at River Park, IconSiam, to promote the campaign. After discussing the event, she addressed the viral moment. She acknowledged being startled by how far people stretched the connection but insisted she wasn't worried. She revealed her approach to handling public scrutiny of her children, grounded in Dhamma: "Even the Buddha was criticized."

Chompoo said: "Today I'm an observer. Other artists came out to work, many of them, non-stop. Today's event is MEGA GALE Cheaper Than Sure, same as always. Our campaign is cheaper than sure, codes can be collected every day. Today there are photo activities at various spots, a launch, stage activities, games. Our artists are already mingling. The concern is when they meet friends they might lose focus on work. Sometimes friends run out of energy but won't let them recharge; we might have to follow them. Customers are cute; they understand that to keep talent engaged continuously, we need activities to keep them entertained throughout the hours."

Asked if work volume remains the same or has decreased, she said: "We try to schedule mostly on weekends, but understand some weekdays are needed due to school. We try to spread it out so it doesn't cluster."

With her children gaining fame, how does she teach them to handle incoming attention? "We teach them gradually." How to explain drama-level issues? "Not yet; they may be too young to understand. We let it pass for now." Do you think they'll understand if you explain later? "I think it's fine if they're in our hands (smiles)."

But can you handle everything? "Of course, when we were young, facing things that hit our hearts, compared to Chompoo 20 years ago, I couldn't handle it like today. I couldn't handle it this well. But today it comes from experience and time; it gets stronger on its own. And they're the same. They'll definitely face things, but they'll have us beside them to feed them perspective."

When children face social media criticism from various angles, how do you feel as a mother? "Wow, even the Buddha was criticized. So be it (makes a prayer gesture)."

So you use Dhamma principles? "It's normal. We're public figures after all."

Asked about the ultimate viral line from the ad content and the catchphrase "mafia kids driving boats crashing," did she see the feedback? "I'm somewhat aware. It exceeded expectations. I didn't think there would be such a massive GAT linking together." Were you shocked people linked it to another issue? "Shocked, but ultimately I understand." Meaning many already know it's a job, but when you did it, did you think, hey, this might be big? "I didn't think anything. During filming we were in a room together, no one said anything. (Customers got engaged?) Just went with the flow (smiles). Didn't think there was concern. We live our normal lives. Didn't want it linked, but if it's linked, can't stop it. It'll pass."