Ning Denies Name Change Drama, Cites Astrological Advice

Presenter and show producer Ning Panittha Pattanahiran has become the subject of online discussion following a viral clip in which she discussed changing her name from "Ning" to "Pani" (pronounced "Pa-ni") during a live stream with "Matoom." She explained that a fortune teller recommended the change, stating she didn't like her original name. After the clip circulated, many people connected the name change to unrelated celebrity controversies.

Ning recently attended the opening of AUMAUM market, a mid-mall flea market featuring popular vegetarian restaurants, where she gave an interview explaining the real reason behind her decision.

When asked what people should call her now, Ning responded: "Pani, actually. This really came from consulting a fortune teller. Lately, whenever something good is about to happen, something comes along and blocks it. For example, three or four days ago, our basement suddenly flooded for no apparent reason we could find. We're on day four now and things keep being strange. I consulted with a fortune teller, and they said the letter 'h' might not be good for my destiny. So I decided to change my name. Before this, when I was pregnant with Nirin, I initially planned to name twins 'Nirin' and 'Nita,' or 'Pani.' I already used 'Pani' with friends anyway. I did a live stream with Matoom about it, but people keep linking it to unrelated drama, which I don't appreciate."

When asked how she feels about people connecting the name change to various celebrity dramas, Ning firmly stated: "I'm confirming right here that this has nothing to do with any drama whatsoever. Don't drag unrelated things into this. I'm still used to calling myself 'Ning,' and my parents' given name never changes. But the fortune teller said using two syllables without the letter 'h' would be better. Personally, I never thought about linking this to anyone else. The media is the one making these connections (laughs). I still call myself by my original name in many situations. It won't feel natural to outsiders, but friends in my group are already used to it—sometimes they call me Pani, sometimes Ning, it doesn't matter."

Regarding whether the timing of other news stories prompted the connection, Ning added: "That could be possible, but I personally have nothing to do with any drama whatsoever."

When asked what's wrong with the name "Ning," she explained: "It just has the letter 'h,' which according to my astrological chart isn't suitable for me. This is a personal belief. The fortune teller suggested rewriting it as 'Ning' without the 'h' and using different letters instead, or using two syllables. If it's genuinely two syllables, that would be better. But it's just a belief. Ultimately, it's about my astrological timing. The original name 'Ning' still works fine. I can call myself anything the same way. The change is just for peace of mind. When I write on my page or chat, I'll use the new version. My sister Thanya calls me by a nickname (smiles). I don't want to show it off, but I've actually been using this name for almost a month now. It's probably just an astrological phase."

When asked what friends think about the new name, Ning said: "My friends know about it. But as for Matoom, he doesn't know about it—he's always focused on Korea, always looking at men, not really following women's news (laughs). To be honest."

Asked if she discussed it with Thanya, Ning replied: "No, we haven't talked about it. But she knows I consulted a fortune teller. When I do my live streams, I'm not being serious about it—I'm not saying everyone should do the same. When Matoom and I stream together, we just joke around."

The interview was cut short before addressing questions about Thanya's current emotional state regarding recent events.