'Phan Rak Maew' Opens Up About Dropping Medical School, Takes Criticism in Stride, Asks for a Year to Find Herself

Following the drama surrounding Phan Panthita Bunchuan, known as 'Phan Rak Maew,' a famous influencer who faced backlash on social media after accepting a job from a beauty clinic while still a medical student—which raised professional ethics concerns—she has announced her temporary withdrawal from the Faculty of Medicine at Khon Kaen University. She explained that she wants to properly focus on her work as an influencer and actress.

When meeting Phan at the premiere of the film 'Term 4' at Paragon Cineplex on the 5th floor of Siam Paragon, she opened up about her decision: "It's a decision I've thought through carefully for quite a long time, and it was really difficult to announce because I have many younger fans who see me as an inspiration. I wanted to communicate this to them as carefully as possible. In the end, it became a decision everyone approved of, so I chose to pause my studies here."

When asked if her main reason was wanting to take on work because of scheduling conflicts: "Yes, I wanted to work in the influencer and acting fields—smaller acting roles that suit me. At first I thought I could handle both, but when it came down to it, I realized that kind of work requires intense focus, especially roles like these."

Asked what year she's dropping: "I'm currently completing first year and moving into second year, but I'm dropping for now."

Did she consult with many people? "A lot, really. Family and adults who are worried about my future. But I myself don't know what my future will be, but right now what I'm doing makes me very happy and excited about meeting seniors, the production team, and fans. So I wanted to try giving this role my all."

But how long can she pause medical school? "Actually, I'm not entirely sure. For now, I want to try taking things year by year to see how this year goes. If I'm happy, maybe I'll make a decision about the future."

How much work has come in for Phan this year? "For me, a lot. Especially with the film—it's been a childhood dream. This is something I've wanted to do since I was young. As a kid, I wanted to audition and do things like this, but living in another province, I didn't have the opportunity. When this opportunity came, I wanted to grab it with everything I have. If work comes in, I want to take it all."

There's been drama since you posted explaining why you didn't study and work simultaneously, since others can do it. People are comparing you. How do you feel? "Actually, I'm okay with people thinking that others can do it. Because everyone's path in life is different. I really respect people who can do both—they're amazing. As for me, I'll give my best in this role and ask everyone to cheer me on and give me strength. Because I'm just one person, an ordinary person fighting for my own dreams."

Has it been demoralizing? "There might be some, but I feel like it's just their opinion. Sometimes I don't know if the film will be well-received. Some people might like it, some might not. It depends on each person's preference."

Are people still mocking or criticizing you now? "Right now I'm trying to read as little as possible, yeah, because it's stressful. And if I see the seniors, I might have bad energy, so I'm trying to avoid it."

So Phan is also toxic when it comes to social media consumption? "Well..."