It
isn’t often that one has the opportunity to interview a
celebrity couple as they prepare for the nuptial celebration of
the year here in Thailand. Friends, neighbors and a large number
of Chiang Mai residents will be there to honor them, and I plan
to be in that number. So I was especially happy to sit down over
a fresh bamboo shoot salad and a cup of Chinese tea with Lin and
C.C. last week.
They look wonderful and are quite excited
about the upcoming wedding, although I must admit that Lin has
put on a bit of weight since moving to Chiang Mai several years
ago. The food and lifestyle obviously agree with her.
Nevertheless, she was stylish and polished in her black and
white outfit. C.C. was somewhat introspective, tending to spend
a little more time on the food and less in conversation, but
perhaps that is his way. He does love to tell a good joke,
though, and on more than one occasion I observed Lin with a
slightly bored smile on her face. She’s obviously heard some
of his stories more than once. But C.C., too, was well turned
out in black and white with the latest in Jackie-O dark
sunglasses (he doesn’t care for LayBans, claiming they make
him look like a panda) and a short haircut - A dapper look for a
young male.
Although this is to be an arranged marriage
in the old style, the couple appeared to be quite relaxed with
each other in their surroundings. Of course, it’s been
somewhat hush-hush to the family back home in China, but
they’ve actually been cohabiting for two years now, living in
the hills near Doi Suthep in a luxurious home with lush gardens
and a highly trained staff at their beck and call. They’ve
grown accustomed to the gawkers who stare and talk about them,
and generally find it quite easy to ignore the comments and
photographs. When the cameras become too irritating they retire
inside their home, where they have internet connection to stay
in touch with family and fans. I found the paparazzi to be quite
intrusive, but we remained in the garden for our chat. The
formal marriage will make way for progeny, and will simplify any
embarrassing explanations for friends and family.
We talked about their celebrity status, and
their role as diplomats celebrating the 30th anniversary of the
establishment of a diplomatic relationship between Thailand and
the People’s Republic of China. Stamps were recently issued in
their honor. Lin is a little testy that she was portrayed with a
stalk of bamboo in her mouth, giving further rise to rumors of
an eating disorder. “I’m not overweight”, she maintains,
“I’m just undertall.”
Questioned about the arranged marriage, Lin
simply said that she was comfortable with the tradition, and
that those who aren’t should “Just look around at marriages
that aren’t arranged. How much fur-flying fighting goes on?
How many bamboo-tossing divorces do you see? Plenty.”
“Anyhow”, she continued, “I’m in love with C.C. Most of
our friends say we’re just like two pandas in a pod.” C.C.
appears to share her devotion, even going so far as to offer her
his carrot.
I asked Lin about her choice of wedding
gowns, and she conceded that picking hers out had been difficult
given the weight gain and the constant comparisons to petite and
curvaceous Thai bears. She noted that she’s very sensitive
about being referred to as a “giant panda”, and that her
girth, while not exactly minimal, gives her character. She will,
of course, wear Thai silk along with her usual black and white
color scheme. C.C. will wear a formal morning coat of black,
with white shirt and a black top hat. His customary Jackie-O
glasses will help him to maintain some degree of dignity, as
flashbulbs are sure to be popping.
Lin said that, like most young females, she
has long dreamed of an elaborate wedding, but had no idea that
theirs would become a public spectacle. The big day has been
set, and friends will gather at Thapae Gate on the morning of
November 8 to begin a festive party. There will be traditional
dancing in the finest of Lanna traditions, as well as Chinese
traditions in honor of their home country. All are invited to
join in from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. for this celebration in the
old world style. On November 9, a parade will be organized at
Watthanothai Payap School at 10 a.m. The parade participants
will wear Lanna and Chinese costumes and proceed in the general
direction of Doi Suthep.
After the ceremony, the couple will host a
feast of their favorite foods at a small private party. The
wedding cake will feature bamboo leaves and shoots, with carrots
and other fruits and vegetables added for color and flavor. Lin
and C.C. reminded the interviewer that they are dedicated
vegetarians, and in the best of that tradition will toast but
not roast their fellow residents as part of the feast.
I asked about their honeymoon plans, but both
coyly declined to reveal their destination. C.C. reminded me
that it’s not easy for them to travel because of their
celebrity status. The last flight they took almost shut down the
Chiang Mai airport while they deplaned. Doctors and staff,
special food and a major contingency of public relations people
travel with them everywhere they go. Of course, they may simply
choose to stay and enjoy the many comforts of their beautiful
home in Chiang Mai. After all, none of their neighbors have the
luxury of air-conditioning and internet connections.
For those of you who have not yet received an invitation, Lin
Hui and Chuang Chuang request the honor of your presence at a
celebration of their marriage on November 8, 2005, at 10 a.m. at
Thapae Gate in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Dress politely. It will
definitely be a party to write home about!
