Page 43 - ELITE PLUS MAGAZINE VOL2

“Highlights from around the globe: A former prostitute has won a top Asian literary prize forher autobiography.”This snippet, regarding the bookI am Eri: My Experience Overseas by Thanadda Sawangduean, was written by Lucy Holland-Smith and appeared in the top corner of the homepage for the London Book Fair.Since the announcement of that work as the Chommanard Book Prize winner on December 21, 2010, the story of Ms Thanadda, or Eri, has been told by word of mouth, in the news and on blogs around the world. Three successful sequels have followed. When her story comes up today, many wonder about her daily life, perhaps even whether she has re-entered the vicious cycle of the oldest profession.Elite+ had the opportunity to interview her personally and find out more about the individual behind the books.“I’m working every day on a new manuscript,” Ms Thanadda said. “My career now is as a full-time writer. I don’t have other income to support myself. After my first book, I Am Eri: My Experience Overseas, which became a best-seller in Thailand, I was approached with various offers of work. But I only agreed to one, and that’s as a columnist for Plak, a weekly Thai newspaper.“I’m grateful to Praphansarn, which has published every one of my books from the beginning,” she said with a smile. “The various editions of the four titles have helped me survive up to now. There’s no need to change careers or go back to the realm of prostitution.“The first book is still my greatest pride. The Chommanard Book Prize is based on a strong belief in the talent of Thai women. The book was thenElite+ 41