Ping Lumprapleng is a screenwriter (Phukong Yood Rak, Nam Sai Jai Jing, Lovaholic, Khu Kham and Sab Sanit Sit Say Na), novelist and host of a stage show called “One-man Show.”

I like mainstream movies. I don’t like artsy or indie films. Wong Kar Wai or Pen-Ek films are really not my style. It’s not that their films are bad, it’s just that they don’t match my tastes. When I read interviews, most other writers say they like cool films from Nepal or Iran; but my kind of film is more in the style of Die-Hard or Transformers.

I prefer writing to directing. I can write whatever I want in a book, but making a film is different. I have to please the audience, producers, etc. A film can’t express 100% percent of who I am. But I can’t only be a writer; it wouldn’t be fun.

My life influences me, especially my weak points: I lack confidence, I’m not handsome and girls aren’t interested in me. These things are reflected in many characters in my films.

My idols are comedians, like Mum Jokmok, Nose Udom, or Note Chernyim. Whatever troubles they face in life, still, they continue to entertain people.

The entertainment industry gives me a chance to live a teenage lifestyle longer than others. At my age, if I worked in a government office it would be so boring. My life would be so dull. Living in the spotlight encourages me to stay up-to-date, work out, meet people and tease girls when they are pass by.

At first I wanted M (Surasak Wongthai) to play a leading role in Loveaholic. But he refused, so I chose Nose instead. It turned out to be a good thing; he softened the film.

Some people might say I’m crazy. I walked into a film production company and told them I wanted to direct a film and play a leading role in it. I’m that blunt.

I’m proud that my film was chosen for the Bangkok Film Festival. I’m proud of my work. At least nobody says my stuff sucks. I’m confident that my films are good.

Thai politics are a mess. Everyone claims “I do it for the King,” but actually all that concerns them is personal gain. Nobody stands up for anything unless they are protecting their benefits or hoping to gain something. So just stop complaining, stop protesting and do your jobs. If politicians can’t control the country, let the military do it. I could be wrong but I really think that’s the way to do it. Just work and live your life. Things will solve themselves one day.

Monks should be in their place. What’s the point of messing with the constitution? It’s none of their business. If you are a monk you should be praying, setting a good example for people or doing whatever it is monks do. Our country has so many problems right now, there’s no need to add to the list.

Bangkok is a fun city. The only bad thing is the traffic. We have electricity, we have clean water to drink…what more could we ask for? Convenience should not be taken for granted. It’s special. It’s paradise on Earth. We are all so used to these things that we have forgotten they are unnatural.

Every time you turn on the light, please realize that it is a wonderful thing.

I want to live by the sea. But it must be a Thai beach so that when I’m bored of the sea, I can go meet people. The beaches in Bali are beautiful, but the Balinese are not my people. I can’t communicate with them and I don’t get their culture.

I read lots of books. Most are documentaries, news and trend updates. I read nonfiction more than novels. I feel I can use my own imagination.

The latest book I’ve read is Saming Baan Rai. It’s about simple country life. It’s funny and a bit ridiculous. I really liked it. My favorite books are by Prapas Chonsranont and Num Muangjun. I don’t read Matichon often, but every time their columnists publish a new book, I’ll buy it.

To me, love is a transaction. Unconditional love doesn’t exist. If the love exchange is unbalanced, like if one gives more and the other gives less, it will adjust itself automatically.

Jatukam Ramathep? Even if you offer me one right now for free, I won’t wear it.