Supatra
Sasuphan (center) and other Thais with unique abilities were recently
invited to Pattaya to showcase their talents.
Theerarak Suthathiwong
Taunted for most of short life with schoolmates calling
her “wolf girl” and “monkey face,” 11-year-old Supatra Sasuphan is all
smiles now after Pattaya’s Ripley’s Believe It or Not! museum helped her
become a world-record holder.
One of just 50 people ever known to have suffered from
Ambras Syndrome, the primary student from Bangkok’s Wat Ratchabopit School
has been named the “world’s hairiest girl” by the Guinness World Record
committee and is now the most-popular girl in her school.
“I’m very happy to be in the Guinness World Records,”
“Nong Nat” told the media. “A lot of people have to do a lot to get in. All
I did was answer a few questions and then they gave it to me.”
Ambras Syndrome, or hypertrichosis, is a condition that
makes hair grow all over the body including the face and neck. Hair can be
removed, but actually grows back thicker and faster.
In the Middle Ages, before gene research revealed it was
caused by a faulty chromosome, sufferers were branded werewolves. In
Thailand, where being a labeled a simian is a high insult, calling her a
monkey was the insult of choice for petty classmates.
“There were a few people who used to tease me and call me
monkey face but they don’t do it any more,” she says. “I’m very used to this
condition. I can’t feel the hair as it has always been like this. I don’t
feel anything.”
Ripley’s Pattaya General Manager Somporn Naksuetrong said
the company has a program that seeks out Thais with unique abilities and
features. He argues the tourist attraction is not exploiting those who are
different, but giving them a chance to come out of hiding and be proud of
their individuality.
A year ago, Ripley’s appointed Supatra its goodwill
ambassador, giving her opportunities to meet and greet visitors. During that
time, executives contacted the Guinness Book, which invited her to be on
Italian television.
Earlier this month, Supatra, her family and other Thais
with unique abilities were invited to Pattaya to showcase their talents.
Supatra’s father Samroeng, 38, said his daughter was born
prematurely and stayed in an incubator for three months. She was
hospitalized for 10 months before coming home. When she did, the neighbors
were aghast at the hair covering her body. Superstitous, they believed the
family was suffering spiritual retribution for sins in a past life.
Samroeng, however, says he doesn’t worry for his daughter
when she grows up. She is polite, kind and makes friends easily, he said.
She loves to swim, dance and listen to music. When she grows up, Samroeng
said, Supatra wants to be a doctor.
