LSA Debutante: Sandee Sittipunt on life in the spotlight and prioritising his mental health

Welcome back to Lifestyle Asia Thailand’s LSA Debutante, where we meet Thailand’s younger generation and talk about their thoughts and opinions on current topics. As January is the month of new beginnings, we sit down with Sandee-Sanpiti Sittipunt. The son of Bangkok’s governor Chadchart Sittiput, Sandee gives us a life update and shares some mental health tips and tricks for the new year.

Being known as the son of Bangkok’s governor must be challenging, especially given the spotlight and attention that comes with it. Nevertheless, the 24-year-old holds this title with grace and humility. Born in 2000, Sandee Sittipunt grew up as the only child to Chadchart Sittiput, who was a professor at Chulalongkorn University at the time, and Piyada Sittipunt, a Thai Airways flight hostess. Having lived a very privileged lifestyle, from going to international schools to studying abroad, Sandee realised that he could use this privilege to be a force of good. With that, he chooses to be very open about his disability and mental health to empower and raise awareness for those who struggle to speak up. 

[All images courtesy of Sandee Sittipunt]

LSA Debutante: Sandee Sittipunt on life in the spotlight and prioritising his mental health 

Could you please give us a life update? What are you up to these days?

I have been middling between high-profile and low-key lifestyles for the past two years. However, I’ve conducted a few side projects and helped some friends in their business endeavours. I also recently interned with the TDRI (Thailand Development Research Institute) to help prepare me for my postgraduate studies, working in the social development team.

Between then and now, I have been focusing on my mental health with weekly therapy and keeping fit by going to the gym four times a week and doing cardio 5 to 6 times a week; mainly running. I also spin cycle, box, and Muay Thai. Moreover, I have been pursuing alternative forms of therapy, such as hypnotherapy, sound baths, and inner child therapy, which all have been productive.

Contrary to what many may think, my decision to undertake my studies in public affairs was inspired by something other than my father’s work as a politician. Instead, it was in my capacity as a disabled person in the context of Thai society. As an impaired person, I want to work in some capacity to enact change and reform in public policy towards the disabled to better their standard of living and improve accessibility, especially disability welfare. As a person with a disability, I want to empower disabled people to have agency in public policy agendas and have a say in the future direction of the country. While there is some room for improvement now, I believe Thailand will be different in a decade from now in terms of the landscape for disabled people.

We read that you wanted to pursue a career in media and entertainment. Where does this interest come from?

I have always been interested in writing, whether it be fiction or non-fiction. Writing was my solace from all my anxieties and worries growing up. I have always been curious about the different forms of writing, from prose and screenwriting, to poetry and essay writing, so a career in entertainment and media would be an excellent fit for me to put my skills to use.

What does your average day-to-day look like, especially as you are a public figure now?

Being a public figure is very stressful, especially when people approach you and request a photo. I always welcome and accept any request, as it would be impolite [not to].

My daily routine would start with waking up around 5 to 6 am for a jog. Then I go for my coffee run at Karo Coffee Roasters, run by one of my closest friends. I always order an Americano followed by a double espresso shot. During the day, I usually focus on reading, writing, and video gaming. I hit the weights and read a bit more in the evening before clocking out at 8 to 9pm.

What is your relationship with your father like?

Honestly, I would be lying if my relationship with my father was perfect and strong. It is much more complex than that— he is a public figure and politician whom I greatly respect. Still, it is difficult for me to separate the professional and private. 

In some instances, I have to treat Mr Chadchart as a politician and other times as a father, which is a balancing act. We enjoy a very friendly bond where I am honest and upfront with my father about many issues, including politics. We travel abroad together and celebrate important milestones. He has taught me vital lessons of discipline, integrity, and consistency. At the same time, he is very busy and hard-working. I acknowledge that he has made sacrifices like many politicians in his role would do. While there have been disagreements and lost times, he is still very much my father and idol.

How does it feel to have a father who is the governor of Bangkok? Do you see yourself working together in the future? Is there any pressure?

Seeing my father become Bangkok’s governor had always been my dream. His success was a testament to his strong work ethic and character. I am confident that Bangkok is in good hands. As for working together, I cannot imagine that! It would be tough to balance being the son and an employee or collaborator.

When it comes to pressure, it was very daunting in the beginning, but I am slowly easing into it. Also, being a public figure is very stressful, and I have undergone therapy to address it, as every move you make is scrutinised and looked under a microscope.

How do you maintain a balance with your private life now that you’re in the spotlight more?

It can get very challenging and tiring, but I have come to terms with it. You also have to reconcile with the fact that you are afforded no privacy out in public, and everything, even a single microcosm of what you do, is discussed. Social media also plays a role in this. Although challenging, I try my best to be as authentic as possible. 

Mental health is quite an important topic to you. What are some tips you can share, especially as you’ve personally gone through quite a substantial mental health journey?

I went through many life-changing events, but I’ve made peace with them. Nevertheless, I see strides in my mental improvement, especially after changing therapists. Recently, I found out I had ADHD, so I am focusing on myself for the time being, and managing it. Before this year, I went through deep depression and anxiety issues during the onset of the pandemic. However, it motivated me to seek help before I fell into a dark place. Luckily, my parents were very accommodating and supportive throughout the whole process.

Throughout my mental health journey, I discovered that I always blamed people for my actions and never held myself accountable. I always thought I was the demon in myself, but in reality, I just needed the spirit and courage to fight them. I learned to also give myself space and compassion before I can truly love others in the same vein I love and accept myself.

With that, my first tip is always to show gratitude in your life and the people close to your heart. This also includes the small things in our daily routines and the things that grant us joy. Although I found it puzzling at first, once I became more thankful, I noticed myself becoming calmer and happier.

The second tip is to always be mindful, present, and non-judgemental. Take everything slow, soak into the moment and be present and aware of the sense. This mindfulness tip helps us tune in to our senses and thoughts.

Last but not least, taking a mental health break for yourself is okay. Protect your energy. If something is too overwhelming, allow your body that space to heal and recover rather than juggling so many emotions and stress. You’ll end up risking overworking your body to the extent that you can mentally injure yourself. 

Lastly, we heard in a recent interview that you were on the lookout for a good Pad Thai spot. Have you found it yet?

The best Pad Thai I ever tasted is my mum’s cooking. Nothing can top motherly love. But if a restaurant, Thipsamai all the way.