Old friends Chitra Konuntakiet, Chitramontn Techaphaiboon and Tipaporn Ajanant are a popular trio and a familiar sight at many of the city’s finest luxe events, exhibitions and parties. Chitra, the youngest of the three at 63 currently organises her own weekend radio show. Tipaporn is 70 and spends most of her time overseeing Kustom Karpets, using her experience in the fashion industry to manage the carpet and floor textiles firm. Chitramontn is a sprightly 77 and although semi-retired she helps out at the Poh Teck Tung Foundation when she isn’t trying to keep fit.
None of the triumvirate can recall when they all first met but one particular picture from 2007 stirs their memories. “This was at the St Tropez Diamond event at the Grand Hyatt Erawan,” Chitra muses. The picture shows the three ladies standing together and as they pour over it cries of “We have barely changed at all!”, “No, wait, my glasses have changed,” and much giggling takes place. “I was friends with Chitra’s brother,” says Tipaporn. “Yes, but we really started to get along when I was out and about looking for Christian Dior clothing,” Chitra adds, referring to Tipaporn’s past in the fashion business. Chitramontn pipes in, “Chitra often consulted my father about Chinese sayings and writings. We really began to bond as a trio at events and parties and over the years and the many events we attended, we naturally grew close.” Tipaporn adds with a laugh, “We just decided to stick together at outings. There isn’t a picture that exists without at least two of us together in it.” As a group the ladies pride themselves on never being late. “To this day we plan our forays well,” Chitra giggles.
