Thai-British actress/singer/model Rebecca “Becky” Patricia Armstrong is one of the region’s fastest rising stars—and her trajectory is unstoppable. Following her impeccable performances in Gap: The Series, Uranus2324, and The Loyal Pin, her latest assignment is Vamp: The Series. In the last, which is slated for next year, she stars alongside Mike Angelo, Jeff Satur, and First Chalongrat.
We get why fans love Armstrong to bits: the 22-year-old strives for work-life balance, handles criticism constructively, and wants to be happy. However, the instant Armstrong appears in Bangkok’s Crimson Room, a 1920s-inspired jazz bar draped in velvet and marble, we know something has changed. As she moves through its opulent, sombre surrounds, her energy transforms it into a magical dreamscape.
Go on, take a look at how this out-and-out chameleon oscillates between her glamorous on-screen persona and her thoughtful, introspective off-screen self. You’ll be charmed, too.
Thai artistes and entertainment are making such a huge impact around the world. What does it mean to be one of those bringing Thailand to the world stage?
I mean, I’m super proud, grateful, and honoured. I still see myself as a small girl with a big dream who wants to keep working hard towards that dream. I’ve always dreamed of doing this, and I’m glad it’s bringing audiences worldwide. I thought people wouldn’t even know me in some of these places, but every time we go overseas, we are always warmly welcomed. Being able to embrace cultures from all over the world is so exciting. Yeah, I feel so proud and grateful.
It must be challenging to achieve success at such a young age. What keeps you grounded?
Every day, I try to remember where I came from, this girl with a big dream who wants to keep working towards it. Once you get to know me, I’m very friendly and nice. As long as we share the same interests and are on the same page, I am happy to be friends with anyone.
It is important to me to always remember where I came from and treat people with respect. Although the world isn’t always nice, kindness never costs anything. A smile doesn’t cost anything either. I try to treat everyone the way I want to be treated.
Uranus2324 and The Loyal Pin were filmed simultaneously. How do you manage transitioning between such different characters, and what motivates you to take on such diverse roles?
I have to say that both projects were so challenging and difficult in different ways. While Uranus2324 was challenging because of the action, the movement, and everything else, The Loyal Pin was challenging because of the script and the older Thai language.
The roles were very different. One character was like a ray of sunshine, while the other was quite introspective and deep. As an actress, I think that’s what it’s all about—trying new roles, trying new things, and challenging yourself. It’s impossible to learn and grow if you keep doing what’s easy.
As an actress who is also studying law, how do you decompress or have fun on your days off?
I try to maintain a healthy balance in my life. I wasn’t very good at balancing friends, family, work, studies, and me-time a few years ago. It took me a long time to find that balance, but I think I’ve finally found it. I can now spend time with friends from school, my family (my mum and dad, my brother Richie and my two dogs, Bonbon and Boba), study law, work as an actress and still find time for myself.
A typical me-time activity might be reading a book, writing a song, singing, listening to music, or watching a movie. I learned this year that just 5 to 10 minutes of self-reflection on how your day went is also beneficial to your mental and physical health. Everyone should do the same.
In interviews, you have talked about the challenges of being an actress in Thailand. How do you overcome those challenges?
Let’s start with the Thai language: reading, writing, and speaking. To this day, there are still many words I don’t understand. In conversations where I have no clue what people are talking about, I nod and pretend to understand. When I get a script, I circle every word and Google it to find out what it means.
Despite being half Thai and half British, I don’t let that excuse explain why my Thai is weaker than everyone else’s. I try to better myself by reading more, talking more, and trying to understand everything. I used to receive many criticisms about my weak Thai. These comments motivated me to improve. It’s getting better now.
In a previous interview, you expressed your commitment to using your platform for social causes. How do you choose which causes to support and how do they influence your acting choices?
There should be equality in everything in the world, so I don’t pick and choose which issues to address. What needs to be discussed, raised, and said depends on the situation. I will speak up if something needs to be addressed. There is no holding back with me. I also want to make everyone aware of what’s happening in the world. It’s not about choosing; it’s about what’s relevant right now.
What kind of roles or genres are you most excited to explore?
I’d love to do action. I tried that in Uranus2324, and it got good feedback, so I think I could do it again—maybe even a whole action film. Of course, it’ll be very tiring because filming one action scene takes all day. It’s not just about kicking and punching.
There’s also learning the movements, blocking, and how to fight safely without hurting each other. You must watch out for yourself, your teammates, the stunt people—everyone. But it’s something I want to try, and I think I would enjoy it.
Which famous character from a film or TV show would you swap lives with for a day?
Oh, have you ever seen Gossip Girl? I’d either be Blair or Serena. I think I prefer Blair. It’d be pretty cool to be her for a day.
Is there a celebrity you would love to work with as a co-star?
I want to meet Anne Hathaway. As an actress, she’s my role model. I love watching all of her work. I admire her ability to change characters continually and maintain such great acting stamina. It’s so cool and inspiring to see that she never gives up and keeps trying no matter what. One day, I hope to meet her and work with her.
In five years, where do you hope to see yourself?
I hope to see myself happy and free of stress, although I’m not sure if that’s possible since more problems may arise with age. Additionally, I hope to still be with my loving friends and have graduated and acted in an English movie. Furthermore, I aim to improve myself every day by doing something new, like learning another language or skill.
Photography Stefan Khoo
Stylist Chia Wei Choong
Producer Zona Tanmanatragul
Hair Hairfilmm
Makeup Minddmakeup
Makeup assistant Fa_Sollatido
Photography assistant Alif
Fashion assistant Ratchaphon Charoenkusol
