This year is shaping up to be a landmark one for young Thai women and men aspiring to step into the global spotlight of fashion and film. The momentum began in February with the premiere of The White Lotus season three, featuring the acting debut of global music icon Lalisa Manoban.

Shortly after, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra announced a sweeping initiative to scout future fashion stars not from elite circles but from Thailand’s rural heartlands – an ambitious and inclusive search for undiscovered talent and natural beauty.

Parallel to this, the Thai government launched the development of the Creative Culture Bill, a legislative cornerstone that will support the Kingdom’s soft power industries, from fashion and film to gastronomy and Muay Thai.

Now, the most visual milestone: the arrival of supermodel and fashion legend Naomi Campbell in Bangkok, bringing with her decades of invaluable experience. More than a runway mentor, Campbell offers guidance on turning modeling into a long-term, transformative career.

Her meeting with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra marked a significant moment for Thailand’s fashion sector as an emerging pillar of national soft power. The talks, held at Government House, were also attended by Surapong Suebwonglee, Director of Thailand’s National Soft Power Development Agency, and centered on Campbell’s future involvement in empowering local talent.

While international models could certainly showcase the creations of Thai designers – be it the refined elegance of Sirivannavari, founded by Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana, or the vibrant island aesthetics of Phuket-based Yayee – the world would ask: why not Thai models?

As for Naomi Campbell’s own views on Thailand, she recently shared them in a new episode of her autobiographical series Being Naomi – a candid vlog she launched five or six years ago that has grown into a dynamic chronicle of her personal and professional life. In a world where top models rarely speak openly about their lives off the catwalk, Being Naomi offers a refreshingly personal look behind the glamour.

Campbell continues to defy conventions, opening up about life as a global style icon, philanthropist, fashion expert – and now, mother. Her latest episode invites fans to discover Bangkok through her lens, from luxury retail to cultural gems.

For those curious to follow in her footsteps (aside from the private audience with the prime minister), the vlog offers plenty of inspiration: what to see, where to go, what to taste, and what to buy. And we’d be remiss not to mention two standout Bangkok destinations not from Naomi’s itinerary – Dior’s gilded “Golden House” and the elegant Louis Vuitton café – both featured in RL’s most recent issue.