Bangkok Illustrator Chanida Areewatanasombat Turns Emotional Baggage into Surreal Visual Diaries

Bangkok-based illustrator and animator Chanida Areewatanasombat, also known as Chubbynida, creates "visual diaries" to process emotions she finds difficult to articulate. Her latest work explores the theme of letting go, a process she describes as involving fear, misery, and sadness, but also understanding. Areewatanasombat, who calls herself a "professional overthinker," uses gouache, oil pastels, collage, digital work, and animation, often incorporating surreal imagery and symbols to maintain a sense of privacy while sharing personal feelings. Her practice gained momentum after completing a master's at Kingston University in London, which she credits with transforming her creative process and self-perception. She is represented by London agency POCKO and has exhibited in Thailand. Upcoming projects include a new exhibition at Ó! Galeria in Porto, opening in January, and the continued rollout of her character design project Chu-Billiken, created for Japanese firm Tamurakoma and launched earlier in 2026. She also notes a growing scene of younger artists in Bangkok experimenting with storytelling and mediums.