Areeya Sirisopa

Areeya Sirisopa (Thai: อารียา สิริโสภา; rtgs: Ariya Sirisopha) or Areeya Chumsai (Thai: อารียา ชุมสาย; nicknamed "Pop"(Thai: ป็อป, born June 28, 1971) is an American model, teacher and filmmaker.

Early life and education

Areeya Chumsai was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the United States, the daughter of Thai immigrants. She spent her childhood and adolescent years in the state of Michigan and received a degree in journalism fromMichigan State University in 1993.

Miss Thailand

Upon completion of her undergraduate studies, she traveled to Thailand to visit relatives and found a side job as a model for various fashion magazines. Within a year, she qualified for the Miss Thailand pageant and won the crown in 1994. She went on to compete in the Miss Universe pageant held in the Philippines, placing 13th overall; and recipient of the "Best Kodak Smile." She began working as a model, actress, and emcee.

Teaching career