Nong Noey, also known as Butterbear, is Tatler Thailand’s cover star. Get to know the three-year-old bear character whose dancing has made her a beloved idol among parents and fans across Thailand and beyond
Butterbear, a popular bakery brand in Thailand, has transcended its original business to become a cultural phenomenon, thanks largely to its main mascot, Nong Noey. This three-year-old bear character has taken social media by storm, captivating audiences with perfectly executed dance covers of K-pop and T-pop hits—all performed without saying a word.
What began as a bakery mascot has evolved into an unlikely idol with legions of devoted fans across Thailand and internationally. In this exclusive interview, Tatler speaks with Nong Noey, also affectionately known as Butterbear, on work, life and how she handles her meteoric rise to fame.
Read more: Manny Pacquiao inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, says ‘the best is still to come’
Nong Noey is the rising star of Butterbear, a popular bakery in Thailand
1 / 1
Besides the Butterbear shop and brand endorsements, what other projects are you working on?
For the first time, I got to act in the series Jet Lag. I’m really excited about it. The project pushed my acting abilities. I’ll also be staging a concert soon, and there are new songs coming out that I can’t wait to share with everyone. I’m always eager to try new things.
You clearly love dancing and singing, but it seems you’re always working. When do you find time to practice, and how often do you rehearse?
I love singing and dancing so much—the rhythm lives in my heart. Whenever I have time and my homework is done, I’m practicing constantly. If I’m not eating or sleeping, honestly, I’m even practicing in my dreams.
