After being discovered by a photographer and scouted by a makeup artist, a Thai street cleaner becomes a model

THAILAND: After being unexpectedly discovered by a Russian photographer, a street cleaner and single mother of two became famous and was called “the most well-known Thai cleaner”, as reported by the South China Morning Post. Later, she started modelling for a well-known cosmetics brand in Thailand. Meen, 28, is the mother of two sons, ages six and 10.

Meen was sweeping the streets in March when she was unexpectedly discovered by Russian photographer Semyon Rezchikov, who happened to be in Bangkok’s Chinatown to get inspired and had seen her. Rezchikov’s photos captured Meen wearing simple working attire with a broom and dustpan. Her naturally tanned skin and relaxed smile caught his attention.

The photographer had a portable printer so he could print out the photo and pass it to her. At first, the cleaner was wary when the foreign man approached her, but she immediately lit up with a big smile when she saw the photo. The cleaner loved the photo so much that she could not stop staring at it.

Thankful for the photo

Meen was appreciative of the photographer, and with a shy smile, she thanked him, saying that the photo was beautiful and so nice. Meen was dubbed “the most well-known Thai cleaner” after the photographer shared the encounter online, and the video quickly became viral, receiving over 4 million views.

According to reports, Meen took on several jobs to support her family before securing her cleaning position about a year ago. At first, Meen planned to work as a cleaner until retirement, but her unexpected viral fame opened doors she had never imagined, like becoming a model. Meen’s story caught the attention of Nong Chat, one of Thailand’s most famous makeup artists, with more than 1.7 million followers on social media. The makeup artist invited Meen to become a model for his brand.

Street cleaner turned model

It was the first time in her life that Meen participated in a professional photoshoot. Nong put a traditional costume on Meen inspired by the Thai horror movie Art of the Devil 2. You might see promotional photos of Meen wearing foundation and eyeshadow on Nong’s social media pages. The social media updates show Meen’s transformation, displaying her appearance before and after becoming a model, emphasizing her background as a former street cleaner.

Online users marvel at how the cleaner “won life’s lottery”. Chinese online viewers commented on her natural supermodel aura. Someone said that she is a natural-born supermodel who is truly stunning with a unique vibe. Another online viewer said her tattoos give off fashion energy. According to another online user, raising two children at 28 is not easy, and they wish Meen all the best.