Poised, polite, and refined, Yeena Salas in not your average teenage girl. The half Cuban-half Thai actress is mature and professional, with a streak of tom-boy naivety that is rather endearing. Her father is a Muay Thai coach, an activity she does not get involved much: it’s far too rough for her, she says, so instead she has found her passion in acting.
Born in Japan, Salas moved to Thailand when she was nine years old; now 15, she has just completed her first lead role in a Thai television drama series, Rattanavadee, directed by M.R. Srikumrung Yukhol. The period drama is a coming-of-age love story that follows Lady Rattanawadee on her journey through Europe. Following the success of the show, Salas is now set to take the lead role in the next Srikumrung company drama, Sia Dai, a much darker story about today’s youth: one filled with drugs, abuse, and even prostitution.
Speaking about her role as Lady Rattanavadee, Salas said it was a challenge getting into character, having to learn the ways ladies at the time spoke and composed themselves. In contrast, her character in Sia Dai is the polar opposite of her previous role. Although the story is set in modern times and Salas is similarly aged to the character, the darkness and the pain she feels are not familiar to Salas’ own experiences.
The disparity between the two roles may seem daunting for such a young actress to conquer but not for this budding bombshell: she is confident and determined to play any role that is given to her, welcoming every challenge with much needed, fresh enthusiasm. Looking to the future, we can sense the determination and drive in this girl: let’s not forget that, at only 15, Salas is at the beginning of a promising career.
