Chiquita's Profile
- Real Name: Riracha Phondechaphiphat
- Native Name: แพร ภริชา พรเดชาพิพัฒน์
- Nicknames: Canny, Cherry, Kita
- Birthday: Feb 17, 2009 (16 years old)
- Blood type: O
- Gender: Female
- Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
- Debut: Nov 27, 2023
- Position: Main Vocalist, Dancer, Maknae
- MBTI: ISTP
- Birthplace: Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
-
Nationality:
Thai
- Profession: Singer, Dancer
- Languages: Thai, Korean, English
- Group: BABYMONSTER
Chiquita, whose real name is Riracha Phondechaphiphat, born in 2009, is a Thai singer and idol, currently the main vocal line of K-pop girl group BABYMONSTER under YG Entertainment, active in South Korea.
Early Life
Chiquita is the youngest in a family of two siblings. Her older sister, Risa Phondechaphiphat, previously worked as a dancer and is now a freelance model. Chiquita joined Milin Family (MF), a training academy in Bangkok, in 2020, and was known as one of the “vocal prodigies” in Thailand’s underground scene before moving to Korea. Though no one in her family worked professionally in the entertainment industry, her parents have always supported her artistic path, even accompanying her to auditions and small performances since she was 10 years old.
Within BABYMONSTER, Asa is her closest “unnie” (older sister figure)—the two are often seen together behind the scenes and during group activities. Pharita, another Thai member, is also an important emotional anchor for Chiquita within the team.
Career
Chiquita officially joined YG Entertainment in March 2021 as a trainee at just 12 years old. This made her one of the youngest K-pop idols ever to become a YG trainee. She was among the few foreign trainees directly scouted by YG in Thailand, following the success of Lisa (BLACKPINK).
On January 23, 2023, Chiquita was revealed as the fourth member of the BABYMONSTER project through an introduction video on YG Entertainment’s official YouTube channel. With her cover of Ariana Grande’s “7 Rings,” Chiquita garnered over 10 million views in just 10 days, making her the BABYMONSTER trainee with the most-viewed introduction video.
On November 1, 2023, BABYMONSTER officially debuted with the single “BATTER UP.” In the MV and promotional stages, Chiquita handled the high-note climaxes and pre-chorus sections, taking on the main vocal line role in the group’s formation. By April 2024, she continued to be a key member during the “SHEESH” promotions, with her “killing part” going viral across social media platforms in both Thailand and Korea.
Strengths
Chiquita possesses a mezzo-soprano vocal range with remarkable high-note stability, a rare skill set among 5th-gen idols under 16. During the “SHEESH” promotional stage on Inkigayo on April 14, 2024, she showcased smooth vocal transitions between the pre-chorus and the final high note, ensuring the group’s performance remained seamless despite the fast-paced rhythm and intricate choreography.
Apart from her vocal prowess, Chiquita is also known as a performer with excellent musicality, often adjusting her micro body movements in live encore stages, notably during the Bangkok fan meeting in May 2024.
Challenges
Chiquita has faced controversies surrounding her young debut age. When BABYMONSTER debuted, she was only 14 years old, sparking heated debates about K-pop entertainment agencies debuting idols at such a young age. Major Korean music forums like TheQoo and Nate Pann opened discussion threads regarding the psychological pressure, career trajectory, and rights of underage idols in the K-pop industry. YG Entertainment has not issued any official statements regarding the controversy, but Chiquita has continued to participate in all scheduled promotions with the group, including weekend music shows and international activities.
Chiquita’s role model is Lisa (BLACKPINK), and they share a bond akin to real sisters. Fans consider their relationship as one of the sweetest mentor-mentee dynamics in K-pop. However, following in the footsteps of a global icon also comes with unique pressures. She has faced internal and external scrutiny, with people calling her “Little Lisa” — from her expressions to stage presence — and questioning whether her own identity is being overshadowed. Nevertheless, Lisa has always supported and cheered her on whenever they meet.
Fashion
At award shows, major events, and magazine covers, Chiquita often showcases a modern style, blending streetwear with high-teen fashion. At the MAMA Awards 2024, she wore an outfit from Off-White’s Fall/Winter collection, paired with Maison Margiela high boots.
In her daily life, Chiquita prefers casual looks, often seen in oversized hoodies, cargo pants, and Nike Air Jordans. Behind-the-scenes photos and BABYMONSTER backstage clips frequently capture her in basic outfits, accentuated with colorful accessories like beanies, turbans, or limited-edition sneakers.
Fun Facts
- Her nickname is “Canny” — sweet and adorable, like a piece of candy in your pocket.
- She’s obsessed with smoked quail eggs; her eyes literally light up whenever the dish is mentioned.
- Her bedroom is a rainbow explosion — she’s a true “rainbow maknae.”
- Loves collecting hair accessories; she always shows up with a quirky new headband.
- Can flawlessly cover US-UK pop songs, earning praise from international fans.
- The members call her “Cherry” because of her radiant, high-energy personality.
- Keeps an English journal to capture memorable moments and improve her vocabulary.
- She was a backup dancer for a Thai idol group at age 10, performing at school and mall events.
- Her nickname “Chiquitita” comes from ABBA’s song, a lullaby her mom used to sing.
- She loves collecting LEGO and built the 6,000-piece Hogwarts Castle in 2022.
- She taught herself BLACKPINK choreographies on YouTube before auditioning for YG.
Photo Gallery
