Chiquita

Chiquita is a Thai singer and rapper, currently a member of the K-pop girl group BABYMONSTER under YG Entertainment. She is known for her roles as a vocalist, dancer, and rapper within the group, contributing to hits like Batter Up and SHEESH. With millions of followers on social media and viral dance challenges, she embodies the next wave of K-pop idols. Chiquita draws inspiration from artists like BLACKPINK's Lisa, blending cultural elements into her performances. As BABYMONSTER continues to release new music and tour, Chiquita's star is on the rise, exciting fans with her talent and distinctive personality. Fans appreciate her approachable vibe and skills, making her a standout in the industry.[edit]

Riracha Phondechaphiphat, known by her stage name Chiquita, was born on February 17, 2009, in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. She spent her early years growing up in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, where she also attended SAS Wi Nakhon Ratchasima School. Her personal life, though largely private, was shaped by strong family ties, particularly her relationship with her older brother, Copper Dechawat, who is a member of a Thai band. From a very young age, both siblings shared and nurtured a profound love for music. Chiquita often cited BLACKPINK's Lisa as a significant source of inspiration, an admiration that deeply fueled her interest in dance and performance, laying the groundwork for her future aspirations.

Her journey toward a professional music career began swiftly. In March 2021, at the tender age of 12, Chiquita participated in an audition that quickly caught the attention of YG Entertainment. This brief but impactful audition led to her swift recruitment and an exceptionally short three-month training period, a testament to her innate talent and rapid learning ability. This remarkably fast progression culminated in her official introduction as the third member of the girl group BABYMONSTER in January 2023. During this debut, she captivated audiences with an impressive cover of "In the Name of Love," a performance that unmistakably marked her first significant step into the professional K-pop world and highlighted her as a uniquely quick learner in the highly competitive industry. [edit]

Chiquita's career took off with BABYMONSTER's pre-debut single Dream in May 2023, but her real breakthrough came with Batter Up in November 2023, which hit number one on South Korean charts and racked up over 100 million YouTube views by 2024. The group's mini-album BABYMONS7ER, released in April 2024, topped Billboard's World Albums chart, highlighting her contributions as a vocalist and dancer.

By 2026, BABYMONSTER's Instagram account boasts over 9 million followers, thanks to viral performances and global promotions. Chiquita played a key role in hits like SHEESH, which reached number one in May 2024, and the group's Japan debut in July 2024. Her efforts have helped the band sell more than 1.5 million album units by 2025, solidifying her place in K-pop's rising stars. [edit]

Chiquita is widely perceived as a bright, adaptable talent whose rapid rise and Thai heritage bring cultural diversity to 5th-generation K-pop. Media and fans highlight her energetic stage presence, cat-like eyes, and playful maknae charm. Her content tone is youthful and dynamic, emphasizing powerful dance and expressive facial expressions. She is known for her petite frame (4 ft 11 in) and love of bright colors and plushies, which fans often associate with her cheerful personality. BABYMONSTER's fandom, MONSTIEZ, engages in ritualistic fancam viewing and dance challenges, celebrating her role as the group's youngest member. She does not maintain personal social media but appears on official group channels, contributing to BABYMONSTER's collective image of bold, hip-hop-infused performances with a fresh, youthful edge.[edit]

Chiquita's fandom is young, fervent, and still finding its name. Unlike many K-pop acts, BABYMONSTER has no official fandom name, and Chiquita's individual fans are simply part of the broader group's following. Yet they are anything but passive. On fan-voting platforms, she has topped trending idol charts, and when she nearly fainted on stage in April 2024, her fans mobilized swiftly, flooding social media with demands for better treatment of young idols. Their devotion is rooted in pride, especially among Thai fans who see her as a global ambassador for their country's talent.

As of August 2026, iFANN's Global Fame Engine has evaluated Chiquita but she does not currently hold a placement in its published rankings. That absence, however, is a matter of timing, not talent. Her influence is measurable in other ways: her Instagram following surpasses 314,000, and her pre-debut reveal as a 13-year-old Thai prodigy generated headlines worldwide. Her fandom, though unnamed, is organized and vocal, a force that YG Entertainment has learned to heed.

Chiquita's fanbase may lack a formal moniker, but it possesses a defining energy, one that celebrates her fearless stage presence and her playful catchphrase, "you better dance like choom choom!". As BABYMONSTER's star rises, so too does the collective power of the fans who champion her, ensuring that her place in the global spotlight is only a matter of time.[edit]

Chiquita holds the record for the shortest YG trainee period at three months before debut. She is the second Thai idol under YG after Lisa and enjoys spicy Thai food as a favorite treat. Her nicknames include Canny, and she has appeared in pre-debut cover groups like Red Rose.

One of the most retold stories from her early career is the near-fainting incident during a performance in April 2024. At just 15, she almost collapsed on stage, sparking fan outrage and a broader conversation about idol welfare. It remains a defining moment, a story fans tell to highlight her dedication and the pressures she faced.

Another legendary moment is her reveal as a 13-year-old trainee in January 2023. YG Entertainment introduced her as the third member of BABYMONSTER, and the news that she was so young, and Thai, made headlines, instantly branding her a prodigy. Her pre-debut videos went viral, and fans still recall the shock and excitement of that announcement.[edit]

Chiquita comes from a close-knit family in Thailand, with her parents keeping a low profile and her older brother, Copper Dechawat, pursuing music in the band BUS. She often credits family support for her career path and maintains ties to her Thai roots. [edit]

Chiquita is closely linked to her BABYMONSTER bandmates like Ruka and Rami for group activities. She draws inspiration from Lisa of BLACKPINK and shares a family connection with her brother Copper Dechawat in the Thai music scene. [edit]

Chiquita, at 17 years old in 2026, has no confirmed public relationships due to her young age and YG's strict policies. Early reports show no dating history, flings, or engagements from her childhood in Thailand. As a K-pop idol under a typical dating ban, she has avoided any verified romantic links.

Throughout her career, tabloids have speculated but never confirmed any pairings, leaving her personal life private. As of 2026, she remains single, with no recent reports of a partner, allowing her to focus on music and growth. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Chiquita's net worth at $500,000, a figure that reflects her early but rapidly growing career. The bulk of her wealth comes from her YG Entertainment salary and group earnings, with an estimated $200,000 accumulated through trainee bonuses and debut pay. Royalties from BABYMONSTER's album sales, which surpassed 1.5 million units by 2025, contribute roughly $150,000, while minor endorsements from Thai brands add another $100,000. As of 2026, she has no reported investments or real estate, a common situation for an idol so young. Her financial trajectory, however, is on a steady upward climb, mirroring the group's rising popularity and her own expanding influence.[edit]

Chiquita has contributed to BABYMONSTER's group wins, including Best New Female Artist at the 2024 MAMA Awards for their mini-album. They also took New Artist of the Year at the 2024 Melon Music Awards and New Artist at the 2025 Golden Disc Awards, marking early successes in her career. [edit]