Introduction

Chiquita (치키타), born Riracha Phondechaphiphat (ริราชา พรเดชาพิพัฒน์) on February 17, 2009, in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, is a Thai singer, rapper and dancer best known as a member of BABYMONSTER, a K-pop girl group formed by YG Entertainment.

As the group's youngest member, she is recognized for her energetic stage presence, spontaneity and versatility in singing, rapping and dancing. Despite her young age at debut, she quickly attracted attention for her confidence in front of the cameras and her ability to develop skills across several artistic disciplines.

Career

Passionate about music and dancing since childhood, Chiquita grew up in Thailand before successfully auditioning for YG Entertainment in 2021. She impressed the agency's executives with her potential and confidence on stage. After only three months of training, she was selected for the BABYMONSTER project, making her the candidate with the shortest initial training period.

On January 23, 2023, she was officially introduced to the public with a cover of Bedroom by JJ Lin and Anne-Marie. She subsequently participated in the selection program Last Evaluation, where her vocal and dance performances demonstrated her rapid progress. She also received guidance from BLACKPINK's Lisa, a fellow Thai artist.

Chiquita made her recorded debut with BABYMONSTER on November 27, 2023, with the single BATTER UP. The group then made its official seven-member debut on April 1, 2024, with the mini-album BABYMONS7ER. She has continued developing her artistic abilities within this international group.

Did You Know?

  • Background: Chiquita was born in Nakhon Ratchasima, northeastern Thailand.
  • Training: she had the shortest training period among BABYMONSTER members, with approximately one year and nine months before her final selection in 2023.
  • Family: her older brother, Copper Dechawat, is also a singer and a member of the Thai boy group BUS.
  • Influences: she considers BLACKPINK's Lisa one of her main artistic inspirations.
  • Nicknames: she is also known as Canny, Cherry or Kita.