Riracha Phondechaphiphat was born on February 17, 2009, in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. She attended Sarasas Witaed Nakhonratchasima School in her home province, growing up in a family that included her parents and older brother Dechawat Phondechaphiphat, known professionally as Copper from Thai boy group BUS.1 From age five, Chiquita trained in taekwondo, eventually earning a black belt—a testament to her discipline and athletic ability that would later translate to her dance training.

In 2021, Chiquita auditioned for YG Entertainment, performing "In The Name Of Love" by Martin Garrix and Bebe Rexha. She joined as a trainee in March 2021 at just 12 years old, making her one of the youngest trainees YG Entertainment had ever accepted. She became the final and seventh member to join the BABYMONSTER project, with the shortest training period among all members—approximately two years compared to the four-to-six-year averages of her fellow trainees.1

On January 23, 2023, YG Entertainment revealed Chiquita as the third member of BABYMONSTER through an introduction video. According to YG Life, she joined the BABYMONSTER project just three months after becoming a YG trainee—an extraordinarily short timeframe. YG Executive Producer Yang Hyun-suk recognized her potential immediately, stating: "She has no fear. I wanted her to be part of the project right after seeing her first monthly evaluation stage."2

The introduction video showcased Chiquita's rapid growth under YG's training system. Her clear high notes stood out vocally, with Yang Hyun-suk explaining that she "continuously developed her own vocal style, shocking all the staff members." Beyond her technical skills, the video captured her youthful energy and genuine excitement when meeting her role model BLACKPINK's Lisa, who served as a mentor during the Last Evaluation series.2

During Last Evaluation episode 3, Lisa worked directly with Chiquita and fellow Thai member Pharita. In their native Thai language, Lisa praised Chiquita's natural talent despite her limited training time: "Even though you haven't trained for long, you're just as good as the other girls Chiquita."3 Lisa's mentorship extended beyond formal evaluations—photos from October 2021 showed Lisa taking the two Thai trainees to a Thai restaurant in Seoul, offering cultural comfort and senior guidance during their adjustment to life in Korea.4

Throughout the Last Evaluation series, Chiquita demonstrated remarkable progress considering her limited training time. Her performances impressed both evaluators and viewers, with Winner members and AKMU's Lee Su-hyun praising her "great star quality on stage" during group assessments.5 When final rankings were announced, Chiquita secured third place, well above the elimination threshold and confirming her position in the debut lineup despite being the newest trainee.

Her introduction video, featuring a cover of Ariana Grande's "7 Rings," became the most-viewed BABYMONSTER member introduction, garnering over 10 million views within 10 days of release.6 The viral success reflected both her performance charisma and the strategic positioning of BABYMONSTER as YG's third Thai idol debut following Lisa's global success with BLACKPINK.

BABYMONSTER debuted on November 27, 2023, with the digital single "Batter Up." At 14 years old, Chiquita became the first K-pop girl group member born in 2009 to debut, setting a new record as the youngest member to debut under YG Entertainment as of 2023.1 As the group's maknae (youngest member), she fills a vital role that combines youthful energy with substantial vocal and dance responsibilities. Her mezzo-soprano range handles high-note climaxes and pre-chorus sections, making her essential to BABYMONSTER's vocal arrangement.

Her young debut age sparked industry discussion about appropriate debut ages for K-pop idols. When debut teaser photos were released showing Chiquita in mature styling with darker makeup and a striking black-and-red outfit, online platforms debated the ethics of such concepts for 14-year-old performers. While many fans celebrated her talent and presence, others questioned whether entertainment companies should debut minors in mature concepts—a broader conversation about child performer welfare in the K-pop industry.1

Yang Hyun-suk expressed hopes for Chiquita's future in her introduction video: "CHIQUITA is a very special kid as a producer. My hope is that she becomes just as popular as Lisa one day and practices global influence."2 From 12-year-old trainee with just three months of preparation to third-ranked finalist and maknae of BABYMONSTER, Chiquita's trajectory exemplifies both the potential for rapid development under intensive training and the ongoing questions about debuting young performers in the competitive K-pop landscape.