Worarat Suwannarat was born Emma Masterson in Bangkok, Thailand to an Irish father and a Thai mother. She graduated with honors from Assumption Business Administration College. And holds a Master of Arts, GPA 3.9, in European Studies from Chulalongkorn University, Thailand and a Master of Philosophy, upper 2:1 honors in International Relations from the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.

In 1997 she represented Thailand at the 1997 Miss Asia Pacific pageant held in Davao City, Philippines and won the competition becoming the third Thai woman ever to capture this prestigious title. The competition judges voted unanimously for Suwannarat after her performance in the final Q and A. In addition to winning the crown she was the recipient of the Close Up Smile award. She hosted travel show Sawasdee Bangkok and talk show Phu Ying Tung Phu Ying. She was Tourism Authority Thailand and Baume et Mercier country ambassador.