Alluring beaches, rich and colorful culture, historical architecture – Thailand is indeed one of the most promising Asian countries when we talk about tourism. The country boasts many different tourist destinations that will surely make your holiday tour a moment to remember. As the Land of Smiles, Thailand would surely put one on your face as you visit her ornate temples and taste her exquisite cuisine.
As if that wasn’t enough, the country is also home to a diverse, gender-friendly entertainment industry where indie films and movies are beginning to have an international following. This article will look through some of the most famous persons in Thailand.
1. PATCHRAPA CHAICHUA
Her 12.9 million Instagram followers make her Thailand’s Instagram queen in the entertainment industry. Nicknamed Aum, Patchrapa Chaichua was born on December 5, 1978, in Bangkok, Thailand. Aum’s career as an actress began after winning a talent and beauty contest, HACKS, in 1997. Since then, the gorgeous actress has starred in various films and TV series. Her lead role as Pralee in the TV series So Sanae Ha earned her the 2003 TOP Award for Best Leading Actress.
2. TATCHAKORN YEERUM
If you are a follower of Martial Arts films, you have probably seen Tony Jaa, known in Thailand as Jaa Phanom. Tony Jaa’s real name is Tatchakorn Yeerum, and he was born on February 5, 1976, in Surin province in Thailand. Tony Jaa is an internationally acclaimed actor, stuntman, action choreographer, director, and martial artist. His performances as the lead star in the movies, Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior (2003), xXx: Return of Xander Cage (2017), and Triple Threat (2019) proved his acting and fighting prowess as a mixed-martial arts expert.
Inspired by martial arts legends Bruce Lee, Jet Li, and Jackie Chan, the actor/martial artist took after his heroes and started training in Muay Thai at the tender age of 10, which paid off decades later as he became one of the martial arts icons himself. The man is also a Buddhist monk.
3. UTT PANICHKUL
Being a VJ for MTV Asia for 15 years was the peak of Utt Panichkul’s career, which eventually led to becoming one of Thailand’s most famous personalities. The former MTV Asia VJ was born in California on September 3, 1973. As a Thai-American actor, TV host, and model, Utt has appeared in several Thai films and TV shows and is currently the Director of Entertainment at IN Channel in his country.
4. MARIO MAURER
Mario Maurer is born to a German father and a Thai-Chinese mother on December 4, 1988, in Bangkok, Thailand. At the young age of 10, Maurer began his career as a model. The superstar rose to international fame in his blockbuster movies The Love of Siam (2007), and Crazy Little Thing Called Love (2010). He is also the lead actor of the romantic comedy-horror film Pee Mak, currently the country’s highest-grossing film. As such, Pee Mak is one of Thailand’s most celebrated heartthrobs, with over 7.7 million followers on Instagram.
Despite being busy as an actor and model, Maurer completed his master’s degree in political communication, which is rare for most people in showbiz given their hectic schedules.
5. NADECH KUGIMIYA
The Thai-Austrian actor and model made his debut in a Thai drama Ngao Rak Luang, which opened many doors for him in Thai showbiz. His superb performance in the drama series was followed by another success, acting the lead role in another Thai drama, Game Rai Game Rak, with another supermodel and famous actress Urassaya Sperbund. With this success and popularity, the man became one of Thailand’s highest-paid celebrities.
Subsequently, Nadech was referred to as the ‘King of Presenters’, being the face of countless advertising campaigns. If you visit Thailand, you may come across one of his posters and commercials endorsing brands such as 7-Eleven, Air Asia, Daikin, OPPO, and Shopee, to name some.
6. ARAYA ALBERTA HARGATE
If you are into fashion, this next celebrity might ring a bell. Araya started her career when she won a beauty pageant called ‘Miss Motor Show Contest.’ Her stint led her to become a household name on Thai soap operas (Lakorn) at 17 years old.
The Thai-British actress and model are one of Thailand’s premier trendsetters in fashion. Dubbed as the ‘Fan Bingbing of Thailand,’ Araya never fails to amaze her fans during fashion and couture weeks, showing off her elegant outfits and incredible poise. Regarded as a fashionista and Queen of High Fashion, Araya was a prominent figure during the International Fashion Weeks and the Cannes Film Festival.
7. PAKORN CHATBORIRAK
Pakorn Chatborirak is one of those actors who are more than just a face – the actor/model is also a licensed pharmacist, Pakorn, nicknamed ‘Boy,’ rose to popularity after appearing first in magazine pictures. The pretty face indeed worked its charm, and later, he went to get the CLEO Most Eligible Bachelor 2008 Award. Subsequently, he entered the show business in his first movie, the romantic-comedy 4 Romance. His lead roles in Wayupak Montra and Roy-Marn dramas drew more popularity to the actor.
Interestingly, Boy was a consistent participant in charitable pursuits and social outreach due to his profession, making him one of the most revered actors with a huge fan base. His works in housing projects for the poor and forestry and elephant welfare initiatives proved his soft spot for helping others, and the fans loved it.