de Cho Na, agosto 18, 2021
284

INTRODUCTION

First of all, I acknowledge that I watch more Chinese and Korean dramas than Japanese and Thai ones. Therefore, in an attempt to get to know more about dramas from these two countries, I wrote this article (and another one on the 10 most popular Japanese actors on MDL). In my opinion, by finding out more about the actors, I think I will be more interested in watching their dramas specifically and dramas from their country origins generally. So it's my hope that you, the readers who don't usually watch Thai dramas, will pick up one or two.

To get to know about these actors, I also looked up if there was any Ultra Fan Guide (UFG) article written about them, like the ones on popular Japanese actors. To my surprise, there were none! So I thought, initially, that I would just write a five-sentence super mini UFG-like introduction on each actor. But, while researching, I found a lot of interesting stuff about them; the five-sentence plan became more than five sentences, lol. And I'm not even an ultra fan of any of them! Therefore, I forewarn you this might be a long article. So just pick one or two actor(s) you're interested in knowing about.

DISCLAIMERS

This is not my personal top 10 list. The ranking is based on the likes/hearts given by fellow MDLers. The rank, likes/hearts, and information are from data taken on August 7, 2021. The information gathered is from English and/or Thai Wikipedia and fan sites. Any discrepancy happened due to changes after the article was submitted for editing.
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Let's begin with the countdown!


#10 - Bright

♡ 1,463+
Age: 23Height: 183 cm (6 ft 0 in)
Occupation: Actor, host, model, singer
Bright is the nickname of Vachirawit Chivaaree (Thai: ไบร์ท วชิรวิชญ์ ชีวอารี ). He was born on 27 December 1997 in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, to a Thai-American father and a Thai-Chinese mother. When he was only a child, his parents got divorced, and he grew up in Thailand with his maternal relatives and was raised with his cousins. Coming from a family of musicians, Bright had a love for music since his childhood, with his uncle owning a music school. At the age of 10, Bright started learning several musical instruments, including the guitar, bass, and drums (pictured). After completing primary education, he initially enrolled in the Faculty of Engineering of Thammasat University but decided to pursue a bachelor's degree in marketing (international program) at Bangkok University instead. He is also fluent in Thai and English and currently learning Mandarin. 

In 2013, Bright began entering the entertainment industry as the sixth generation's host on the show Strawberry Krubcake and also appeared in the musician Bedroom Audio's official MV "Kot Mai Dai". He debuted as an actor starring in the youth movie Love Say Hey in 2016. But not until he acted in the 2020 show 2gether did he rise to international prominence and mainstream popularity. He also won awards for the series with his co-star Win Metawin Opas-iamkajorn.

In May 2020, Bright launched his first merchandise shop under the brand name Astrostuffs, where proceeds of the sales go to support the non-profit Seub Nakhasathien. This foundation works for the conservation of wildlife and forest land in Thailand.
Awarded/Popular works: 2gether the Movie (2021), Still 2gether (2020), 2gether (2020), Love Songs Love Series: Rao Lae Nai (2018), Love Say Hey (2016)
Future works: F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers (TBA)
Social Media: 
Instagram: bbrighttvc     |   Twitter: bbrightvc


#9 - Saint

♡ 1,534+
Age: 23Height: 181 cm (5 ft 11 in)
Occupation: Actor, model, singer
Saint is the nickname of Suppapong Udomkaewkanjana (Thai: เซ้นต์ ศุภพงษ์ อุดมแก้วกาญจนา). He was born on April 17, 1998, in Trat, Thailand. He is ethnically Chinese since his parents' family's ancestors were from China. His great-grandfather gave him the Chinese name Huang Ming Ming (Hanzi: 黄明明). Saint loves volunteering in social activities to benefit the public (possibly this is where his nickname came from). From grade 4 up till university, he participated in various volunteer camps (pictured). In 2017, he received the national Person of the Siam Award in the outstanding youth for society category. Saint holds a Bachelor Degree in Economics International Trade Program from the Srinakharinwirot University.

Saint made his acting debut in 2018 with the Thai BL series Love by Chance, for which he won several awards together with his co-star Perth Tanapon Sukhumpantanasan. He has won awards for his other works, as listed below. On July 14, 2019, he released his debut single, “I Crush On You”, as a gift to his fan club, which he jointly invested in and co-produced.

In 2020, Saint also started his popcorn dessert business, which aims to promote the economy in the community. In the same year, he also established the talent agency Idol Factory Co., Ltd. for producing television programs. His upcoming drama as an executive producer is Secret Crush On You (TBA).
Awarded/Popular works: Let's Fight Ghost (2021), Von (2020), Why R U? (2020), Love by Chance (2018)
Future worksSecret Crush On You (TBA), Sing Again (TBA)
Social Media: 
Facebook: supappong.udomkaewkanjana   |   Instagram: saintsup  |   Twitter: Saint_sup


#8 - Off

♡ 1,652+
Age: 30 Height: 178 cm (5 ft 10 in)Occupation: Actor, host
Off is the nickname of Jumpol Adulkittiporn (Thai: จุมพล อดุลกิตติพร). He was born on January 20, 1991, in Bangkok, Thailand. He is the youngest of 3 with a brother and a sister. He graduated from the Faculty of Information and Communications Technology at Silpakorn University. 

In 2013, Off began working in the entertainment industry when GMMTV executive Nuttapong Mongkolsawas saw him at Silpakorn University and asked him if he was interested in being a host. Off is funny, easy-going, talkative, and he is good at wordplays. Off became one of the new hosts of Bang Channel's "Five Live Fresh". He also debuted as an actor with a guest role in the 2013 school drama Hormones. In 2014, Off got his first main role in Room Alone. Since then, he has played supporting roles as well as main roles, along with being a host. But it wasn't until Theory of Love (2019) that his works got recognition and awards alongside his co-star Gun Atthaphan Phunsawat, who is number 4 on the list (pictured).

Outside his acting career, Off owns the clothing brand Land of Something and an art studio called Never Normal Studio.

Awarded/Popular works: 46 Days (2021), Girl2K (2021), I'm Tee, Me Too (2020), Girl Next Room: Richy Rich (2020), Theory of Love (2019), Our Skyy (2018),  Room Alone 2 (2015), Room Alone (2014)
Future works: Not Me (TBA)
Social Media: 
Twitter:
Off_tumcial   |   Instagramtumcial


#7- New

♡ 1,679+
Age: 28
Height: 177 cm (5 ft 10 in)
Occupation: Actor, model, host
New is the nickname of Thitipoom Tacha-apaikun (Thai: นิว ฐิติภูมิ เตชะอภัยคุณ). He was born on January 30, 1993, in Bangkok, Thailand. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the Faculty of Engineering and a master's degree in business administration from the Faculty of Commerce and Accountancy, both at Chulalongkorn University.

In 2014, New started as a model and became one of the new hosts of Bang Channel's "Five Live Fresh" alongside Tay, Off (number 8 in the list), Aun, Gun Korawit, and Pariyawit Suwittayawat (pictured). In the same year, he also started his acting career as a supporting character in Room Aloneand he became one of the main characters in its sequel, Room Alone 2 (2015). He got several main roles in the BL series, Water Boyy (2017), Kiss Me Again (2018), but most notable is Dark Blue Kiss (2019) alongside Tay Tawan Vihokratana.

Outside his acting career, New co-owns a spa alongside Tay and his own online brand, LookCatMe. 
Popular works: I Need Romance (2021), The Comments (2021), Classic Again (2020), I'm Tee, Me Too (2020), Kiss Me Again (2018),  Dark Blue Kiss (2019), Water Boyy (2017), SOTUS S (2017), SOTUS (2016)
Future works: Wan Wassana (TBA)
Social Media: 
Facebook:
Newwieenew   |   Twitter: new_thitipoom   |   Instagram: newwiee  


#6 - Mew

♡ 1,706+
Age: 30
Height: 183 cm (6 ft 0 in)
Occupation: Actor, model, singer, songwriter, composer, music producer, CEO
Mew is the nickname of  Suppasit Jongcheveevat (Thai: ศุภศิษฏ์ จงชีวีวัฒน์ ). He was born on 21 February 1991. He has one younger sister. Mew graduated with a bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering from Kasetsart University with a first-class honors gold medal. Later, he also got his master's degree in Industrial Engineering from Chulalongkorn University. Currently, he is studying for his PhD degree in Industrial Engineering at Chulalongkorn University. 

In 2014, Mew originally entered the entertainment industry as a model for advertisements, photoshoots, and music videos.  His acting career started with a guest role in I Am Your King (2017). Soon he was noticed and landed main roles in BL dramas. One of them, TharnType (2019), where he acted opposite to Gulf Kanawut Traipipattanapong, brought him into popularity and awards.

In May 2020, Mew launched a management company under the name Mew Suppasit Studio and later in the same year, he published his first music single, "Season of You". After the release of the music video, within 45 hours, the number of views surpassed 1 million. On August 1, 2021, Mew released his first album, "365" (pictured). On August 4, 2021, the billboard charts announced that "365" had reached the Top 10 in the charts for 5 songs together in the World Digital Song Sales category, the charts including the sales of music on digital channels. He is considered the first Thai artist to chart on the Billboards in this field. You can watch/listen to Mew's MV "Season of You" and songs from his "365" album on his official Youtube channel MVSuppasit Studio. All are English subbed.

Mew has brought his acting career to a different level. He is set to produce and star in The Ocean Eyes, Asia's first aquatic veterinary series, a joint venture between Thailand, China, and the United States. The series will be produced under Mew Suppasit Studio and is expected to be released in 2022. 
Awarded/Popular works: Undefeated (2021), TharnType 2: 7 Years Of Love (2020), TharnType (2019)
Future works: Drama for All: Super Man (TBA), The Ocean Eyes (TBA)
Social Media:
Website:
MewSuppasit Studio   |   Twitter: MSuppasit   |   Instagram: mewsuppasit


#5 - Krist

♡ 1,821+
Age: 25Height: 176 cm (5 ft 9 in)
Occupation: Actor, model, singer
Krist is the nickname of Perawat Sangpotirat (Thai: คริส พีรวัส แสงโพธิรัตน์ ). He was born on October 18, 1995, in Bangkok, Thailand. He graduated from the Faculty of Economics at Kasetsart University. Before his acting career, Krist, who likes swimming, almost auditioned for the national swimming team but could not due to his father's objection. 

Krist made his acting debut in 2016 in the Thai BL series SOTUS where he played alongside Singto Prachaya Ruangroj (number 3 on the list). The series catapulted his fame not only in Thailand but also in other parts of Asia. Between 2017 and 2018, he and Singto earned several awards for the series (pictured).

In 2018, he played in Mint To Be alongside Mook Worranit. It was simultaneously telecasted on the Chinese video streaming website Tencent Video, which garnered massive views in a short amount of time, partly due to his large Chinese fan following for his work in SOTUS, and it became one of the hottest Thai dramas in China.

Awarded/Popular works: An Eye for an Eye (2021),  I'm Tee, Me Too (2020), Who Are You (2020), One Night Steal (2019), Love Beyond Frontier (2019), Our Skyy (2018), Mint To Be (2018), Teenage Mom (2017), SOTUS S (2017), SOTUS (2016)
Future works: The War of Flowers (TBA), Love Memories  (TBA)
Social Media:
Facebook: 
zKristKristtt   |   Twitter: kristt95   |   Instagram: kristtps


#4 - Gun

♡ 1,942+
Age: 27Height: 170 cm (5 ft 6 in)Occupation: Actor, model, singer
Gun is the nickname of Atthaphan Phunsawat (Thai: กัน อรรถพันธ์ พูลสวัสดิ์). He was born on October 4, 1993, in Bangkok, Thailand. He has one younger sister. Gun used to study Business Administration at Bangkok University but transferred his study to Political Science at Ramkhamhaeng University. 

At age 9, Gun entered the entertainment industry with the encouragement of his mother, who knew that little Gun wanted to be on TV. He auditioned for film companies and became the first winner of The Boy Model Competition 2003. His first main role came in 2004's Gomin, a popular folklore soap opera that pushed Gun to become a known child actor (pictured). Since then, he had been continuously active in the industry in Channel 7 and Channel 3's TV dramas throughout his childhood. 

Entering adulthood, Gun started to stand out in the entertainment industry, and his acting prowess has begun to be recognized. In 2010, at age 17, he won Best Supporting Actor at the 7th Chalerm Thai Awards for his role as Nut, an abused teenager in the Thai thriller Slice (2009) as pictured. Following his first award, Gun has since held the prestige by winning more awards for his performance in Thai dramas, as listed in his works below.

Besides acting, in 2020, Gun formed the OFF-GUN duo with Off Jumpol Adulkittiporn (number 8 in the list), his co-star in several dramas. Gun also owns the clothing brand GENTE and co-owns another clothing brand, Too Cute To Be Cool, with actresses Alice Tsoi and Pearwah Nichaphat Chatchaipholrat.
Awarded/Popular works: The Gifted: Graduation (2020),  I'm Tee, Me Too (2020), Theory of Love (2019),  The Gifted (2018), Our Skyy (2018), Secret Seven (2017), Senior Secret Love: Puppy Honey 2 (2017), Senior Secret Love: Puppy Honey (2016), The Blue Hour (2015), Slice (2009), Gomin (2004)
Future works: The War of Flowers (TBA), Club Sapan Fine 2 (TBA), Not Me (TBA), The Snake Queen (TBA)
Social Media:
Twitter: AttaphanP   |   Instagram: gun_attaphan 


#3 - Singto

♡ 2,128+
Age: 27Height: 177 cm (5 ft 9 1⁄2 in) Occupation: Actor, model
Singto is the nickname of Prachaya Ruangroj (Thai: สิงโต ปราชญา เรืองโรจน์). Singto means 'lion' (สิงโต) in Thai. He was born in Bangkok, Thailand, on July 28, 1994.  His family consists of only his father. His mother passed away, and he has no siblings. He graduated with a Bachelor of Communication Arts in Broadcasting and Streaming Media Production from Bangkok University in 2020. Singto enjoys taking photos. He studies photography by himself and tries to get better at it and more skillful (pictured).

Singto made his acting debut in 2016 in SOTUS, where he played alongside Krist Perawat Sangpotirat (number 5 in the list). The series catapulted his fame not only in Thailand but also in other parts of Asia, and he earned awards for the series in 2017 and 2018. Since then, he has worked in many dramas, some of which are listed below. He's very dedicated in his career, as told when his car was stuck in traffic during an event at Siam Paragon mall, he left his car and ran to the event so he wouldn't be late. In April 2021, his contract with GMMTV ended. Singto became a freelance actor and has started his own YouTube channel.
Awarded/Popular works: Romantic Blue (2020), I'm Tee, Me Too (2020), Girl Next Room: Midnight Fantasy (2020), He's Coming to Me (2019), SOTUS S (2017), SOTUS (2016)
Future works: Baker Boys (TBA), Paint with Love (TBA)
Social Media:
Facebook: singto.lionize  |  Twitter: stjinx_maya  |  Instagram: _singto  |  Youtube:  SingtoPrachaya   |   Weibo: Singto_News


#2 - Push

Age: 35
Height: 180 cm (5 ft 11 in)
Occupation: Actor, DJ, TV Host
Push is the nickname of Puttichai Kasetsin (Thai: พุฒ พุฒิชัย เกษตรสิน). He was born in Ratchaburi, Thailand, on July 3, 1986. He is the 4th son in a family of 6 sons. His family used to be in the agriculture business in Ratchaburi. Push had hoped to become a professional football player before getting persuaded into the entertainment scene by his school senior. He graduated in Communication Arts from Rajabhat Suan Dusit University. On November 16, 2018, he married actress Jooy Warattaya Nilkuha after dating for five years (pictured). They met at the set of the Thai romcom Fun Fueng (2014), in which they played as the main couple. He has a clothing business, Push Up Brand.

After graduating from university, Push started his career in public communication as a radio DJ and later as a TV host under GMM Grammy. His acting career began when he received a small role in the sitcom Koo Rak Tang Kua and later took on several small roles in lakorns. In 2014, Push started his debut as a lead actor in Leh Nangfah (2014). Since then, he has acted in a variety of Thai dramas as the male lead and gained more fans both in Thailand as well as abroad. Within a year, Push gained popularity amongst diverse groups of audience: youngster & newly grads with Ugly Duckling Series: Perfect Match, housewife groups with Roy Leh Sanae Rai, as well as urban white-collar groups with Club Friday The Series Season 6: Changed. In 2015, he almost cleaned-swept all the breakthrough awards in Thailand, making him "Thai's Most Beautiful Male". 
Future works: Boss & Me (TBA), Unhappy Birthday (TBA), Patiharn Ruk (TBA), You are My Heartbeat (TBA)
Social Media:
Facebook: 
DUCKYPUSH  |  Twitter: DJ_Push  |  Instagram: Push_dj


#1 - Mike Angelo

♡ 2,960+
Age: 31
Height: 180 cm (5 ft 11 in)
Occupation: singer, actor, model, host
Mike Angelo, formerly Mike D'Angelo, is the stage name of Pirat Nitipaisalkul (Thai: พิรัชต์ นิธิไพศาลกุล). He was born in Bangkok, Thailand, on December 19, 1989. He comes from relatives with origins in China, so he has both Thai and Chinese nationality. He has three older brothers and one younger sister. One of his brothers is Golf Pichaya Nitipaisalkul, also an actor, singer, and model. Mike's stage name is in honor of his family business that was created when he was born, called 'Michel Angelo'. He is fluent in Thai, Mandarin, and English. After completing his primary education, Mike enrolled in Chulalongkorn University, later in Mahidol University, from which he graduated. He has a seven-year-old son named Max (pictured) with his former girlfriend, Italian-Thai model Sarah Casinghini.

In 2002, at age 13, Mike auditioned for the GMM Grammy, the largest media conglomerate entertainment company in Thailand,  in the first generation of G-Junior, where he trained in singing, dancing, acting, and languages. In 2005, he formed the "Golf & Mike" duo with his brother Golf (pictured). Their dance-pop song "Bounce" was chosen to be the first promo single for the album, and it became a huge hit in Thailand. As a duo, they have released albums and performed nationwide as well as in Japan, as individual singers performed in other countries as well. They have received many awards. The group disbanded in 2010, after which the brothers continued their careers as solo singers.

In 2008, Mike started his acting career by playing with his brother Golf as singer brothers in their first Thai romcom Ubatruk Karmkobfah and its sequel Ubatruk Karmkobfah 2 (2009). The drama was remade into Love Beyond Frontier (2019) with Krist Perawat Sangpotirat (number 5 on the list) and New Thitipoom Tacha-apaikun (number 7). To broaden his fame, Mike moved to the Chinese entertainment industry by acting in his first Chinese drama Wu Xin: The Monster Killer (2015) and its sequel Wu Xin: The Monster Killer 2 (2017). In 2018, he signed a contract with CAA (Creative Artists Agency) to start his debut in Hollywood and in 2019, he landed a role in The Misfits (2021) along with Pierce Brosnan (pictured).

For his acting roles, Mike has won awards in Thailand as well as in China. Some of his awarded and/or popular acting works are listed below.
Future works: no data
Social Media:
Facebook: M1KEANGELO | Twitter: M1KEANGELO | Instagram: m1keangelo | Youtube: MIKE ANGELO   |   Weibo: MikeAngelo中国

CONCLUSION

That's all, everyone, my failed attempt to write a five-sentence super mini UFG-like introduction of the 10 most popular Thai actors on MDL. I couldn't help it, since every actor, besides being handsome (ahem, coughing), has interesting life stories to tell as well. I genuinely just want to spread the fun of watching spicy Thai dramas with others.

As I wrote in the article summary: the competition is tight! So I understand if you have a favorite Thai actor who didn't make the top 10 list. What to do to make MDLers more aware of him, thus giving him lots of hearts/likes? Here are my tips from hard to easy:

  • Most challenging: Write an Ultra Fan Guide for the actor to dig out his life story and career.
  • A little bit hard: Write recap articles on his dramas to convince us to watch him.
  • Middle ground: Write glowing reviews on his dramas/movies.
  • Almost easy: Send him flowers, so his picture shows up on the Stars Leaderboard.
  • Too easy, it's a given: Flood the Feed or Discussion section with his best pictures! ;D

>>> More info on Thai dramas: MDL's Thai Dramas Club <<<

Who is my favorite actor from the list?

OFF, of course (number 8 in the list). He is so funny, and his antics are always hilarious. Even if he acts in a serious scene, I can barely hold my smile. 

Here is Off with Singto (my most-watched Thai actor and my second favorite from the list) and Jamie Juthapich Indrajundra in Girl Next Room: Midnight Fantasy (2020).

Who is your favorite actor from (or not from) the list?

     Thanks for reading, and happy watching!     


Thank you to the editors who edited this article. I do not own any of the images used. Credits go to the respective owners. Image sources: internet search, Thai entertainment sites, fan sites, Twitter/Instagram, and Youtube screenshots. GIF: self-made from the drama scene.


Edited by: devitto (1st editor), YW (2nd editor)

lakorn thai drama thai actor mike angelo bl actor vachirawit chivaaree suppapong udomkaewkanjana jumpol adulkittiporn thitipoom tacha-apaikun suppasit jongcheveevat perawat sangpotirat atthaphan phunsawat prachaya ruangroj puttichai kasetsin