Top 15 Most Popular Thai Actors

Top 15 Most Popular Thai Actors

Originally published by Mark in July 2020 and Updated by Ruth in August 2022 and Updated by Vanessa R in June 2023 and Updated by Purity M on February 2024

The ongoing media obsession in Thailand with drama, romance, and handsome or beautiful local celebrities dating both in and out of the public eye continues to pull in viewers, followers, likes, and shares across the nation.

Over the last couple of decades, and especially in light of the social media and Instagram generation, some of the prevalent Thai actors and actresses have managed to boost their levels of popularity to previously unprecedented levels, with some of them at 10 million follower levels on Instagram and such like.

The majority of Thai actors who have become household names over the last decade or more have wisely been able to turn their hand to various pursuits along with acting, such as modelling, singing and becoming the faces of major advertising campaigns by major brands.

Like their counterparts the ‘superstar’ Thai actresses, these leading men have ensured that they remain very much in the public eye, which pretty much cements their success in any further endeavours.

Most of today’s popular Thai actors initially achieve their peak levels of fame through minor roles, followed by more prominent leading roles, in Thai drama series’ (lakorns) which endear them to the hearts of many a twenty or thirty-something media consumer.

The army of admirers and young fans seemingly then becomes so enamoured with their every move that they decide to follow them across various other forms of media, further boosting their appeal and popularity.

Although the world of celebrities is somewhat fickle, and popularity often comes and goes, here is a list of some of the most popular and well-known Thai actors of recent times.

1. Nadech

Image by soluckypicyures sourced from wikimedia commons

Nadech Kugimiya is a very well-known Thai actor and model of Thai and Austrian descent. The fact that he was adopted by a Japanese man and his biological aunt after his mother died added to his appeal and mystique in the eyes of Thai media consumers.

Nadech also began his career as a model at the age of 17 before graduating into TV and film. Not just a pretty face though, and with educational qualifications being highly regarded in Thailand, he graduated from university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Arts, majoring in Film.

His acting breakthrough came in 2010 when he made his debut after landing a lead role in a Thai drama called ‘Ngao Rak Luang. Nadech rapidly rose to fame and gained huge popularity after this, and subsequent other roles that followed after his initial success. This was further fuelled by the fact that he starred in a drama entitled ‘Game Rai Game Rak’ as alongside Thai supermodel and actress Urassaya Sperbund, who is also known as ‘Yaya’.

Nadech is now considered as one of the highest paid actors and celebrities in Thailand, and hence features as the face on a seemingly endless string of advertising campaigns. He is often referred to in Thailand as the ‘King of Presenters’, and as such has endorsed a wide range of major domestic brands such as Shopee, OPPO, 7-Eleven, Air Asia, Daikin, and TrueMove to name but a few.

He is certainly one of the most visible Thai actors in the media, featuring on everything from TV digital, print, and billboard advertisements. Not surprisingly, Nadech is one of the most decorated Thailand actors, having received more than one hundred awards which include’ Best Actor’  and ‘Best Presenter’.

Nadech can also be seen not infrequently on media listings of some of the most influential and popular people in Thailand, which is not completely unhindered by the fact that his girlfriend is Thai supermodel Yaya.

2. Weir Sukollawat Kanarot

Image of Weir (far right) by 20180 sourced from wikimedia commons

Weir is a prominent Thai actor who features in the Thai media more often than not. He is seen in series’, films, advertisements, TV shows, and presentations.

He got into Thai show business at rather an early age, apparently through the efforts of his now manager, who spotted a picture of him and flew to his hometown of Khon Kaen with the intention of getting him interested in a career in the entertainment business. Weir was still in school at this point in time so had to get his parents’ permission to give it a go.

Weir soon got into the Thai drama scene and got a break with a series called Plik Din Su Dao.

To date Weir has appeared in more than 40 Thai drama series’ since 2006, five movies, and numerous TV commercials for major domestic brand names.

Since around 2006 when he first broke through onto the high profile Thai media scene, Weir has received an impressively long list of accolades that would add weight to the CV of many accomplished Thai actors, including ‘Male Superstar of the Year’, Viewers’ Favourite Male Actor’ and ‘Best Asian Actor’.

He has managed to boost his acting career by dating some of the female household names in acting who have been involved in the casts he has been part of such as Thai supermodel ‘Pancake’ and Bella Campen.

3. Mario Maurer

Image by Sry85 sourced from wikimedia commons

Mario Maurer is a well-known Thai actor and model. His distinct and well-loved look comes from the fact that he is of German and Chinese descent, and apparently his father chose an Italian name for him due to his penchant for Italian motorcycles.

When Maurer was 16 years old, he was approached by a scout near Siam Square in the centre of Bangkok to try out modelling. After a few successful auditions he started doing photo shoots, commercials and music videos, slowly increasing his public profile in Thai media circles.

Soon Maurer got into acting in Thai series’ and films. He first came to prominence for his lead roles in the film ‘The Love of Siam’ in 2007, and the hit ‘First Love’ in 2010. He also had a leading role in Thailand’s highest grossing film of all time, ‘Pee Mak’.

He has since featured consistently in the Thai media in some capacity or another, in TV dramas, advertisements, and as a presenter and TV host. Mario is part of a group called ‘4+1 Channel 3 Superstar’ along with other prominent faces such as Nadech Kugimiya, Prin Suparat, Pakorn Chatborirak, and Phupoom Pongpanu.

Like most Thai media celebrities, he is often the subject of gossip columns and such like which, for some reason, are incredibly popular in Thailand. The fact that he has been involved in high-profile relationships with Thai actresses and models might have something to do with this.

4. Prin Suparat (Mark)

Image sourced from Chinese wikimedia

Prin Suparat, also known as ‘Mark Prin’, is one of the recent breed of Thai actors and models who has managed to firmly entrench himself in the culture of Thai drama series’.

He has, like many before him, had something of a long reign in popular Thai dramas. He was born in the north of Thailand and is now 30 years old, and notably is the partner of the Thai actress and model Kimberly Anne Woltemas, who played his on-screen sweetheart when they both featured in the same series. The couple later married among much media glitz in 2018.

His break into the entertainment arena began after he was by a talent agency manager working for Thailand’s Channel 3. Since then he has starred or featured in more than twenty Thai drama series over the last decade, along with two movies and a variety of TV shows.

His notable roles that led to ‘Thai superstardom’ were in 2015 (Ab Ruk Online), 2010 (Thara Himalaya) and 2016 (Buang Athithan), although he is still very much prevalent in the ongoing Thai drama scene, most notably this year’s ‘My husband in-law’ on Channel 3.

Also an ambassador for many a brand name, including but not limited to Honda, Oishi, Tipco, Samsung, and I-Mobile, this Thai actor has unsurprisingly also been the recipient of a variety of accolades and awards. These include ‘Hottest Male of the Year’, ‘Couple of the Year’ (with his wife) and ‘Most Popular Foreign Actor’ in Korea.

5. Pakorn Chatborirak (Boy)

Image by Jutathit sourced from wikimedia commons

Boy Pakorn Chatborirak has been a popular Thai actor and model for the last decade or so. Like the majority of Thai ‘superstars’, he is of mixed parentage, and comes from a Thai- Chinese family.

Pakorn also started his media career as a young model, and started to get noticed as some of his photographs appeared in magazines. He then moved into what would turn out to be a long stretch of acting in Thai mini-series’, dramas, and eventually commercials.

His acting career proper began around 2009 when he appeared in a popular Thai drama. He has been pretty consistent in this particular genre until the present, and he has also featured in a handful of movies as well as having his voice featured in an animated cartoon.

Chatborirak actually graduated from university as a pharmacist, and as such has been chosen to represent many public projects related to the industry. He has won a wide range of various accolades across the years including the CLEO award for ‘Most Eligible Bachelor’, and has endeared himself to his huge fan base through his endless participation in charitable pursuits such as building houses for the poor schemes, and forestry and elephant-themed causes.

6. Vachirawit Chivaaree (Bright)

Vachirawit at GMMTV 2021 event by 18aprril – Wikimedia Commons

Vachirawit Chivaaree, known professionally as Bright Vachirawit or simply Bright, is a Thai actor, singer, host, and model. He is best known for his leading roles in 2gether: The Series, and F4 Thailand: Boys Over FlowersIn 2020, 

Vachirawit earned his breakthrough after receiving one of the two lead roles as Sarawat in 2gether The Series with Metawin Opas-iamkajorn. 2gether The Series became the No.1 most viewed series on LINE TV Thailand in the first half of 2020 and it gained fans internationally. From the success of 2gether The Series, he later reprised the role as Sarawat again in Still 2gether The Series, the sequel released later in the same year.

Vachirawit has expressed his support for the LGBT community. He has also shown support for the legalization of same-sex marriage in Thailand. In addition, he constantly supports wildlife and forest conservation, animal shelters, and several charity projects.

7. Suppapong Udomkaewkanjana (Saint)

Suppapong Udomkaewkanjana by POPPORY FASHION BLOG – Wikimedia Commons

Suppapong Udomkaewkanjana, nicknamed Saint, is a Thai actor, producer, and host. He gained fame through his role as Pete in the 2018 TV series Love by Chance. 

Saint made his acting debut in 2018 with the Thai BL series Love by Chance playing the lead role of Pete Pitchaya alongside Tanapon Sukumpantanasan in the role of Ae. His performance gained him widespread fame in East and Southeast Asia and parts of Europe, America, and Latin America.

On December 24, 2020, Saint starred in the movie Von The Begging you alongside Phiravich Attachitsataporn, Peemapol Panichtamrong, and Sarika Sathsilpsupa. In 2021, He was cast as the lead role in the series Sing Again (Thailand) which was scheduled to air in late 2021.

8. Mike Pirat Nitipaisalkul (Mike Angelo)

Mike during a Golf-Mike interview – Wikimedia Commons

Mike Angelo, formerly Mike D’Angelo, is the stage name of Mike Pirat Nitipaisalkul, a Thai-Chinese singer, actor, and model who is best known for being a part of the music duet Golf-Mike. He made up half the duo alongside his brother, Golf Pichaya Nitipaisalkul, from 2005 to 2010. At eleven years old, Mike auditioned for the group G-Junior. He speaks Thai, English, and Mandarin.

Mike made his acting debut in the 2008 television drama “Ubatruk Karmkobfah.” He has since appeared in many popular films and television dramas, including the Thai version of “Full House” (2014) and “Kiss Me” (2015). Since 2015, Mike has starred in numerous Chinese dramas. In 2021, Mike took part in the US film “The Misfits”.

9. Puttichai Kasetsin (Push)

Puttichai Kasetsin, in BLACKBARRETT Autumn/Winter 2016 by POPPORY FASHION BLOG – Wikimedia Commons

Puttichai Kasetsin also nicknamed Push is a Thai actor, DJ for Chill FM 89, and TV host. Born in Ratchaburi, Puttichai is the 4th son in a family of 6 sons. His family used to be in the agriculture business in Ratchaburi. Puttichai had hoped to become a professional football player before getting persuaded into the entertainment scene by his school senior.

Puttichai completed Grade 1-6 at Wantha Maria Ratchaburi School, then he completed his secondary and high school education at Prasartratprachakit School. He graduated in Communication Arts from Rajabhat Suan Dusit University. 

Push is known to be flirty and silly with his co-stars and quickly becomes friends with them, many say he’s easy to get along with. Push’s fame starts to grow, making him one of Exact’s best actors.

10. Perawat Sangpotirat (Krist)

Krist Perawat by mint2mint – Wikimedia Commons

Perawat Sangpotirat, better known as Krist, is a Thai actor, singer, and host. He is best known for his role as Arthit in 2016 Thai series SOTUS: The Series, and as Natee in Who Are You.

Perawat made his acting debut in 2016 with the Thai BL series SOTUS: The Series where he played the lead role of Arthit alongside Prachaya Ruangroj.

In 2017, he played the lead role of Mek alongside Ramida Jiranorraphat in Teenage Mom: The Series which was based on a Thai webtoon named “Teen Mom”. In 2017, he also starred in Senior Secret Love: Puppy Honey 2 in a supporting role. In 2018, he once again portrayed the lead role of Arthit in the sequel of SOTUS: The Series, SOTUS S: The Series alongside co-star Prachaya Ruangroj.

11. Phupoom Pongpanu

POPPORY FASHION BLOG, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Phupoom Pongpanupak, also known as Ken, was born on October 20, 1991, in Bang Rachan, Sing Buri, Thailand. He was the first of four kids. He is a 31-year-old Thai singer, actor, and model. His first acting role was in the movie “3 Noom Nuer Tong” in 2011.

He became one of Thailand’s top actor’s thanks to his collaborations on film with his closest friends Mario Maurer, Nadech Kugimiya, and Prin Suparat. Phupoom is presently dating Thai-Malaysian actress “Esther Supreeleela.”

12. Saint Suppapong Udomkaewkanjana

Saint Suppapong Udomkaewkanjana was born in Trat, Thailand. He is a Thai actor, rapper, and singer who is 24 years old.

In 2018, he rose to recognition thanks to his role as Pete in the television series Love by Chance. In 2018, the Thai BL series Love by Chance made him very famous. On July 14, 2019, he released “I Crush On You,” his first single. He was a member of the boy band KissboysTH as well. The dramas Love by Chance (2018), Why R U? (2020), Let’s Fight Ghost (2021), Sing Again (2022), and School Tales the Series (2022) are among his best-known works. Saint’s next dramas include Phon Cheewan (TBA) and Dujapsorn (TBA).

13. Perth Tanapon Sukhumpantanasan

Perth, often referred to as Tanapon Sukumpantanasan was born in Bangkok, Thailand. At age 21, he is Thailand’s newest actor and vocalist. He rose to fame in 2018 thanks to his performance in the drama “Love by Chance.” His participation in the show contributed to his becoming well-known and gaining a dedicated following in sections of East and Southeast Asia, Europe, North America, and Latin America.

He had a supporting role in the 2017 drama Soul Call (Please… Siang Riak Winyan), which marked his acting career. While his upcoming dramas Dangerous Romance (2023) and Double Savage will premiere in Perth, his most well-known dramas are Love by Chance (2018), The Stranded (2019), and My Coach (2022). (2023).

14.Bas Suradej Pinnirat

POPPORY FASHION BLOG, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

On March 4, 1999, Bas Suradej Pinnirat was born in Chiang Mai, Thailand. He is a Thai actor and singer who started his career in 2017. He became well-known for playing Wayo in the Thai black comedy 2Moons: The Series (2017). At the moment, he sings for the Thai boy band SBFIVE. His dramas 2 Moons (2017), Way Back Home (2018), and 2 Brothers are his most well-known works (2019).

15. James Jirayu

On September 19, 1993, James Jirayu, also known as Jirayu Tangsrisuk, was born in Phichit, Thailand. He is a 29-year-old Thai model, actor, and singer.

The television dramas he appeared in most evidently include Khun Chai Phutthiphat (2013), Ruk Sutrit (2013), Neung Nai Suang (2015), Padiwaradda (2016), Buang Hong (2017), Nueng Dao Fah Diew (2018), Game Sanaeha (2018), Krong Karm (2019), Mist of Love (2020), Payakorn Sorn Ruk (2020), Are We Alright? (2021), and his upcoming production Matalada (TBA).

Top 10 Best Thai Movies

1. Pee Mak (2013)

Pee Mak (2013) is a Thai film that blends romance, comedy, and horror into a unique cinematic experience. After serving in the war, Mak (Mario Maurer) returns home to his pregnant wife, Nak (Davika Hoorne). Unbeknownst to him, Nak and their baby have tragically passed away, but Nak remains as a ghost, unaware of her own demise.

Mak’s reunion with Nak starts off happily, and his four friends join the celebration. However, the villagers are terrified, sensing something strange about Nak. As the friends witness odd occurrences, they slowly realize Nak might not be alive. The film navigates the delicate balance of humour and horror, making viewers laugh one moment and feel chills the next.

It also explores themes of love, loss, and the power of memory, adding depth to the seemingly bizarre situation. Ultimately, Pee Mak’s enduring popularity lies in its ability to entertain with a captivating story and surprising emotional resonance. Not surprisingly, it remains the highest grossing film in Thailand with an IMDB rating of 7.2.

2. Beautiful Boxer (2003)

Beautiful Boxer, a 2003 Thai biopic, tells the story of Parinya Charoenphol, a real-life “kathoey” (a Thai term for transgender woman). Born male, Nong Toom, as he’s called initially, feels deeply connected to femininity and dreams of sex reassignment surgery. To fund this dream, he enters the brutal world of Muay Thai boxing. The film portrays his struggles: navigating societal expectations against his identity, enduring prejudice, and fighting fiercely in a physically demanding sport.

Beyond the ring, it explores his exploration of femininity, friendships, and the pursuit of self-acceptance. Asanee Suwan, a real Muay Thai fighter, portrays Nong Toom, showcasing both his athletic prowess and emotional vulnerability. While praised for portraying transgender identity and perseverance, the film faced some controversy in Thailand for its nudity, which was removed for the domestic release. The film has a 7.1 IMDB rating.

3. Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior (2003)

This stunning film spans the popular genres of action, thriller and crime with an exciting premise to accompany them. It stars a humble villager named Ting (Tony Jaa), who journeys to Bangkok to retrieve a stolen Buddhist relic. In the 2003 film, a revered Buddha statue’s head is stolen from Ting’s peaceful Thai village. Ting, a skilled yet reluctant Muay Thai fighter, embarks on a quest to recover the stolen head in the bustling and dangerous city of Bangkok.

Navigating the city’s underbelly, Ting faces off against ruthless thugs and powerful crime boss, Komtuan, who holds the missing head. Utilizing his potent Muay Thai skills, Ting engages in brutal and acrobatic fight sequences, showcasing the power and precision of the martial art. Through his unwavering determination and fighting spirit, Ting must overcome impossible odds to reclaim the sacred relic and restore honour to his village. The movie has an IMDB rating of 7.1/10.

4. Shutter (2004)

Shutter, a chilling Thai horror, follows a young couple, Jane (Natthaweeranuch Thongmee) and Tun (Ananda Everingham), whose lives take a sinister turn after a hit-and-run accident. The newlyweds embark on a honeymoon in Thailand. However, their idyllic vacation takes a sinister turn when they discover unsettling apparitions in their developed photos.

As the ghostly images intensify, Jane and Tun uncover a tragic secret and a vengeful spirit seeking solace. They flee the scene, but guilt and haunting shadows soon creep into their lives. Tun, a photographer, discovers chilling anomalies in his developed photos – mysterious white blurs and ghostly visages. Driven by fear and Jane’s suspicions that they’re being haunted by the victim’s spirit, Tun delves deeper.

 As the couple faces their past and the escalating paranormal activity, they must confront the consequences of their actions and fight for their survival. Shutter offers a unique blend of fear and suspense, exploring themes of guilt, responsibility, and the consequences of hidden secrets. With its dark but interesting plot, IMDB gave it a 7.0 of 10 rating.

5. Chocolate (2008)

Chocolate, a 2008 Thai martial arts film, tells the story of Zen, a young girl with autism who possesses a hidden talent for Muay Thai boxing. Raised by her struggling single mother Zin, Zen becomes fascinated by the martial arts practiced next door and starts mastering them through observation and practice. One day, her mother falls ill, leaving Zen with a desperate need for money.

Discovering a ledger listing her mother’s debtors, Zen utilizes her newfound skills to collect what’s owed, facing dangerous gangsters and underworld figures in the process. Filled with exhilarating fight sequences and exploring themes of family, resilience, and the power within, Chocolate offers a unique blend of action and emotion.

Despite its great pacing, plot and fight sequences, this movie is rated 6.9/10 by the IMDB. Don’t let this stop you, however, Chocolate is worth every minute of your 2 hours!

6. Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives (2010)

Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives (2010) tells the story of a man facing his death from kidney disease. Seeking solace, Uncle Boonmee (Thanapat Saisaymar) returns to the countryside, where he is reunited with the spirit of his deceased wife and his estranged son in a surprising, non-human form.

Premised on the 1983 book “A Man Who Can Recall His Past Lives” by Buddhist abbot Phra Sripariyattiweti, the film transcends the boundaries of reality, allowing Boonmee to explore his past lives through memories and visions. As he reflects on his journey towards death, Boonmee embarks on a quest to a mysterious cave, seeking answers and understanding.

Filled with magical realism and a gentle pace, the film explores themes of mortality, reincarnation, and the interconnectedness of life. It’s a contemplative and visually stunning experience, rated 6.7/10 by the IMDB.

7. The Protector (2005)

The Protector (2005), also known as “Tom-Yum-Goong” in Thailand, is a Thai martial arts film featuring Kham (Tony Jaa) a skilled elephant herder in Bangkok, who was brought up among these majestic beasts as his family. He forms an unbreakable bond and cares for them. When his beloved elephants are stolen by a ruthless gang and smuggled to Australia, Kham uses his exceptional Muay Thai skills to track them down.

In Sidney, he must navigate the unfamiliar urban landscape and face a ruthless gang led by a powerful woman. He teams up with a Thai-born Australian detective who helps him understand the city’s underworld. Kham’s quest becomes a fight for justice as he uncovers a deeper conspiracy surrounding the elephant trade.

He uses his traditional martial arts expertise to take down countless adversaries in spectacular, no-wire fight sequences, culminating in a thrilling, multi-floor showdown. With humour and heart, The Protector showcases Thai culture and the bond between humans and animals while delivering a captivating action experience. The film has a 7.0/10 rating by IMDB.

8. Bangkok Traffic (Love) Story (2009)

Bangkok Traffic (Love) Story is a 2009 Thai romantic comedy film. It follows Mei Li, a 30-year-old woman feeling the societal pressure to be married. Her world gets turned upside down when she meets Loong, a handsome engineer working on the BTS Skytrain system. Sparks fly after a chance encounter, but Mei Li faces challenges expressing her feelings.

The film explores their blossoming connection amidst the backdrop of Bangkok’s bustling streets and the ever-present BTS system, which becomes a recurring symbol of their journey. The story is a humorous and heart-warming exploration of love, societal expectations, and taking a chance on finding connection in the midst of a bustling city. IMDB rates it at 7.1/10.

9. Syndromes and a Century (2006)

“Syndromes and a Century” (2006) is a Thai film by Apichatpong Weerasethakul. Unlike a traditional narrative, it focuses on mood and atmosphere rather than a clear plot. It’s divided into two parts, each featuring a male doctor (played by the same actor). The first part sees Dr. Nohng arriving at a rural clinic, working alongside Dr. Toey and dentist Dr. Ple.

Their encounters with patients and each other form the core, woven with poetic descriptions of “syndromes” and reflections on time. The second part jumps to a modern hospital where Nohng works with Dr. Wan, a seasoned but troubled colleague. We see similar themes explored through different characters and settings, leaving lingering questions and a sense of mystery.

The film’s beauty lies in its dream-like visuals, subtle storytelling, and exploration of memory, desire, and the passage of time. It’s not a straightforward watch, but rather an experience that invites interpretation and reflection. The movie is rated 7.3 by the IMDB.

10. The Billionaire (2011)

The Billionaire, also known as “Top Secret,” is a Thai biographical drama film released in 2011. It tells the true story of Itthipat Kulapongvanich, a teenager who, despite being an online gaming addict, rises to become a successful businessman at a young age. Facing family bankruptcy, 19-year-old Ittipat drops out of university and embarks on a challenging journey.

He ventures into the food industry, specifically focusing on packaged fried seaweed. His path is riddled with failures and deceptions, but his perseverance and determination push him forward. With its 2-hour runtime, the film explores themes of resilience, following your dreams, and overcoming adversity against the backdrop of a young man’s ambition to save his family and build his own success story.