> top actors (thai)
Ranked list of the strongest Thai actors (in my opinion), including the works I've seen and thoughts on their acting styles/strengths.
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Gun Atthaphan Phunsawat
Thais
Seen In: Not Me, Home School, Theory of Love, Midnight Museum, The Trainee, The Gifted, The Gifted Graduation
I absolutely adore how well Gun can hold incongruity in his acting. Constantly working against what would be his type cast, he brings a huge amount of energy and power into his roles. His range and the growth of his characters are really beautiful to watch, with each character becoming a true individual--even when they cast him as two or three (or four) characters in the same series. I'm not even close to bored yet!
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Babe Tanatat
Thais
Seen In: The Sign
What really impresses me about Babe's acting is how holistic and natural his characterization of Tharn (The Sign) manages to be. Before watching interviews/content with the cast, I was definitely under the impression that this was simply the way Babe moves and speaks. The completeness of his character is extraordinary and I can't wait to see what he does next.
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Ou Pittaya Saechua
Thais
Seen In: Century of Love
I'm not sure if this makes sense, but I find that Ou matches Gun ATP's sense of incongruity in roles in the opposite direction. There's a cuteness, pettiness, and playfulness to his characters that creates a unique charm with his gruff delivery and strong presentation. I was particularly impressed by his ability to "age up" San (Century of Love) and bring all those 100 years into the character.
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War Wanarat Ratsameerat
Thais
Seen In: Jack & Joker: U Steal My Heart
Given the amount of character work going on in this show, it feels illegal that Jack & Joker only counts as one credit. But I am deeply impressed at the range and complexity of Joker's arsenal of identities and the way that War connects them all to one central personality. It's very well done. Additional kudos for genuinely impressive fight choreo that never loses the characters.
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Dech Narongdet Rungarun
Thais
Seen In: Playboyy
I really cannot say enough good things about his performance of Nont/Nant (Playboyy). Tackling twin roles, a highly stylized production style, numerous intimate scenes (and partners), and an emotionally heavy script in his first (?) true role was insane and he absolutely nailed it. He better be booked and busy in the years to come.
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Mix Sahaphap Wongratch
Thais
Seen In: Moonlight Chicken, A Tale of a Thousand Stars, Cupid's Last Wish, Fish Upon the Sky, Only Friends (cameo)
Whenever I am looking for a show that will make me feel, I reach for Mix. Though he seems to attract rather understated, quiet, and/or realistic scripts, his performances are always absolutely stunning. Mix has a wonderful talent for managing a balance between a youthful, lively character and a deeper melancholy lurking beneath the surface. I love to watch him.
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Up Poompat Iam-samang
Thais
Seen In: My Stand In, Hoon Payon
Comparatively, Up is a very refined actor. Though he makes it seem easy and natural, it's plain to see he's put an incredible amount of thought into his character. Ming bounces between playful, grief-stricken, and genuine with a constant undercurrent of childishness that's not easy to balance. I love the subtlety and care Up brings to his role.
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Tor Thanapob Leeratanakachorn
Thais
Seen In: Midnight Museum
I'm not allowed to say "that's my favorite straight boy!" since he's been cast in Euthanasia, but... that's my favorite straight boy!! I am such a sucker a charming, mysterious khun chai, so Tor is kind of like catnip. I still think about Katha (Midnight Museum) on a regular basis and I look forward to getting to see more of his work.
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Billy Patchanon Ounsa-ard
Thais
Seen In: The Sign, Secret Crush on You, GAP (cameo)
Billy is such a charming actor to watch work. With an easy smile and great comedic timing, he pulls off an easy-going heart-on-his-sleeve type with an earnestness that set The Sign up for success. I was pleasantly surprised to reach the darker portions of the show and find a truly nuanced vulnerability as his world comes crashing down around him. With a bit more experience under his belt, I think he'll really be something remarkable.
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Phuwin Tangsakyuen
Thais
Seen In: We Are, Never Let Me Go, Summer Night, Fish Upon the Sky, Hoon Payon, The Gifted Graduation
I've seen your comments and I couldn't disagree more. Phuwin has an addicting delicacy to his expression that delivers his character's thoughts clearly and evocatively. I enjoy the range he commands, excelling with both youthful exuberance and more mature emotion, though his youth sometimes shows in bridging the two. Particularly, I think he has a compelling gentleness to his performance that feels quite unique.
