The popularity of the Thai entertainment industry keeps growing more and more each passing day. Youth make up a large portion of today's consumers. The entertainment industry is hence built around their interests, likes, and dislikes. Rising stars are making a big splash amongst youngsters, along with older classic actors. As more and more talent continues to be discovered, the criteria for striking into the hearts of today's youth have changed. The actor must not be shrouded with controversies and they must have a kind personality and acknowledge their fanbase.
Keeping these criteria in mind, here is a list of the Top 10 Male Youth Sensations of Thai.
1. Mario Maurer
Best known as the main lead in Pee Mak, this actor has caught the eye of many fans globally for his charismatic personality and ever-present smile. He began his career at the young age of sixteen, as a model and has also starred in rom-coms such as The Love Of Siam and Crazy little thing called Love. With 7.7 million followers on Instagram, it is safe to say that he is a Thai sensation.
2. Suppasit Jongcheveevatkul
Fondly called Mew by his fans, this actor reached his peak when he starred as Tharn in TharnType: The series. His debut album 365 managed to snag the no.3 spot in the Worldwide iTunes Album Chart. Suppasit had a TED talk on Self-esteem on September 25, 2020. Dubbed one of "The 50 Influential People" by the 102nd issue of Howe Magazine, he is the proud CEO of "Suppasit Studio".
3. Chanon Santinatornkul
Chanon, known by his alias Nonkul, rose to fame when he played Bank in the 2017 movie Bad Genius, for which he received the Best Actor award at the 27th Suphannahong National Film Awards, the Entertainment Critics Club Awards, and the 26th Bangkok Critics Assembly Awards. He has starred in several television series and movies since then.
4. Kanawut Traipipattanapong
Kanawut is affectionately called Gulf by his fans and is known for his character, the protagonist Type in TharnType the series for which he won many awards including Best Couple Awards, alongside his co-star Suppasit. Fans were so obsessed with this on-screen couple that when they featured on the February issue of Thailand's Harper's Bazaar magazine, the website reportedly crashed due to a deluge of fans trying to catch a glimpse of it.
5. Nadech Kugimiya
Nicknamed Barry, this actor shot to fame with shows like Game Rai Game Rak and The Crown Princess alongside his current beau of many years, actress Urassaya Sperbund. Called King of Presenters by many, he is one of the most highly paid and sought-after actors and has also been called the Face of Thailand, being one of the most prominent personalities in print and television media in Thailand.
6. Prin Suparat
Internationally nicknamed Mark Prin, this actor is a jack of many trades and has many endorsements and awards under his sleeve. His shows include My Forever Sunshine, Kleun Cheewit, Rak Nakara amongst others. Prin has a very sweet side and loves posting motivational messages on his Instagram for his fans and admirers to read.
7. Mike D'Angelo
Pirat Nitipaisalkul, better known as Mike from the two-member pop band Golf and Mike is an actor, singer, and model. He first performed live on stage alongside his brother Golf Pichaya Nitipaisalkul as the opening act to Bird Thongchai McIntyre in his For Fan Fun Fair Concert and stole the show with their moves. He recently starred in the serial Mr. Swimmer.
8. Tony Jaa
Fondly called Tony Jaa by his fans, Tatchakorn revealed that his favorite actors growing up were martial artists Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee, whose moves he reportedly practiced in his father's paddy fields earnestly. He first worked as a stunt double for James Remar and Robin Shou in the 1997 action film Mortal Kombat: Annihilation. Now the main lead in many movies like Ong Bak: Muay Thai Warrior and SPL II, he continues to choreograph and direct stuntwork and martial arts.
9. Nawat Kulrattanarak
Nawat rose to fame with his portrayal of Ning, a husband who tries to leave his wife for another, in the show Sang Kram Nang Fah, a role that won it "The Most Scandalous" Award. He has also acted in the movie, The Second Sight 3D and shows like Buang Rak Gammathep, Dum Kum, and Proong Nee Gor Ruk Ter which were all fan favorites.
10. Vachirawit Chivaaree
Nicknamed Bright by his fans, Vachirawit rose to fame with his character Sarawat in the Thai series 2gether: the series. He is also a host of the show "Toe Laew". He recently began a brand called "Astrostuffs" during the pandemic to fund Thai wildlife and forest conservation through the Seub Nakhasathien Foundation.
