Aside from Thai K-pop idols, plenty of Thai celebrities are making waves abroad. They've starred in Thai and foreign films, as well as Hollywood. We've compiled a list of Thai celebrities who have garnered international acclaim.
1. Mai Davika Hoorne
If you're a lover of Thai cinema, you've probably heard of Mai Davika. Pee Mak, The Scar, Heart Attack, and Suddenly Twenty are just a few Thai-Belgian actresses and models who have starred in some of Thailand's highest-grossing films. She's also been in the music videos of several Korean and Vietnamese artists.
2. Mario Maurer
Mario Maurer is a Thai comedian who is both funny and attractive. Since starring in The Love of Siam, he has grown to prominence in Thailand. Internationally, the picture was unexpectedly well-received, notably in China. Following that, he had a string of great hits, including roles in Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Pee Mak, and Low Season. He's also appeared in Chinese and Filipino films.
3. Kitty Chicha Amatayakul
Kitty Chicha began her career as an actress in Thai films and television shows. She garnered a following in many areas of Asia after she got the role of Nanno in the Netflix series Girl From Nowhere, thanks to her depiction of the naughty girl who brings karmic retribution wherever she goes. NME just named the programme one of the 10 Best Asian Films and TV Shows of 2021.
4. Aokbab Chutimon
Before winning her first film role in Netflix's Bad Genius, Aokbab Chutimon worked as a model. Her portrayal of Lynn, a brilliant student who leads an exam-cheating ring, catapulted her onto the world stage.
5. Mike Pirath Nitipaisankul
Mike Pirath, commonly known as Mike D. Angelo, is a Chinese-Thai singer, actor, and model. Golf Pichaya Nitipaisankul and founded the Thai musical duo Golf-Mike in 2005. He went on to appear in several Chinese television programmes after that. He recently acted opposite Pierce Brosnan in the upcoming Hollywood picture The Misfits.
6. Poyd Treechada
Poyd Treechada is one of the few transgender Thai female actors to gain international acclaim. In 2004, she was elected Miss Tiffany and Miss International Quen, and she has pushed for LGBTQ concerns both at home and abroad.
7. Pong Nawat
Pong Nawat has starred in several popular Thai dramas, including Song Kram Nang Fah, Ngao Asoke, and Wanthong. He's also become well-known in China as a supporting and lead actor in Chinese television programmes such as Revive and Love Jewelry.
8. Mew Suppasit
TharnType: The Series, a Thai BL series on LINE TV, helped Mew Suppasit attain international acclaim. His performance as Tharn, an openly homosexual music student who falls in love with his roommate Type (played by Gulf Kanawut Traipipattanapong), was well-received, the hashtag #MewGulf has been trending across Asia on Twitter. Many fans hope to see them marry in real life since their on-screen chemistry is so good.
9. Mark Prin
He is a Thai actor and model who also goes by the name Prin Suparat. He is a member of the 4+1 Channel 3 Superstar team, including Mario Maurer, Nadech Kugimiya, Pakorn Chatborirak, and Phupoom Pongpanu.
10. Nadech Kugimiya
A Thai actor and model, Among his most memorable performances, are Duang Jai Akkanee, Game Rai Game Rak, Sunset at Chaophraya, The Rising Sun Series, Leh Lub Salub Rang, and The Crown Princess.
