Biography: Intira Charoenpura

Intira Charoenpura (Inthira), also known as Sine or Sai (born December 23, 1980), is an actress and singer from Thailand. She is mainly known for her role as ‘Mae Nak’ in the 1999 Thai horror film “Nang Nak.” In part two of ‘King Naresuan,’ she played the ‘Warrior Princess Loehkin.’

Intira belongs to a famous showbiz family. Her father, Ruj Ronnapop (stage name), is an actor and filmmaker. Siriwimol ‘Mai’ Charoenpura, her elder half-sister, is a well-known singer and actress. She has won a ‘GMM Grammy.’ She studied at the prestigious ‘Khemasiri Memorial School.’ She went to Bangkok University and did a ‘Bachelor of Arts’ in ‘Communication Arts’ with a major in advertising.

At 13, Intira appeared in her first Thai TV drama (lakorn) named ‘Lah,’ X’ACT, the GMM Grammy’s drama wing, produced the series. She played the character of a girl in the lakorn who suffered a gang rape, and her mother (Sinjai Plengpanich) proceeded to hunt down, torture, and kill every gang member, leading her to mental illness. Intira rose to fame after portraying a challenging role in her first acting venture.

She also played the ‘Mae Nak’ in ‘Nang Nak,’ released in 1999. In the second installment of ‘King Naresuan,’ she played the ‘Warrior Princess Loehkin.’She received praises for her excellent acting skills in the lakorn.

Intira signed an album deal with ‘GMM Grammy’ at the age of 13. Nalika Sine, her debut album (released in March 1995), is a teen pop record. The album’s most successful song is ‘Khun Khru Kradat Sine.’ The song expresses gratitude to her teacher. To this day, the melody is used to honor teachers on special occasions such as ‘Teachers’ Day.’

She changed her musical style to rock after her contract with ‘GMM Grammy expired.’In 1998, she released ‘Sine,’ an Indie album. Jirasak’ Catarock’ Parnpoom helmed the album’s production. She returned to ‘GMM Grammy’ and released her third album with the success of her new rockstar image. ‘Sai Lom Thi Wang Dee’ is one of the most successful songs on the album. Intira funded the Thai protests in 2020.

She worked in several movies, including ‘Brokedown Palace (1999), Men’s Diary, as Kwan (1999), Nang Nak, as Nak (1999), A Fighter’s Blues as Pim Nathasiri; Hong Kong Cantonese title, A Fu (2000), The Unborn, also known as The Mother, as Por (2003), Six as Fai (2004). Other films she featured in are I Miss U (2012), Sumolah (2007), In the Shadow of Naga (Honey) (2008), House (2007), The Sanctuary (2009), H2-Oh!  (2010), Choice (2013), By the Time It Gets Dark (2016).