With a nickname that means “sugar”, one might perhaps expect Thai actress Tipnaree Weerawatnodom to take on only saccharine roles in sappy productions. But the 28‑year‑old, who made her entertainment debut in 2013 as a host—alongside “Bright” Vachirawit Chivaaree, no less—on the long‑running variety show Strawberry Krubcake, has not let that pigeonhole her acting pursuits. On the contrary, Namtan, as Weerawatnodom is more fondly known, has tried her hand at various different genres, including mystery dramas such as Who Are You (2020), and romantic comedies—the latest of which is 2022’s My Dear Donovan, in which she played the female lead opposite Luke Ishikawa Plowden, another rising star in the Thai entertainment industry. In fact, her portrayal of identical twins in the former—a Thai remake of the South Korean drama Who Are You: School 2015, which is part of the popular South Korean anthology television series School—earned her a nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role at the 2021 Asian Television Awards.
Namtan has also taken on comparatively more serious productions, including the youth melodrama Ploy’s Yearbook and the action‑thriller legal series Law‑Less, both of which aired earlier this year, and the recently released drama series Pluto. The last is the first girls’ love project for Namtan and Rachanun Mahawan, better known by her nickname Film, whom she plays opposite in the show. From guest and supporting roles to top billing in some of the most popular television series in Thailand, Namtan is staking her claim as one of the country’s brightest stars. She speaks to GRAZIA Singapore about her growth as an actor, the intricacies of living a public life, and the person she aspires to be.
What do you love best about acting and performing? What keeps you motivated?
I believe that each profession comes with its own unique set of responsibilities. For instance, doctors are responsible for the well‑being of their patients; teachers impart knowledge and skills. As an actress, I express life’s narratives through various themes. This not only entertains, but also educates and inspires others. I’m a firm believer in the power of art to positively impact and uplift individuals, and this is why I’m passionate about my work and find joy in it.
How do you feel the media scene has changed since your debut in entertainment and how has that influenced you?
Since stepping into the entertainment industry in 2013, I’ve witnessed significant changes. It’s evident that everyone’s driven by a desire to progress and evolve. The landscape has evolved considerably, with this generation demonstrating remarkable capabilities and an abundance of ambition, resulting in heightened competition. The current industry is saturated with a multitude of series, notably within the realm of LGBT representation, which I find to be a positive development. These series play a crucial role in promoting awareness and understanding of this important topic, showcasing the diverse forms of love that exist. It’s heartening to see the acceptance of LGBTQ+ themes in mainstream media and society. Adaptability and continuous improvement are now essential in this dynamic industry. It’s no longer sufficient to solely excel in acting; one must also hone additional skills and strive for continual growth.
How do you see your growth and responsibilities as an actress?
Every year, I experience personal growth and I’m grateful to GMMTV (her current agency) for providing me with increased opportunities. Each year, I embrace new challenges that contribute to my self‑improvement journey. I prioritise continuous self‑improvement and always strive to do my best. Whenever I’m given an opportunity, I approach it with dedication and excellence. I consider it a responsibility to give my utmost effort when presented with such opportunities, as not everyone is fortunate enough to receive them. I express deep gratitude for all the opportunities that have come my way.
What can fans look forward to in Pluto and what new things, if any, have you learnt through working on it?
I’ve diligently prepared myself and I uphold high standards with a disciplined approach. I think this series will be instrumental in increasing my visibility, not just locally but also among international fans. While acting is not new to me, engaging with a new fan base brings about fresh expectations. I remind myself to remain focused and give my all, ensuring that I never let anyone down. Attention to detail is crucial to me, as I pour my heart into every aspect of the series. I genuinely love my work in this series. Collaborating with my partner (Film) on set has taught me the importance of building a strong connection. Despite our differences, we complement each other well. She’s an excellent listener who truly hears me out. It’s not just about delivering lines from the script; it’s about fostering a productive working relationship with your co‑star. A healthy chemistry between actors is essential for overall happiness and success in the production.
Of all the characters you’ve portrayed, which has impacted you the most and why?
My roles in the television series Who Are You were the most challenging for me at that age. I feel that I truly pushed myself to the limit and gave my all in that series. The storyline focuses on bullying, which is a sensitive topic requiring a great deal of dedication. There were moments when I became so immersed in the characters that it was difficult to step away from them after filming wrapped. Those roles definitely had a personal impact on me.
It has been slightly more than a decade since your debut. Have you accomplished what you set out to? What’s something you really want to attempt, but have not yet had a chance to?
The positive feedback from my fans has made me realise that there’s so much more I can achieve. I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve accomplished, but I’m eager to explore new talents and push my boundaries. To do this, I’m diving into singing and dancing classes while constantly striving for improvement. I can’t wait for everyone to see this new side of me.
What was your childhood like and how did it influence you to become who you are today?
I count myself incredibly lucky to have such a supportive family. They’ve been my guiding light, pulling me back on track whenever I’ve lost focus. Their values are deeply ingrained in me, shaping who I am today. While I’ve made my fair share of mistakes growing up, I believe I’m on the right path. It’s impossible to change the past, so I focus on learning from experiences and moving forward. Everyone makes errors; it’s about accepting them, growing from them and striving to be better. I’m committed to living my life with integrity and avoiding causing trouble for others.
When you were younger, were you perhaps into sports like your professional footballer brother Narubadin, or was it always clear to you that you wanted to pursue entertainment work?
I never saw myself as an athlete. While my brother and I were raised with similar athletic expectations, my dad has always encouraged us to develop unique strengths, plus my body type is more suited for acting than sports. Acting was challenging at first; the dietary restrictions were tough to adjust to. However, diving deeper into this industry has made me appreciate the craft immensely. Neither my brother nor I were born with a specific talent, but we’ve both worked hard to develop our skills. It’s amazing what humans can achieve with dedication.
What are some of your favourite television series or films, and who do you look up to?
I’m a big fan of both (the 2023 movie) Barbie and (the film franchise) The Hunger Games. These showcase the incredible talent and versatility of actors. Jennifer Lawrence and Emma Stone are my role models; their beauty and acting prowess are truly inspiring. I admire how they command the screen. While I may not consider myself the most beautiful person, I believe dedication to one’s craft can be equally captivating. I also appreciate the work of South Korean actors such as Park Seo‑joon. His performances in Itaewon Class and What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim are exceptional. He has a remarkable ability to bring characters to life.
I believe in the power of big dreams. Even if we don’t reach our ultimate goals, the pursuit itself is valuable.
Having just turned 28, how do you see the journey you’ve been on and where you’re headed next? How much do you feel you’ve changed over the past year and what are you most excited about in the years to come?
Turning 28 this year, I reflect on how life’s experiences, both joyful and challenging, have shaped me into the person I am today. Self‑love and growth are paramount to my journey. I believe achieving personal evolution requires a holistic approach, encompassing discipline, exercise, rest and a balanced diet. Prioritising physical and mental well‑being is essential for professional success. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities that have come my way and I strive to seize them proactively. While starting something new is always daunting, I believe in the power of big dreams. Even if we don’t reach our ultimate goals, the pursuit itself is valuable. It’s about progress, not perfection.
Beyond an actress, who is Namtan? What keeps you occupied when the cameras are off, and how do those things nurture you?
I’m currently enjoying a much‑needed break from filming, and spending quality time with family, friends and my beloved dog. It’s a refreshing change of pace that’s allowing me to recharge and reconnect. I’m embracing this normal life, just like everyone else, and relishing the opportunity to travel and create new memories. To stay sharp and prepare for future projects, I’ve enrolled in singing and dancing classes. I’m also prioritising exercise and rest, and I’m even learning Chinese.
What are some things about yourself you wish more people knew about?
That I believe in complete transparency and authenticity, and that I strive to be genuine in all aspects of my life. My hope is that people appreciate me for who I truly am. Constructive criticism is also always welcome; please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts. My ultimate goal is to bring joy to others and your happiness is incredibly important to me. I cherish the love and acceptance of others for who I am. There are times when self‑doubt creeps in and my outward appearance might not reflect that. But often, that strong exterior is a shield for my introverted nature. I’m grateful for my fans who understand and support me unconditionally.
What kind of person and actress do you strive to be?
My primary goals are happiness and professional excellence. The industry is highly competitive, which can be overwhelming at times. However, I’m focused on personal growth and improvement. I hope my work resonates with others. This demanding career pushes me to be a better version of myself, and I’m committed to putting in the necessary effort, even if it means sacrificing sleep.
How do you continually challenge yourself?
I’m always striving for improvement and I believe there’s limitless potential for growth. That’s why I have a “say yes to new adventures” mindset, as a constant reminder to step outside my comfort zone. Overcoming my fear of the unknown is a journey and your support means the world to me. Thank you so much!
PHOTOGRAPHY POYEN CHEN
CREATIVE DIRECTOR IZWAN ABDULLAH
SENIOR FASHION STYLIST KELLY HSU
MAKEUP CHINNAKRIT TANASONTIRACH
HAIR WONGWARAT PHRUOHEKAEO
PRODUCER RATCHADA TUBTIMPHET
SET DESIGNER YUKON BOONPRASART
VIDEOGRAPHER TARARIN PROMSUWAN
STYLING ASSISTANT BERNICE CHIA
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