For Thai actress and model Kanyawee Songmuang, known fondly as Thanaerng, the journey of her career has been anything but predictable. And if you ask the 28-year-old, that’s exactly how she likes it.

Thanaerng first exploded onto the scene in 2014 through Hormones: The Next Gen, a casting program and reality series designed to expand the cast of the popular teen show Hormones. Placing in the Top 6, she earned a role in Seasons 2 and 3, portraying Jane, a troubled character grappling with addiction.

The role was more than an on-screen challenge; it was a baptism by fire. “[Playing] Jane in Hormones was my first real step into acting. During that period, I took a lot of acting classes,” she recalls. To prepare, Thanaerng underwent a rigorous month-long training, often working from morning until well after midnight. Those intense sessions taught her not just the craft, but the discipline and resilience needed to succeed.  “I learned and grew with the team. Everyone in Hormones helped me so much, and I’m always grateful to have been a part of [the series]. The experience taught me respect for the crew and how to carry myself responsibly,” she says.

While acting launched her career, Thanaerng’s ambitions extend far beyond any single role—or even a single field. Her academic path reveals a similar drive to explore new ideas. Initially drawn to fashion, she began studying textiles before pivoting to philosophy, politics, and economics (PPE) at Thammasat University. It was a decision shaped by a blend of curiosity and pragmatism, she explains. 

“I personally have a strong interest in both fashion and politics. When I was in high school, I hesitated between studying fashion and politics. In the end, I decided to pursue fashion, but due to time constraints, I ultimately decided to switch to PPE. However, I believe that both paths sharpen critical thinking and provide a framework for understanding the world,” she explains. 

Thanaerng’s openness to change is a guiding principle in both her life and career. Beyond acting, she has also ventured into music, recording the soundtrack Good Times with fellow Thai actor Vachirawit “Bright” Chivaaree for the series they starred in, Good Old Days. “Music has always been one of the things that I always wanted to try, and when the opportunity came I took it,” she shares. While she’s not certain about a future in music, she’s open to new possibilities. “If something interesting comes along, I plan to do it all,” she says, with her characteristic spontaneity. 

A strong support system grounds Thanaerng’s explorations, especially her mother, whom she describes as her “comfort zone and motivator.” “My mother is the secret to my success,” she says. Her mother’s encouragement has consistently pushed her to explore new horizons, from acting to academia. “She wants me to try everything so I can figure out what truly suits me,” Thanaerng adds, crediting this support as a foundation of her journey.

And Thanaerng’s spirit of openness spills into her personal life too. Though she was initially a “dog person,” she now has nine cats, a testament to her receptiveness to new experiences—even the unexpected ones. It all began with a single cat, bought by her long-time boyfriend, Thai actor JJ Krissanapoom Pibulsonggram, also known as Jaylerr. “At first, I denied him because I didn’t like cats, but once I started taking care of his cat, I completely fell in love!” she laughs. One cat turned into two, then three, and before she knew it, she was a proud cat mum of nine. “I didn’t even realise how it happened,” she says with mirth. 

For Thanaerng, frequent travel for work has become a steady source of inspiration, with each journey offering new insights and perspectives. She views every destination as an opportunity to connect with different cultures, stories, and ways of life. “Wherever I go, I have to learn and understand it,” she shares. “I believe every country has its own charm.” This openness to the unfamiliar has allowed her to grow personally, and each place she visits adds another layer of richness to her worldview.

Of course, a life in the public eye comes with its own set of challenges. With over 4.3 million Instagram followers, the Thai star is no stranger to scrutiny. But Thanaerng is committed to authenticity. “When I post pictures or videos, I love to show people what is ‘being me,’ what my lifestyle is,” she says. For her, the spotlight is an invitation to share her genuine self, not to become someone else.

As her career progresses, Thanaerng is excited for what’s next. Her latest film, 404, a blend of ghost story and comedy, is already drawing attention, and she’s in the middle of shooting Nakee 3, set to release next year. “The cast and crew [have poured] a lot of effort and dedication into this movie,” she shares. 

Success, to Thanaerng, isn’t about following a single path but embracing opportunities as they come. “I’ve realised that success is about pursuing my passions, connecting with others through my work, and always learning,” she says.  Her definition of success has also evolved over time. “It’s about creating meaningful experiences and staying true to myself, regardless of how others measure it.”

While her future might still be unwritten, one thing is certain: Thanaerng is open to wherever the road may lead.

Editor-in-Chief PAKKEE TAN 
Photographer CHEE WEI 
Creative Director IZWAN ABDULLAH 
Art Director JOAN TAI
Senior Fashion Stylist KELLY HSU 
Producer RATCHADA TUBIMPHET 
Hair (TN) PANITHAN SUMMA 
Makeup (TN) YOTHIN CHUAYSRI 
Grooming (JJ) SUKWASA KHADPHAD
Videographer TARARIN PROMSUWAN
Photography Assistants THANAKIT MEECHAROEN, THANAKORN KANTAPONTHANAT

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