Thai star and style icon Gulf Kanawut on film, music—and what’s next

The actor attributes his success to two things: hard work and consistency. While he feels in the past, “it was enough in the Thai entertainment industry to just have good looks and decent acting skills, the competition is very intense nowadays”. He works extra hard to compensate for not attending a drama school—he only took one acting lesson for his first series many years ago, so has been taking classes recently and developing other skills, including learning new languages, singing, guitar, movie stunt and stage combat. “I didn’t like singing at a young age, but nowadays, being an actor requires you to sing,” he says.

Being in such high demand, and with such a dedicated fan base—Kanawut has almost five million Instagram followers—could easily go to a young man’s head. But the star makes it a principle to stay consistently positive and pleasant to work with in all aspects of his work, even when he’s required to lie on wet grass, run around in the drizzle and change into five different outfits in 40 degree Celsius heat, as he did on the day of Tatler’s photo shoot in May in Bangkok. The fashion selections might have helped a little. “I have always loved Gucci,” he says, with a cheerful smile after hours in the heat, of the Sabato de Sarno designs he wore on the day. “[De Sarno’s] collections have become simpler and more suited for everyday looks, making them more wearable in daily life. I’m very happy and grateful that Sabato sees the potential in me to represent his collections.”

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As well as continuously striving to improve his acting, Kanawut has been hard at work as an ambassador for his nation at global fashion weeks, premieres and fan meeting tours. “Whenever I have the chance to travel abroad, I try to present Thai culture and make people remember me as a Thai actor,” he says. “I want Thailand and our entertainment industry to advance even further. I hope to pave the way for future generations to progress even more.”

He feels the same about the country’s burgeoning pop music. “T-pop is on its way to becoming another K-pop. The international industry is recognising Thai talents more and more, seeing how various aspects of Thai [music] can be further developed,” he says. In January this year, Kanawut met South Korea-based American rapper Jay Park at Milan Fashion Week. “We exchanged ideas about music and he said that if there’s a chance, we should collaborate on a song. I think [Thai singers attending international events] is a great opportunity for us to meet people, artists and superstars and leverage these encounters to enhance both our personal potential and that of T-pop music.”

Looking ahead, Kanawut wants to contribute to developing Thailand’s music industry and nurturing new talents, and is open to starring in a Hollywood action film if given the chance. He has already further branched out into music: he released his debut Thai hip-hop track Why You So Serious, featuring Thai rapper F Hero, in November 2021; has collaborated with other artists, including Ballistik Boyz from Exile Tribe on their record All I Ever Wanted; has been experimenting with rap since the end of 2023; and released another solo track, Congratulations, in February this year. “I’ve met many people who are passionate about music—it’s like being a piece of coal surrounded by fire; eventually, you become ignited with the passion for music.”

That’s not to say he plans to limit himself to any one sphere—with both youth and a certain Renaissance Man quality on his side, he’s keeping an open mind about what his career path could look like. “I can’t even predict what I’ll be like in five years’ time. Right now, I feel passionate about music, but it’s possible that after two or three months of making music, I might encounter something that changes my mind and I may no longer want to be a singer,” he admits. “I [ just] want to enjoy the journey I’ve chosen.”

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Credits

Editor-in-Chief Ahy Choi

Executive Producer Kat Yeung

Creative Direction Zoe Yau, Cherry Mui

Fashion Direction Cherry Mui

Author Zabrina Lo

Photographer Naruebes Vadvaree

Photographer’s Assistants Nattapong Amkham, Passapon Khemmanipitpon, Songsak Wadvaree, Thanakorn Thanapoempul

Producer Tharida Diloksongtham

On-site Stylist Tanwa Tiammek

Assistant Pornthip Suphanno

Hair Tiyanon Kamtawai

Make-Up Chanaphan Kerdmongkol

Videographer Apimook Phadee

Video Team Theetawat Chotejalatarphorn

Video Editor Poomin Wongsing

Production team by @useau

Location @whispering.cafe