Cover “For young people who want to go anywhere in the world, maintain your culture,” says the ’Judi Dench of Thailand,’ Lek Patravadi (Photo: HBO and Max)
“For young people who want to go anywhere in the world, maintain your culture,” says the ’Judi Dench of Thailand,’ Lek Patravadi (Photo: HBO and Max)
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“For young people who want to go anywhere in the world, maintain your culture,” says ‘the Judi Dench of Thailand,’ Lek Patravadi
Scandal, dark secrets, intrigue, and murder all unravelling against an idyllic island paradise backdrop—the highly anticipated third season of HBO’s The White Lotus has set its sights on Thailand, and with it comes a dazzling ensemble cast that includes seasoned Thai actors Dom Hetrakul and Lek Patravadi, who has been dubbed Thailand’s own ‘Judi Dench’.
As Hollywood’s acclaimed satirical drama explores a new exotic locale, Lek and Dom bring an authentic Thai essence to the show, seamlessly blending local culture with international storytelling. During the Thai premiere for The White Lotus in Bangkok last month, the two actors shared their experiences on set, reflecting on the stark contrasts between Thai and international productions, what it was like working with cast members like global superstar Lalisa Manobal, and the importance of honouring your roots even in the face of international acclaim.
Read more: In Pictures: Celebrities at the red carpet premiere of ‘The White Lotus’ in Bangkok
Above Actors Tayme Thapthimthong, Lek Patravadi and Dom Hetrakul at the red carpet premiere of ‘The White Lotus’ in Bangkok last month
Actors Tayme Thapthimthong, Lek Patravadi and Dom Hetrakul at the red carpet premiere of ‘The White Lotus’ in Bangkok last month
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For Lek Patravadi, a revered figure in Thai theatre and film, taking on this role as Sritala, the stylish owner of the White Lotus resort in Thailand, was not a straightforward decision. Having retired from acting, she initially declined the offer. However, the persistence of show creator Mike White changed her mind.
“I almost missed the opportunity. I refused at first because I have retired for several years. As a teacher, I teach young people, and I enjoy that more than being in the limelight. It's more peaceful,” she shares. “But they went all the way to my house in Hua Hin to audition me.”
See also: Stay at the idyllic Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, backdrop of ‘The White Lotus’ season three
Upon meeting White, she was immediately drawn to his vision. “I was very impressed with him. He’s fun, and I can sense—being a woman of this age—I can sense something from people. And I feel that he’s a very interesting guy, very intelligent. I knew I would learn a lot from him.”
She took the plunge, binge-watching the first two seasons of The White Lotus and immersing herself in the script. “I thought, wow, this is unusual for Thailand. I should take this opportunity to learn and to do my duty as a Thai person. I’m very happy that I did.”
Above Morgana O'Reilly, Arnas Fedaravičius, Christian Friedel, Dom Hetrakul, Lalisa Manobal in The White Lotus: (Photo: Fabio Lovino and HBO)
Morgana O'Reilly, Arnas Fedaravičius, Christian Friedel, Dom Hetrakul, Lalisa Manobal in The White Lotus: (Photo: Fabio Lovino and HBO)
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Reflecting on her incredible career, Lek highlights the difference in discipline and working hours when comparing The White Lotus to some Thai productions.
“In Thailand, things are more flexible—you can be five or ten minutes late. Meanwhile, the call time for hair and makeup for The White Lotus, was four o’clock in the morning. One day I was three minutes late, and they called me asking, ‘Where are you?’” she recalls with a laugh. “Discipline is very important.”
What stood out to her was the dedication of the international cast. “They take their weekends learning things or seeing things, not just lying around doing nothing. Many cast members asked me where to go for this class and that in Thailand. That surprised me. They are very professional, serious about their work. Whenever I saw them rehearsing, it was more than just going over lines.”
Above Photo: @lisanations_/Instagram
Photo: @lisanations_/Instagram
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One of the most exciting aspects of the Emmy award-winning show’s third season is the casting of global K-pop sensation Lalisa Manobal. As a Thai icon making waves internationally, many were curious to see how Lisa would adapt to the world of acting.
“She came to me and knelt on the floor with her hands on her lap and said, ‘Teacher, teacher, how should I perform the classical Thai dance scene?’” Lek recalls fondly. “I thought to myself, she’s a famous star, and yet with the manners of a little Thai girl with enormous respect for an older person.”
Beyond her superstardom, Lek found Lisa to be down-to-earth. “She has the international kind of flair, but she also has the well-brought-up Thai culture in her. Maybe that’s why she’s such a big name in entertainment—she has the best of both worlds. I highly recommend young people who want to go anywhere in the world—maintain your culture and roots no matter where you are. That’s very important.”
For Dom Hetrakul, working with an international team was an eye-opening experience. The seasoned Thai actor delves into the nuances of performing alongside actors from different backgrounds.
“To translate letters into expression is quite exceptional. We all read the same novel, but we all have a different imagination or interpretation,” he says. “When you react to someone, it’s not the same as reading in front of the mirror or practicing with a different partner. When you work with actors of a high intellect, when you speak, when you look at them in the eyes, the communication becomes something else. It’s a different level.”
He stresses the importance of listening. “If you listen more and try to understand them more, you react to things differently, in a different way. That’s quite important.
“It helps to stop and listen more. It’s different from sending a text message or posting comments out there and not really caring what happens after that. When you act among cast members, you start to listen to how they project their voice, their message, their tone, their techniques. You have to learn more about the different expressions. But you have to be there, live—it’s not something you learn from watching YouTube videos or listening to a podcast. I realised I have so much to learn from them.”
Above Dom Hetrakul and Natasha Rothwell, who reprises her role as Belinda from Season One (Photo: Fabio Lovino and HBO)
Dom Hetrakul and Natasha Rothwell, who reprises her role as Belinda from Season One (Photo: Fabio Lovino and HBO)
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With Thailand’s stunning landscapes serving as the latest backdrop for The White Lotus, Dom reflects on what makes his homeland so special.
“It’s the people, mainly. We are very easy-going. We smile easily. Very flexible,” he muses. “When you travel, no plan is a good plan. You can explore more. It’s easy to go around Thailand, especially Bangkok.”
As he sees it, each region of Thailand offers something unique. “In Bangkok, we have food, shopping, clubbing. You can get wasted in Bangkok, then go rest outside, especially in Chiang Mai,” he jokes. “The north is more laid-back, with elephant rides and jungle trekking, while the south has the beaches and all the activities. The heat warms you up, so you go run around doing things.”
With a stellar cast and an exotic new setting, The White Lotus Season 3 promises to be a thrilling addition to the series, blending Thailand’s rich culture with its signature satirical storytelling, promising an unforgettable journey for both Thai and global audiences alike.
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Images: HBO and Max
Previously contributing to Esquire Malaysia, Expat Lifestyle and Newsweek, Tania oversees digital stories across Tatler’s key content pillars, also leading the Front & Female platform exploring issues and topics affecting women today.
