The Thai actress and emerging fashion icon talks to Tama Miyake Lung about discipline, taking on more diverse work, and the joy of not dealing with hot weather or traffic jams

Namtan Tipnaree never set out to be the girl with her name in lights. Instead, the younger sister of Thai professional football player Narubadin Weerawatnodom grew into her career as a leading actress through something more enduring: a deep devotion to family and the values instilled by her parents.

“My older brother was a footballer, so my father was strict about our diet and lifestyle,” says Namtan, now 29. “We were always expected to maintain proper discipline, which was beneficial in many ways. Growing up within those boundaries, I rarely dared to step outside the framework Father had established for us.”

While she admits there could also be disadvantages to such a strict parenting style, Namtan credits both her father and mother for always providing her and her brother with unwavering support. “It wasn’t merely about rules and discipline; it was about supporting everything their children wanted to do or become,” she explains. “We were never left to walk our paths alone. Whenever we turned around, they were there to support and advise us.”

That support proved crucial when Namtan, who once dreamed of becoming an air hostess, shifted towards the performing arts in high school on the advice of her father. “As a child, I was fascinated by languages, but I’m grateful to my father for encouraging me towards acting,” she says. “If I had become an air hostess, I might have faced uncertainty during Covid when flights were grounded. I feel it was perhaps the best fate that my father chose this path for me.”

Once she knew she was on the right path, Namtan applied to the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts at Bangkok’s Srinakharinwirot University. Thanks in part to the understanding of GMMTV, the TV and talent agency that kickstarted her career with the Thai variety show Strawberry Krubcake, she eventually earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree.

“At that time, I didn’t have as much work as I do today. I took on supporting roles initially, choosing to focus on education because my studies were practical-based,” she says. “Missing even one class would put me behind my classmates. I specialised in theatre because the entertainment work I was doing then involved presenting, which requires knowledge and superior improvisation skills compared to others. Through theatre, I got to know myself and learned about other people through characters.

“I wasn’t studying solely to become an actress. Every student has a chance to explore whether they want to be a director, scriptwriter, actor or work behind the scenes. We could discover ourselves through various practical work, make-up artistry, hairstyling, set design and lighting,” she adds. “I did study some directing, but focused more on front-of-camera performance. We didn’t just study acting or production; we also explored drama therapy, how performance itself can be therapeutic. Since drama therapy is still quite limited in Thailand, the field felt both fascinating and challenging at the same time.”

Namtan appeared in several TV series before graduation, with later roles in Friend Zone, Friend Zone 2: Dangerous Area, Romantic Blue: The Series and My Dear Donovan earning her rave reviews and an ever- growing fan base. Of all her roles, the one – or perhaps we should say two – that had the greatest impact came with Who Are You, where she portrayed twin sisters who grow up in vastly different circumstances after being orphaned.

“The series dealt with themes that were both intense and deeply sensitive, particularly the issue of bullying in schools. There were so many layers within that story, and at the time, I hadn’t yet learned how to ‘tune out’ as an actor,” says Namtan, who was around 24 when the show was released. “The heavy drama tended to linger inside me, and it was difficult to detach myself from it. It felt as though the character had pulled me into a state of depression, and I couldn’t quite find my way out. There was even one moment when I had to ask those close to me to hold me tightly, because the character had taken too much out of me. On top of that, we were filming during Covid, which stretched the production to nearly six months.”

Her hard work and emotional sacrifice led Namtan to earn her first Asia-wide award nomination as Best Actress in a Leading Role at the 2021 Asian Television Awards. “Just being nominated was tremendously exciting,” she says, adding that the show received nominations in multiple categories.

Over the years, Namtan has broadened her horizons beyond acting, taking on opportunities in fashion, music and fan events. “I never pictured becoming a fashion model,” she admits. “I’ve developed not just as an actor, but through diverse work as both a model and an actress, including fan meetings and singing opportunities. This makes me feel capable of more than just one thing – it encompasses the word ‘artist’. It makes me think, if opportunities arise and there’s something I can’t do, I simply need to practice harder than before.”

Even singing, which she claims isn’t her forte, has become a frequent avenue of expression. “I used to have a complex about singing. Everyone told me to adjust my attitude, including a teacher who said what sounded off was my lack of confidence. I readjusted my thinking – I’m not a singer; I’m an actor – and realised that even if I sing off-key but communicate sincerely, fans will understand. This made me think, ‘Alright, then I need to study harder and practice more intensively.’”

On screen, Namtan is well known for her work in the sapphic television genre with portrayals of queer characters that have resonated deeply with fans. For her, it’s a natural extension of her background and life experience. “I must mention that I attended an all-girls school and dated women during my studies,” she says. “Some say it’s the environmental influence that leads to same-sex attraction in all-girls schools. For me, people can think what they will. My feelings towards LGBTQAI+ have never changed because I’ve understood human love regardless of gender from the beginning.”

Her upcoming series, Girl Rules, takes this further, with Namtan preparing physically and emotionally for her role as Prim, a woman whose sex appeal captivates both men and women. “In the story, Prim is a lesbian from the beginning, so I wanted to show physical differences. This involved building muscle and taking excellent care of my figure. I’m trying to find time for intensive workouts, though I must balance this with sleep,” she explains.

Namtan also gives credit to Rachanun Mahawan, who goes by the nickname Film, for her role in the show and influence on the Girl Rules set. “If you ask me, the most interesting character is Bambi, played by Film. It’s fascinating because she’s never had the chance to play this type of role before,” she says. “Initially, there might have been misunderstandings, but Film’s strength is her calm nature and excellent listening skills. I became calmer and started having moments to observe quietly. It felt like I had more energy left for additional work. We’ve tuned into each other, and today I’m happy to have gained another sister.”

While Namtan says she can’t quite define the type of actor she is, there are certainly those she looks up to. Among her international cohort, she points to Jennifer Lawrence – “I love her acting style in every project” – while in Thailand her acting idols include Pancake Khemanit and Ice Natara, describing the latter as someone who gives everything to every character he portrays. But her ultimate #legend is someone even closer to home. “The person I look up to most in life is my father. I aspire to be as capable and precise as he is, and I recognise that many of his traits live within me. Who I am today is very much because I am his daughter. For me, he is my one and only #legend – there could be no other choice.”

When she isn’t working, Namtan has discovered joy in simple pleasures. Once an extrovert who loved going out, she now cherishes quiet days at home with her dog. “I’ve recently discovered that resting and staying home is absolute paradise, not having to meet crowds of people, deal with hot weather or traffic jams. Just ordering delicious food to eat at home with my French Bulldog – that’s my ideal holiday.”

In the more distant future, Namtan dreams of paying her good fortune forward as an acting teacher with her own acting school. But first, she hopes to continue appearing in dramatic roles, including one day playing a deaf person who uses sign language or even a psychopathic serial killer.

Regardless of the character she plays, Namtan aspires to give her all for the benefit of her fans. “I don’t feel I’m the most beautiful or most talented person, but when I’m on television doing what I do best – acting – I feel the charm emerges from there, and they choose to follow me based on genuine work,” she says. “This feels like a reward.”

CREDITS
Creative Concept / #legend
Creative Direction / Gordon Lam
Photography / Somkiat Kangsdalwirun
Styling / Konthee Pamaranont
Hair / Benjawarn Holthaisong
Make-Up / Chinnakrit Tanasontirach
Gaffer / Michael Tang
Fashion Direction / Asst.Prof. Rewat Chumnarn
Wardrobe / Tod’s AW25

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