Acting spirit

Nongh stands on his own feet

By Suwitcha Chaiyong
Photos courtesy of Wave TV

Originally best-known as the brother of Thai actor Boy Pakorn, Tana Chatborirak (Nongh) has become famous himself, acting in countless music videos, TV commercials and primetime TV dramas, including Pu Dee E-Sarn (Noble from E-Sarn) and Supap Buruth Jutathep (Gentleman from the Jutathep Family). The 26-year-old actor is also part of the main cast on the TV series Jood Nut Pob (A Date with a Spirit).

Through all his work, Nongh has managed to show off both his acting skills and his unique personality. The rising star no longer stands in his brother’s shadow. Because of his hectic schedule, Nongh answered our questions via email. The actor told us about his acting career and his new series A Date with a Spirit, which began its third season on January 11.

Student Weekly: When did you know that you had passion for acting?

Nongh: Honestly, I didn't initially intend to be an actor. I didn’t think I had any acting skills and I was an introverted person. However, I fortunately had an opportunity to act, so I gave it a try. After a while I realised that I enjoyed the job and that I was happy to meet a lot of people. It is fun, especially when you’re working on a set. The experience is like a whole new world to me. I am now falling in love with acting.

Student Weekly: How did you overcome your shyness?

Nongh: I don't know, but when I am in front of a camera now, all my shyness just goes away. Perhaps it’s because I consider acting to be my job, and I have to be responsible for what I do.

Student Weekly: How was it working on a TV drama set for the first time?

Nongh: I always overthink things and I was worried that I might not make it right, so I practiced very hard before the filming date. On set, I could perform my part automatically. It was different from what I expected. [laughs]

Student Weekly: Have you ever asked Boy Pakorn for acting tips?

Nongh: We don't really talk about work. He let me experience showbiz for myself. But when he saw my stiff acting in A Date with a Spirit and in other dramas, he gave me some advice on how to act more natural.

Student Weekly: How do you feel knowing that people expect celebrities to be role models for young people?

Nongh: Personally, I don’t feel that I am a role model for anyone. But I try to be nice, generous, friendly and respectful to other people. If people have these kinds of qualities, it is good for our society.

Student Weekly: How has your character Kimhan Tangtrongjai in A Date with a Spirit changed in season three?

Nongh: My character doesn't change much. Kimhan is funny, friendly and likes to say something silly to make his friends laugh. Unlike me, Kimhan knows a lot about superstitions. I, however, have no idea about this stuff, and I am afraid of ghosts.

Student Weekly: Do you have a favourite episode?

Nongh: Though every episode contains thoughtful ideas, I especially like the episode about Pink. In the series, after the character Pink dies, she misses her friends and comes back to visit them. It is a heartbreaking episode because it is about a beloved friend who passes away.

Student Weekly: Which guest actor would you want to work with in the series?

Nongh: The first name who comes to my mind is Ploy Chermarn. She is a great actress, and I would like to work with her.

Student Weekly: What kind of scene do you think is most difficult to perform?

Nongh: A fighting scene. I feel like I can't express my anger naturally. When I watched my acting from a monitor, I thought it looked like I was just talking loudly to another actor instead of being mad.

Student Weekly: You have travelled abroad to film different projects. Which country did you like the most?

Nongh: I really liked Switzerland, where I went to film Gentleman from the Jutathep Family. I enjoyed its cool weather and great atmosphere. One drama set was on a mountain Jungfrau and it was snowing. I was thrilled to be there.

Student Weekly: What is your goal in showbiz?

Nongh: I don't expect to be famous like my brother Boy. I just focus on my work. I don't want to expect anything because if the result is different from my anticipation, I might get hurt. I believe that if I try my best, my acting will develop well.

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