Gulf Kanawut is a modern-day renaissance man

Taken from the new print issue of THE FACE. Get your copy here.

For the teenage would-be superstar, there are a handful of tried and tested routes to getting there. Option A: get your mug on TV, preferably on a groundbreaking show that attracts millions of viewers. B: suit up and hit the runway, perfecting your strut on catwalks until a megawatt brand like Gucci makes you the face of its campaign. C: prove your chops in the music industry, ink a deal with a major record label and shoot up the charts. Or you could do all three – like Gulf Kanawut, the actor-slash-pop-star-slash-model who, by all measures, is one of Thailand’s most in-demand stars.

At 26, the Bangkok native, real name Kanawut Traipipattanapong, has already spent nine years putting in hard graft across all industries, first making a name for himself as an actor before dipping his toes into the worlds of music and fashion.

His big break? That groundbreaking TV show, TharnType: The Series, which follows the story of a homophobic uni student (that’s Gulf) who comes to terms with his identity when he develops feelings for his gay roommate. The show was so popular in Thailand that it spawned a sequel and even earned Gulf and his co-star Mew Suppasit an award for Best Kiss Scene at 2020’s Line TV Awards. Not bad considering the role was only his second professional acting gig.

Not one to rest on his laurels, since then Gulf has pursued many projects, including but not limited to: belting it out in Thai pop band Boyfriends, belting it out on his own solo singles, making his big screen debut in romcom Buaphan Fan Yap, and showing off his style credentials at Milan Fashion Week. All that, and he even found time to get a degree in Industrial Education and Technology. Blimey! Puts our uni extracurriculars to shame…

Hi Gulf! When did you first discover you wanted to be an actor?

I never thought that I would become an actor. It all started with an unexpected opportunity [to appear in a guest role on TV show Mafia Luerd Mungkorn: Singha]. At that time, I wasn’t even sure what I liked or didn’t like about acting. But I saw it as a challenge, so I decided to try it out. At first, I had to adjust and improve many things, from learning new acting skills and adapting to the entertainment industry environment to overcoming my fears and anxieties. It’s been a tough road to get to where I am now.

Indeed. And you got that first gig at just 17. What was it like entering the industry at such a wide-eyed, impressionable, young age?

I was so excited because everything was new to me – working on a film set, working with other actors and crew who had more experience than me, adapting and learning new things. It was a challenging yet exciting experience. When I received my paycheck for the job, it was so satisfying. It made me feel that all my efforts and hard work had paid off. That gave me the will and determination to continue working in this industry. I didn’t have the foundation that others did [through formal acting training], but I believe that perseverance helped me achieve my goal. I tried to gain experience at every opportunity that came my way. I learned from those who had more experience and consistently worked to develop my skills.

Four years later, you had your breakthrough moment in TharnType: The Series. Did it change your life?

That was the defining moment in my career. It received a great reception from fans, made me a household name and opened new doors for me in the industry. The success gave me the encouragement and confidence to strive forward.

Can you remember the first time you acted in front of people?

The first time I performed on stage was in a kindergarten three [primary school] performance. It was a small show, but I was so excited. I remember being very nervous.

Are there any actors who have inspired you on your journey?

Heath Ledger! I love his work. No matter what kind of role he had, he could convey the emotions and become the character with depth and precision. He rose to every challenge and made me realise that acting is not just about playing a role, but actually becoming a character, convincing the audience, and creating empathy and understanding.

How does that differ from the way you’d prep for a modelling job?

The preparation process for an acting job takes much longer, because there are workshops and table readings to help understand and get into the character’s heart. On the other hand, preparation for a modelling job places more emphasis on self-care – getting enough rest so your looks and energy are at their highest level during the photoshoot, ensuring your image is always perfect.

How would you describe your style?

Easygoing and vintage. I like casual looks that are simple and I like outfits with some vintage elements. It’s simple, but it’s me.

And how do you unwind on those all important days off?

I like to sleep in, relax and play with my cats. It helps me relax, relieves stress and makes me happy. It helps me recharge so that I’m ready to go back to work again.

Do you ever see your cat walking somewhere quite purposefully and think: where on earth are they going?

They must have something in mind that they want to do – some purpose, or something that interests them.

How is the Gulf the world sees different to the person your friends and family know when you’re not ​“on”?

When I’m with my friends and family, the true Gulf is a fun-loving person who can let his hair down and be himself.

Are you the type of person to stay at a party until the very end, or do you make a French exit early on?

If I have to work the following day, I will excuse myself early to rest and be ready for work. If I don’t have to work the next day, I’ll stay until the end and have a great time.

Very sensible. What’s one thing that people might be surprised to learn about you?

I enjoy playing with Lego. It helps my concentration.

We hear you support Chelsea FC, too. Do you think Cole Palmer should be in the starting line-up for England?

Definitely! He is a wonderfully talented player.

What’s the first thing you do when you get up in the morning?

Check social media to get the latest updates before I start the day.

And the last thing you do before going to bed?

I also check my social media to see what has happened during the day! Then I can go to sleep.

What’s your favourite sandwich filling?

Ham and cheese.

And what should THE FACE readers always remember?

To embrace their individuality and uniqueness. They should be confident in their own skin and not be afraid to express themselves. They should also be open to new experiences and challenges, and always strive to be the best version of themselves.

Sage advice. Thanks, Gulf!

HAIR STYLIST Tiyanon Kamtawai MAKE-UP ARTIST Chanaphan K. SET DESIGN Wink ASSOCIATE CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kieren Birtchnall HEAD OF PRODUCTION Adam Lilley PROJECT DIRECTOR Victoria De Zanche FASHION ASSISTANT Hollie Williamson PHOTO ASSISTANT Hugo Veuillet CAMERA OPERATOR Jake Walker LOCAL PRODUCTION 10 Years Later EDITOR Thomas Goldser c/​o Image Partnership POST PRODUCTION Avenues COLOUR Sharon Cho Ki Chung c/​o Avenues SOUND DESIGN Suren Seneviratne