Thai actors & actresses in international movies
Many great Asian actors had the opportunity to be part of the cast in Hollywood movies, and we were wondering if any Thai actors had the chance to shine on the international stage. Upon conducting some research, we were surprised to discover that some Thai actors appeared in international movies.
Here are 9 talented Thai actors and actresses who landed roles in international movies.
1. Tony Jaa (โทนี่ จา) — a globally famous action actor
Image credit: @FilmsActu via YouTube
We’re sure most people know Tony Ja. He is the most famous action movie star in Thailand. His well-known movies include Ong Bak, Tom Yum Kung 1-3, and The Protector 1-2. With his martial arts and stuntman skills, he made it to Hollywood and was featured in many American movies such as Fast and Furious 7, Master Z: Ip Man Legacy, Triple Threat, Expend4bles etc. If Hong Kong has Jackie Chan, we take pride in our Tony Jaa.
2. Mike Pirat (ไมค์ พิรัช) — a handsome Thai singer who got a role in an international movie
Image credit: Wallpaper Abyss — Alpha Coders
Mike Pirat has been known as a duo artist with his brother, Golf Pichaya, during the 2000s. Their music was a hit among teens back then. However, Pirat has turned into an actor in recent years.
In 2021, he landed his first role in a Hollywood movie, “The Misfits.” He portrayed a bomb maker and had the opportunity to work alongside Pierce Brosnan. He described the experience as “nice” and mentioned that he learned a lot from Brosnan during the filming process.
3. Pu Praya (ปู ไปรยา) — works for the UNHCR
Image credit: IMDB
Pu Praya Lundberg is a Swedish-Thai model and actress. In addition to her extensive career in Thailand’s showbiz industry spanning over 15 years, she is recognized as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Notably, she holds the distinction of being the first Goodwill Ambassador from Southeast Asia.
After relocating to pursue her acting career in America, she joined the cast of “Paradise City,” a production featuring Bruce Willis as one of the main actors. Her portrayal as a sexy and sassy spy captured the attention of many viewers.
4. Pong Nawat (ป้อง ณวัตน์) — a hot Thai actor in China
Screenshot: @ช่อง one31 via YouTube
Even though not all actors make it big in Hollywood, some find fame in Asia instead. Like Pong Nawat, who snagged a lead role in “Love Jewelry,” a Chinese drama. He was stoked to be the only Thai in the cast, and the show got tons of love from Chinese fans. Plus, it even made its way to Thai screens via the One 31 channel.
5. Ying Rhatha (หญิง รฐา) — a beautiful actress who performed alongside Ryan Gosling
Image credit: @Edith Baz via Pinterest
Another noteworthy Thai actress who made her mark in Hollywood is Ying Rhatha Po-ngam. She is the daughter of Suthep Po-ngam — a Thai comedian. Ying Rhatha appeared in two Hollywood movies. The first one is Only God Forgives, in which she starred alongside Ryan Gosling. The next one is Mechanics: Resurrection where she played the role of a courier for Jason Statham.
Apart from her acting career, she also works as a singer and a TV host.
6. Mario Maurer (มาริโอ้ เมาเร่อ) — has a lot of Chinese fans
Screenshot: @1905 Movie Theater via YouTube
The name “Mario Maurer” gained recognition among Chinese audiences when he starred in the movie “Love On That Day” in China in 2012. However, over the years, he has got thousands of fans from many countries in Asia. If you check his IG account, you might spot many foreign comments, including Mandarin.
In Thailand, Mario Maurer has been a leading actor who can make girls scream whenever he appears, thanks to his handsome looks. He has also performed in tons of movies and Thai dramas since he was a teenager. The globally famous ones are The Love of Siam (ฝัน หวาย อาย จูบ), A Little Thing Called Love (สิ่งเล็กๆ ที่เรียกว่ารัก), and Pee Mak (พี่มากพระขโนง).
His personal interests include skateboarding, classic cars, and hip-hop. He also has a YouTube channel called “Mario World“.
7. Sara Malakul Lane (ซาร่า มาลากุล) — got many roles in Hollywood movies
Image credit: IMDB
Sara Malakul Lane might not be famous in Thai society, but she participated in many Hollywood movies. One of her notable films is Jailbait which was released in 2014. The movie revolves around life in a female prison that’s filled with violence and sex.
She started her career in the entertainment industry by appearing in a music video at the age of 15. She also appeared in some Thai soap operas before moving to the states.
8. Poyd Treechada (ปอย ตรีชฎา) — from a model to an actress in a Chinese movie
Image credit: the-white-storm.tumblr
Known as an LGBT celebrity, Poyd Treechada is dubbed Thailand’s “most beautiful transgender woman”. At 17, she had surgery to affirm her gender.
When she was 19, she claimed victory in both Miss Tiffany’s 2004 and Miss International Queen 2004. Regarding her acting, she appeared in several movies. In 2014, she got the chance to play the role of a Thai drug dealer in The White Storm — a Hong Kong-Chinese crime action film. Also, in 2015, she portrayed a mafia boss in the action comedy film “From Vegas to Macau II,” alongside Hong Kong actors Chow Yun-fat, Carina Lau, and Shawn Yue.
9. Nirut Sirichanya (นิรุตติ์ ศิริจรรยา) — featured in The Hangover 2
Image credit: IMDB
The last on our list is a senior actor — Nirut Sirichanya. Aged 76, Nirut has appeared in numerous Thai TV dramas and films. His portrayal of Lauren’s father, Fong, in the 2011 sequel “The Hangover Part II” catapulted him to international recognition. Furthermore, he is the recipient of the Suphannahong National Film Awards for Best Supporting Actor.
Keep an eye out for their future international movies
No wonder why they made it big in Hollywood films. They are all great actors with impressive acting skills. We support these guys and hope they appear more in international movies.
For similar articles, explore 11 romantic Thai movies to watch with your bae, 10 scariest Thai movies to enjoy on Halloween, and 8 Thai comedy films that guarantee non-stop laughter.
Cover image adapted from: @realyingrhatha via Instagram and @mario_mm38 via Instagram