Second wind

Typhoon turns to acting

By Suwitcha Chaiyong
Photos by Varuth Hirunyatheb

When Kanokchat Munyad-On (Typhoon) was young he became addicted to entering singing competitions and chasing his dream of becoming a professional singer. He didn’t win a significant prize until 2012, when he came second at the KPN Awards. Since then, Typhoon has developed his skills and the 24-year-old singer turned actor is now a busy star.

TV viewers recently enjoyed seeing Typhoon in Gam Lai Mas (Antique Bracelet), where he plays Arm, a guy with a crush on his friend Kaomas, played by prominent actress Janie Tienphosuwan.

Student Weekly met up with Typhoon at Kagonaya restaurant where he told us about his acting and his hobby.

Student Weekly: What does winning the KPN award mean to you?

Typhoon: It means a lot. I’ve dreamed of having a label from a singing competition for a long time, especially from KPN because the winners have received His Majesty the King's Trophies. However, I didn’t make it until 2012. When I won second place, my mom told me that we didn’t have to go to auditions any more. We’d waited for this award so long.

Student Weekly: When did you start Latin dancing?

Typhoon: During primary school I learned Latin dance and the teacher told me and my partner to perform at a school event. At first, I didn’t like to dance, but I eventually fell in love with it.

Student Weekly: Is it true that you won first prize at the Thailand University Games?

Typhoon: Yes, I’d danced in competitions for a decade, but had never made it to the final round. This time I practiced with my partner seriously for a month. I focused on dancing and didn’t accept any other work. When I won first prize, I was thrilled. I realised that there was nothing I can’t do. If I want to achieve anything, I have to give it my all.

Student Weekly: Did you remember your first time acting?

Typhoon: My first role was in a short TV programme, Sai Suep Boy Band (Boy Band Detective). It took me a long time to remember my dialogue because I couldn’t concentrate. I was so stiff and totally unnatural. [Laughs.] But it was my first step and I’m proud of having been through it. Acting is another dream job of mine. I always wished that I could see myself on TV.

Student Weekly: What was it like to work with Janie Tienphosuwan?

Typhoon: When I first met Janie, I didn’t have time to prepare for my role, so I had to reshoot the same scene many times. Janie was very friendly. She made conversation with me to make me comfortable because I had to play her best friend. I used to think she was a superior celebrity, but she is down to earth.

Student Weekly: Are there any other actors you were impressed by?

Typhoon: Chai Chatayodom played my father in the series Khong Gaphan Naree (Immortal Woman). I looked up to him because he played a gay character in the show Madam Dun (Talent Scout) and his acting was convincing. I felt attached to him like he was my father. He’s so cool. We had a dramatic scene together and I cried a lot.

Student Weekly: Can you tell us more about your character in Immortal Woman?

Typhoon: My character Dangmakam is spoilt. He behaves badly but he has a good heart. He wants his dad to accept him, so he decides to help run his dad’s illegal business despite his unwillingness. He later becomes a better person. He’s interesting because his character switches back and forth.

Student Weekly: Is it true that you’d like to play a gay character?

Typhoon: Yes. A gay character is colourful and interesting. Because I’m a dancer, I hang out with many gay people and my best friends are gay. So, I have some characteristics that make people think I’m gay, but I’m straight.

Student Weekly: How did learn to play guitar?

Typhoon: I learned it myself since I was a primary school student. I love guitar and used to play in a band. I’ve collected 10 guitars so far. They’re made from different kinds of wood and from are different places such as Brazil and Hawaii. I’m now learning how to make a wooden guitar.

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