Twice the talent

Teng1 takes on two careers

By Suwitcha Chaiyong and Husnee Ngasakul
Photos by Varuth Hirunyatheb

After making it as a teen idol with top boy band B.O.Y from 2008 to 2010, Kanist Piyapaphakornkoon (Teng1) became a full-time television actor.

The 27-year-old star landed his first leading role in the sitcom Moradok Bantueng (Heritage Programme). Since then, Teng1 has been successful acting in shows like the TV drama Ploeng Prom (Destiny) and the recent comedy series Anko Kon Ruk Strawberry (The Tricky Game of Love), in which he played a sidekick of the lead character played by superstar Chompoo Araya.

Apart from his acting work, Teng1 recently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts at Ramkhamhaeng University. He also signed a new contract with B.O.Y.’s old label GMM Grammy, and has been recording new songs with producers at Grammy subsidiary G.iD. In addition to all that, the busy star has also been working on his first TV period drama, Ploeng Chim Plee (Trouble in Paradise).

Student Weekly recently met up with Teng1 at the G.iD office, where he told us about his acting experiences, his upcoming single and his sporting hobby.

Student Weekly: How did you find the time to finish your university studies?

Teng1: I took evening courses, so I was able to attend classes at night and work during the day. But when we had to film a night scene for a TV series, I had to head back to the set after I finished class.

Student Weekly: Are any of the characters that you’ve played similar to you in real life?

Teng1: Kim Bom in The Tricky Game of Love. He liked to dress up and always talked in a casual way. I had a ball playing Kim Bom.

Student Weekly: Were you nervous about working with Chompoo Araya?

Teng1: I was thrilled. Chompoo is a laid-back person. We hit it off after having a conversation. She’s very friendly and more down-to-earth than people might think from her public image.

Student Weekly: Which TV series has been the toughest for you to work on so far?

Teng1: The one I’m working on now, Trouble in Paradise. It’s tough because the filming locations are far away in Chiang Mai, Kanchanaburi, Phetchabun, Chanthaburi and Khao Yai National Park.

The story is also dramatic. I play Tham, the son of a mistress who doesn’t know that he was adopted. There are a lot of dramatic crying scenes. I felt a bit crazy when I had to totally change my emotions for different scenes.

Student Weekly: How do you feel about mostly having supporting roles?

Teng1: I’m pleased. Every acting role is important. I don’t mind playing a leading role or a supporting one. I have fun with all of them.

Student Weekly: What kind of TV series do you like to work on the most?

Teng1: I like comedies the most, but dramas are more challenging because I don’t work dramas as often.

Student Weekly: Since you’ve visited both Macau and Guangzhou, which city did you enjoy the most?

Teng1: I preferred Macau because it’s more modern. I was in Guangzhou for six days to visit factories because I planned to run a business. The biggest culture shock I felt was when using public restrooms in China, because sometimes Chinese people don’t close the door when they’re on the toilet.

Student Weekly: We heard that you spend your free time running. Can you tell us about your long-distance running experiences?

Teng1: My first time running a long-distance race was quite a bad experience. It was 22 kilometres long, which was beyond my capabilities. After reaching the finish line, I had to be put in a wheelchair and was sent to see a doctor. I had polymyositis and couldn’t walk for three days.

Student Weekly: Can you tell us about your upcoming single?

Teng1: It’s a vibrant pop dance song that represents me. The lyrics are about love from a mature point of view.

Student Weekly: Do you have any special message for your fans?

Teng1: Do your best with everything you do for yourself and your family. I’m working with GMM Grammy again, so I hope fans of my earlier music check out my new songs. I’ll keep trying harder to improve everything I do.

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