Issan adventure

Tanwa takes on Thep

By Tatat Bunnag

With the hot and humid summer fast approaching, movie fans might want to relax in a cool cinema watching the low-key romantic comedy movie Hug Na Sarakham, due to hit the big screen this week.

Hug Na Sarakham is a light-hearted teen romance movie directed by Tanwarin Sukkhapisit. Set in northeastern province Maha Sarakham, the film is about the complicated relationships of a group of teens who fall in love over the summer.

The movie stars handsome 20-year-old actor and model Tanwa Suriyachak, who recently arrived in Thailand after living in Pakse, Laos. Also in the film are local stars Pawinee Wiriyachaikit (Milk) and comedian Tukky Sudarat.

Student Weekly recently caught up with Tanwa, who told us all about his acting debut and his rising career in Thailand.

Student Weekly: How did your acting career in Thailand begin?

Tanwa: I've been living in Thailand for just over a year. Before that I lived in Laos, where my family had moved when I was little. One day I was approached by somebody from a Thai modelling agency while I was eating noodles on the street and they asked if I wanted to be an actor in Thailand! I love Thailand and I'm a fan of Thai showbiz, so I said yes.

Student Weekly: Was Hug Na Sarakham your first acting job here?

Tanwa: It's my first feature film. Before that I did a few modelling jobs for Elle Fashion Week and fashion shoots for magazines like Image and Hamburger. I've also been acting in a Thai TV drama for channel seven.

Student Weekly: Can you tell us about your character in Hug Na Sarakham?

Tanwa: I play a university student named Thep. This guy is really hot — all the girls scream and chase after him wherever he goes! Thep has a crush on a girl named Kate, who is played by Milk.

Student Weekly: How did you go with your first movie role?

Tanwa: It went well. I had to prepare myself by taking acting classes and learning to speak Thai properly. Before that, I could only speak Lao [Laughs.] My character in the movie is supposed look Korean, so I had to do a lot of research about K-pop fashions before filming. I normally dress in a very casual way and I had no idea about Korean fashion at all.

Student Weekly: What's your favourite memory from making Hug Na Sarakham?

Tanwa: The whole experience was great. I was excited to work with Tukky. I was a big fan of her TV programmes when I was living in Laos. I watched her show Ching Loi Ching Lan all the time. I was nervous when we first met, but she's really friendly. We had great time chatting in Issan dialect on the set.

Student Weekly: What makes Hug Na Sarakham different from other teen romance films?

Tanwa: It's just another feel-good film, but it's set in Maha Sarakham province and most of the characters speak Issan dialogue. Besides being entertaining, you can learn about Issan life and culture by watching this movie.