Secret success

Seaweed story hits the screen

By Suwitcha Chaiyong and Ploy Thamma
Photos by Varuth Hirunyatheb and courtesy of GTH

Filmmaker Songyos Sugmakanan, known for directing blockbusters like My Girl and Dorm, recently broke new ground by making the first biopic about a successful Thai entrepreneur.

Wai Roon Phan Lan (Top Secret) is about Itthipat Kulpongvanich (Tob), who at the age of 19 created the popular Tao Kae Noi brand of crispy seaweed. Tob's family went bankrupt when he was 18, but within a year he became rich with his seaweed being sold at more than 3,000 convenience stores.

Suckseed star Pachara Chirathivat (Peach), 18, plays Tob in Top Secret, while Tob's girlfriend Lin is played by 16-year-old newcomer Walanlak Kumsuwan (Mookmai).

Student Weekly recently met up with Peach and Mookmai at the GTH office to hear all about their Top Secret.

Student Weekly: How did you feel about acting in a biopic?

Peach: Initially I didn't want to work on this movie because I heard that Songyos was a very tough director. But when I read the script, I found that the character would be really challenging to play, so I accept the role.

Mookmai: I was glad to be involved in this movie. It's a film that inspires people to make their dreams come true.

Student Weekly: Peach, how did you feel about taking on a lead role?

Peach: It was quite stressful. In Suckseed, there were many lead actors, but for this film I had to do many scenes on my own. The director noticed that I was stressed, so he reminded me that making a movie is about team work, not just the work of one person.

Student Weekly: Mookmai, can you tell us about your character in the film?

Mookmai: Lin is Tob's girlfriend. She tries to persuade him to go back to school, but Tob wants to focus on his business.

I didn't meet the real Lin, but my acting coach told me about her character and personality. I hope my character isn't too different from what she's really like.

Student Weekly: Peach, have you actually met Tob?

Peach: I had a few meals with him. The director told me to spend some time with Tob so that I could imitate his personality. I tried to adapt the way he thinks and acts into my character.

Student Weekly: What's Tob like in real life?

Peach: He's bold and sharp. He has a great imagination and a strong determination to succeed. He never gives up when he faces difficulties.

Student Weekly: Do you think it's important to have a university degree, since Tob became a millionaire without one?

Peach: Yes, it's important. If you don't have a degree, you won't be accepted for job interviews. But you also need the ability to work hard. Many people can't get a job after they've earned their degrees.

Mookmai: Tob's story is unusual. He didn't study because he focused on making money to pay his family's debt. But these days it's important to have a degree, and studying can also enhance your life experiences.

Student Weekly: Do you have any favourite scenes in the film?

Peach: There's an emotional scene that we had to finish filming before sunset. I thought it was going to be very difficult, but I was able to finish it in a few hours.

Mookmai: I like the part where there's an event to welcome university freshmen. It was really fun. I also like the scene where I fight with Peach. Peach told me to push him really hard, but he had to go to hospital with a sprained hand after filming the scene!

Student Weekly: Why should people check out Top Secret?

Peach: This type of film has never been made in Thailand before. Tob is a successful entrepreneur and people wonder how he became a millionaire at such a young age. But the movie isn't only about business. It's also about family. Seeing this film will make you love your family more.