Mr. nice guy

Tao is back on the small screen

By Thanakrit Charoenphon
and Suwitcha Chaiyong
Photos by Varuth Hirunyatheb
and courtesy of Halo Productions

The Academy Fantasia singer, Sattaphong Phiangphor (Tao), has been busy this year. The 25-year-old actor has impressed viewers with his roles in several popular TV series including the drama Sood Khaen Saen Rak (Revenge and Love), the romantic comedy I Wanna Be a Superstar and his latest series, Kiss Me: Rak Lon Jai Nai Gaeng Joob (Kiss Me), which is currently showing on True4U, True Asian HD and True Asian Series.

In Kiss Me, which was adapted from the Japanese manga, Itazura na Kiss (Playful Kiss), Tao plays an aspiring chef called King who is in love with his best friend, Taliew (Aom Sushar). Unfortunately, Taliew doesn’t notice him because she is head over heels in love with a popular guy at the school named Ten Ten (Mike Pirat).

Student Weekly met up with Tao at a recent press conference for Kiss Me, where he talked about his characters and his acting career.

Student Weekly: How did people treat you after you were in Revenge and Love?

Tao: Fans recognized me more than before. When I was at a market, vendors always called me Captain, because of my character. They also asked about my girlfriend in the drama. It was great feedback.

Student Weekly: How do you feel about playing so many nice characters?

Tao: Actually, this kind of character isn’t like me. I’m not that nice. Though my characters all seem similar, their personalities are different. King in Kiss Me is naïve, while Mee Dee in I Wanna Be a Superstar is calm.

Student Weekly: Is there any character that’s similar to yourself?

Tao: No character is exactly like me, but there are some parts of their personalities that are similar to me. Both King and I are macho. We don’t hide our emotions and express how we feel directly.

Student Weekly: When did you realise that you liked acting?

Tao: Since I was in Academy Fantasia. At first, I didn’t know I could do it, but I had the opportunity to learn with many acting teachers. I’m very happy when I get into a character.

Student Weekly: Since King is an aspiring chef, can you cook?

Tao: I can cook Thai food such as spicy prawn soup and green chicken curry, but not as well as a real chef. The taste of my dishes is OK and it doesn’t cause any upset stomach. [Laughs.]

Student Weekly: How do you feel about working with Aom Sushar and Mike Pirat?

Tao: I’ve worked with Aom before. She’s professional and always well-prepared. Her personality is cheerful and friendly so I’m comfortable working with her. For Mike, he was initially quiet, but after a while we got along well since we’re the same age. He’s funny.

Student Weekly: How was atmosphere while filming Kiss Me?

Tao: I enjoyed working with everybody on the set. The crew was nice. Nobody complained about anything and the food was delicious. When we had a break, everybody would gather together which helped us to break the ice and act better because we had to be friends in the series too.

Student Weekly: Do you enjoy working as a TV host for the travel programme, The First?

Tao: Being a TV host is difficult because you have to make viewers keep watching the programme and make them interested in what you present. I’m thankful to the show that allow me to be the host. I also enjoy travelling and learning more about each country we visit.

Student Weekly: What kind of role you would like to try in the future?

Tao: I haven’t done any dramatic or action roles yet, but I’d like to play a romantic role.

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