The Thai actress is stepping into 2025 with grace, gratitude, and a newfound focus on inner peace.
Supatsara Thanachat, affectionately known as “Kao”, may be one of Thailand’s most versatile actresses, but her path to the screen was hardly conventional. “Acting was never my original intention,” she shares. The 29-year-old had initially set out to be a model, but fate had a different plan. “Twelve years ago, I [landed my first commercial]. Then, by sheer luck, I was offered a role in a TV series—and I got it. From that moment, I became an actress, something I never expected.”
The pivotal moment took place in 2012, when she joined the cast of Club Friday, a series of short stories inspired by real-life calls to a radio program. Each episode depicted raw, honest tales from everyday people, and Kao was one of its leading stars. But stepping onto the set for the first time, she admits, was a daunting experience. “I was young and naive, and I felt extremely nervous and stressed,” she recalls. “But looking back, that initial stress was a crucial part of my growth.”
Her big break came in 2015 with Hormones: The Series, a groundbreaking coming-of-age drama that captured the pulse of Thai youth. With its bold exploration of taboo subjects and the complexities of teenage life, the show became a nationwide sensation. As Sprite, the rebellious high school student grappling with love and societal expectations, Kao won over audiences, solidifying her place in the entertainment industry and catapulting her to a household name.
Her versatility in acting has only expanded since then. In the Thai drama Anguished Love (2018), she took on the challenge of playing dual roles—Sarapee, a cold-hearted woman with a criminal past, and Nisa, her morally upright counterpart. The stark contrast between the two characters highlights the thespian’s ability to embody both antagonistic and sympathetic roles with equal conviction.
Her most recent project is Faceless Love (2023), a Thai adaptation of the Japanese drama Rich Man, Poor Woman. Kao’s captivating portrayal of Mirin, a young woman who lies about her identity to land a job, alongside her effortless chemistry with co-star “Dew” Jirawat Sutivanichsak, once again showcased her ability to excel in roles that demand both charisma and depth.
Each role, she says, has been a stepping stone in her personal and professional growth. “Every role teaches me something new,” she reflects. “Whether it’s from work or life, each experience shapes me a little more. I adapt to the character, the environment, and even [the surprises] that come with the job.”
When asked about her dream role or genre, Kao’s response is refreshingly pragmatic: “I have no specific role or genre I want to play right now. I just want to work on projects that make me happy, where I can push myself to be the best I can be. There are so many factors—like the script and the team—that make a project truly great.”
Still, even the most dedicated artists can experience moments of burnout. Finding fresh inspiration to take on new and diverse roles can be tough, admits the actress. “It can be difficult to feel inspired all the time when [some days it feels like you’re doing the same thing again and again],” she shares. “But I focus on the role I’m working on, and I try to give it my all.”
If you have any tips on how to find fresh inspiration, I would really appreciate any advice!
Kao’s down-to-earth attitude extends beyond her career. Family has always been a guiding force in the actress’s life, and the values instilled in her youth continue to shape her today. “Be humble, kind, and treat everyone equally,” she says, echoing advice from her family that has shaped her outlook on both work and life.
And as the holiday season approaches, Kao is looking forward to the quiet moments at home. “The holiday period is the best time to stay home and be with my friends and family,” she says. “I rarely travel during this time because of the crowds. This year, I have no plans yet—maybe I’ll just spend time with my dogs to recharge for next year!” For her, maintaining balance is key. “In my free time, I prioritise my mental and physical health,” she shares. “And my dogs—nothing beats the support and joy they bring.”
Reflecting on the past year, the actress is content. “This year, I learned a lot about myself. I found more of my peace and happiness, so for the coming year, I wouldn’t look for anything special. I just want to keep focusing on the present moment.”
With three to four projects lined up for release—including Malaysian film Kong Tao—Kao’s 2025 is already shaping up to be an exciting year. “I’m excited and eager to see [my works that will be released next year], especially one project that’s still under wraps—I can’t say much, but it will be streaming globally on an online platform,” she teases. “Please stay tuned!”
As she gears up for another busy year, it’s clear that Kao isn’t just ready for what’s next—she’s embracing it with open arms. “The best moments in life come when you least expect them,” she says brightly. For this rising star, we’re sure that the best is yet to come.
Photography: Wee Yang
Styling: Ian Loh
Hair: Panithan Summa
Makeup: Newtron Whangvisarn
Styling Assistants: Lorraine Chai, Pongsatorn Pairloy
Producer: Ratchada Tubtimphet
Set Design: Yukon Boonprasat
Photography Assistants: Manit Jumpa, Worawut Wanthananisan
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