Men’s Folio welcomes November 2023 cover star Mew Suppasit to the fore — complete with a knack for calculations, time management, and a will to dive headfirst into unchartered waters in the name of movies, music and moving hearts.
On the cover: Extreme 3.0 142 Bag in Fern Blue, Montblanc; Shirt, pants, shoes, all Tod’s
Joining the entertainment industry is not an easy choice — if you could even have the chance to choose. Especially if you are already steadily moving towards an end goal with a more stable — or traditional — guarantee of success. It takes guts, no doubt, and a certain resilience to deviate. But if one was truly meant to take the road less travelled, this leap of faith into the fertile grounds of the unknown will prove ever more fulfilling — unlocking the potential to break boundaries while discovering more and newer horizons.
Such is the case for Mew Suppasit — celebrated Thai actor, singer and entrepreneur — who was once set to pursue an esteemed career in industrial engineering. The Mew we are all familiar with as the character Tharn from the immensely popular TharnType: The Series was at one point a math and science enthusiast. Studious, yes, but there was always a bigger dreamer behind his hard-working and resourceful front. He got his start in the industry after being scouted by a modelling agency, but this exciting initiation into the bright new world of cameras and flashing lights did not let his passion for higher education waver. It only spurred the actor to continue to further his academic ambitions, while whetting his appetite for moreon-screen opportunities.
More screen time was what the 32-year-old did get — appearing in projects like Drama For All: Super Maen, Love Me Again, and Home School — and many upcoming ones that include a Korean-Thai collaboration series titled, Love Is Like A Cat. These collaborative endeavours also allowed him to explore his affection for musical expression, connecting with numerous artistes to hone a sound that only serves to stack on his admirable, multi-faceted approach to self-fulfilment and celebrating the joie de vivré. But the CEO of Mew Suppasit Studio is not done yet. In a casual sit down with Men’s Folio, we speak to Mew to learn more about his acting journey, the art of consciously choosing both head and heart, and how learning to embrace the many hats he wears fans the flame to persist in creativity — constantly reinventing himself for a more meaningful tomorrow.
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Hi Mew! How has life been these days?
I’m currently working on several TV series. I’ve inked deals for several, and many productions are set to be broadcast on television next year. I’m excited and dedicated to this.
Would you consider this week’s schedule to be particularly busy?
Currently, I have a lot on my plate. I strive to balance my schedule and ensure I get sufficient rest. I make sure to allocate time for working out, as it helps to decrease my stress levels. When I don’t exercise, I tend to feel more stressed.
What is your ideal day’s schedule like?
Each day, I give my all to my work, but I also prioritise time for exercise and rest. Sleep is my ultimate form of rest, usually lasting six to eight hours. A deep sleep is especially rejuvenating for me.
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Before I dive into your various creative pursuits, why did you decide to study industrial engineering?
Looking back to my university days, I initially enrolled as a basic engineer. I didn’t have the opportunity to select a major at first. However, after my sophomore year, I made my choice. It became clear that physics wasn’t my preferred subject, leading me to opt for industrial engineering, emphasising mathematics — a subject I enjoy.
Last I heard, you’re working towards a PhD in the discipline. Why continue to do so even with a career in entertainment on the side?
I feel it’s another dream I want to succeed in. It’s not easy to be here, but now I have to be patient to learn about the theory. However, I’m learning patiently. I hope to manage my schedule to pursue a doctorate someday.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from completing these degrees that you apply in your daily life, music or acting jobs?
I learned about management while studying industrial engineering, which I now apply to my daily schedule for rest, self-improvement and workout routines. This practice is crucial in the entertainment industry, where our body serves as the primary tool for acting.
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So now that we’re here. Did you ever foresee yourself joining the entertainment industry when you were younger? Were you considered more of a creative or a nerdy kid growing up?
Getting into this industry felt like a stroke of luck. I was once a studious kid — focusing on math and science, needing extra tutoring before entering university to grasp the basics of engineering. Then, a modelling agency reached out to me, allowing me to participate in advertising campaigns, music videos and fashion shows. That’s how I started working in this field.
What’s the story behind your first acting gig on I Am Your King? How did this opportunity come along, and what made you say yes?
I believe such an opportunity doesn’t come easily, so I decided to audition for it. Eventually, I landed a minor guest role, which provided valuable insights into the workings of the industry. It helped me understand the challenges involved and pushed me to test my limits.
Did you ever envision being part of a project as big and successdul as TharnType: The Series, which is arguably your most notable work today?
I had no idea it would be like this — like TharnType story, a renowned tale. My priority then was acting, figuring out how to make the readers of this story accept my portrayal. I aimed for my acting skills to match the character in the story, not considering how famous I could become.
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What was your favourite memory from that project?
It was a significant moment for me when I was chosen to portray the character Tharn, as he was the leading actor in the series. It was also my first time playing a lead role.
How do you think you’ve grown as an actor from then?
Following this story, the challenge arose with the onset of COVID-19, affecting my ability to be on set and engage in production. I temporarily transitioned to focus on music, then returned to acting. However, due to the impacts of the pandemic, I hope my fans can be patient. It might take some time for those works I was working on to air.
You’ve also embarked on a Korea-Thailand collaboration series, Love Is Like A Cat. How was working on thie different from your regular series productions?
The major difference was that everyone spoke Korean in the series, while I was the only one speaking Thai. This meant I had to memorise everyone’s lines to ensure my reactions were accurate. It was tough.
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Speaking of collaborations, your music career has taken off with you becoming the first Thai artist to chart on Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales Chart. What led you to start music?
I have a personal passion for music. Working in this field is a commitment, almost like fulfilling a dream. When I saw myself on Billboard, it felt surreal — surpassing my expectations, and I was overjoyed.
How does this complement your acting career, if any?
In acting, encountering diverse characters motivates me constantly to enhance my skills and explore new avenues. This versatility also translates into my personal life. For instance, if a character requires musical abilities or singing skills, it provides a beneficial blend for my acting endeavours.
You’ve also bagged an illustrious list of collaborators that include HONNE, Sam Kim, Bumkey and most recently, EXO’s Suho. What’s something you’ve learned from working with each of these artistes?
I’ve learned the most from adapting to diverse situations and utilising various skills. Working alongside such professional individuals has been a rewarding experience. I’m thrilled to collaborate with such high-achieving individuals and grateful for the opportunity to work with everyone.
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Are there any particularly fun memories from these collaborations?
I’ve encountered various situations, such as my meeting with HONNE, whom I deeply admire. During our meeting, I was so overwhelmed with excitement that I could barely hear anything. Eventually, I gathered my composure when he asked about the kind of music I desired, and I suggested a “space love song”. This led to the creation of “Spaceman”. Additionally, after working with Suho, we developed a friendship. He’s a wonderful person. Whenever I visit Korea or when he comes to Thailand, we make sure to stay in touch. Occasionally, we even get the chance to collaborate overseas. Currently, we’re good friends.
It’s also a must to mention that you’re a CEO. You must be a master at time management — which part of your personality makes you capable of performing like this?
I believe my background in industrial engineering has contributed significantly. The main focus of this field is simplifying processes and reducing costs. This perspective has opened my eyes to the importance of minimising the time required to enhance quality which, in turn, aids in managing my schedule efficiently.
What’s a piece of advice you can give on managing so many activites (so well) and at the same time?
We all have the same amount of time: 24 hours a day. Effectively managing this time is crucial. It’s not feasible to work round the clock; we need to allocate time for both work and personal life, including rest. Some individuals require eight hours of sleep, so it’s essential to be mindful of our body’s signals, as they indicate when something isn’t right. Listening to our body is imperative.
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How about a piece of advice you would like to give Mew from 10 years ago?
(Laughs) I want to emphasise the importance of exercising more, as well as incorporating vitamins and nutritious food into our diets.
What kind of person or artiste do you hope to be known as in the next five years?
I aim to excel as an actor and musician, dedicating myself to improvement and exploring more opportunities in both fields.
What new projects should we look forward to?
Currently, I’m involved in a series called Home Room, which is proving to be mymost challenging project yet. Nevertheless, I am fully committed to delivering a remarkable performance. The series revolves around the dynamic between teachers and students. Additionally, I am also part of Mon Rak Luk Thung, a remake series that has left a lasting impression each time it has been produced. I invite everyone to follow this series to experience the essence of Thai culture, enjoy some light-hearted fun and delve into romantic comedy. Please stay tuned!
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Photography Chee Wei
Creative Direction & Styling Izwan Abdullah
Grooming Armytoast
Hair Patyos Prasart
Set Design Yukon Boonprasart
Fashion Coordination Manfred Lu
Photography Assistant Thammasorn Phongjaratjiradet
Styling & Production Assistant Ratchada Tuptimphet
Grooming Assistant Sitthisak Sroisila
Set Assistant Katawoot Suphankong
Production Aung Apichai
The November 2023 issue featuring Mew Suppasit on the cover is available at major newsstands in Singapore. For order enquiries, please email us at ordersg@heart-media.com. We ship worldwide. Alternatively, visit this link.
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