Jacket, shirt, all Dior; B.zero1 Gold & Steel double band ring, Tubogas Gold & Steel bracelet, all Bvlgari
Jacket, shirt, all Dior; B.zero1 Gold & Steel two-band ring, Tubogas Gold & Steel bracelet, all Bvlgari
Few actors have navigated the worlds of cinema and fashion as seamlessly as Mile Phakphum. Catapulted to international recognition through KinnPorsche, the Thai actor and musician has steadily expanded his creative repertoire with the critically acclaimed Man Suang and his newest project, Shine, while cultivating a quiet yet commanding presence beyond the screen. Today, he stands as one of Southeast Asia’s defining cultural figures, balancing an evolving acting career with a growing influence in the global fashion landscape.
Whether attending the front rows of Paris Fashion Week or representing Thai creativity on the international stage, Mile has become synonymous with a modern approach to style. Each return to Paris has become more than another stop on the fashion calendar; it is a reunion with the friends, fans and collaborators who have followed his journey from the very beginning. As his career continues to evolve, so too does his understanding of creativity, identity and the impact of cultural storytelling. Men’s Folio sits down with Mile to reflect on artistic growth, the relationships that have shaped his career, and why the most meaningful legacy is built through the people and characters that remain with us long after the credits roll.
Jacket, shirt, skirt, all Thom Browne; B.zero1 single hoop earring, B.zero1 necklace, Octo Finissimo Automatic watch, all Bvlgari; Shoes, Christian Louboutin; Socks, Stylist’s own
Paris Fashion Week regularly brings you back to the city. What’s your most unforgettable memory there so far, and what do you think makes Paris feel so distinct for you? The people you’re travelling with, the environment, or something else entirely?
Honestly, I’m happy every time I visit Paris, and I always leave with beautiful memories. The most unforgettable and fun memory was during my very first Dior show. While in the car right before heading in, my friend, Pond Krisda (CEO of BeOnCloud), asked if I was nervous. I smiled and said, “A little bit, but I feel really excited.” It’s a great memory of exploring a new experience alongside a friend. I was also incredibly surprised that day to see so many fans waiting to support us after the show. I was having the chance to go out and wave to them… thinking about it makes me so happy.
As your career has expanded across both screen roles and global fashion spaces, how has your sense of self-expression evolved through the characters you play?
Fashion is a way to express one’s identity, taste, and personality without having to speak. Therefore, designing or delving into a character’s mindset to convey it through acting can greatly benefit from this perspective on fashion and dressing. Similarly, I choose to express my own feelings and identity through my personal sense of style. Fashion also creates little moments of happiness in everyday life.
Jacket, Rick Owens; B.zero1 Essential bracelet, B.zero1 Gold & Steel four-band ring, B.zero1 Gold & Steel two-band ring, Tubogas Gold & Steel necklace, B.zero1 necklace, all Bvlgari
Shine arrives after two career-defining projects, KinnPorsche and Man Suang, which differ in tone and setting. In what ways does Shine stand apart from the work you’ve done before?
The series Shine is vastly different from my previous two projects, both in its perspective and the grounded reality of the story. The character I play, Tanwa, is also entirely distinct from the other two. To paint a picture, Kinn is like black-and-red silk, but when you look deeper and flip it over, you find a soft, gentle blue like cashmere. Chatra is like a piece of blue Thai silk; when you flip it, it remains the same colour. It isn’t complex to understand, but the weaving is intricately detailed, much like his mind — he thinks deeply but expresses himself very simply. Tanwa, on the other hand, is like a brightly coloured, multi-hued batik fabric. Yet, if you look deep within, you’ll find a dark grey that completely contrasts with his vibrant exterior. These three characters from the three stories have completely different looks and feels.
You and Apo have now shared the screen across multiple projects. How has your on-screen dynamic changed over time, and what have you learned about acting alongside someone you know so well?
Apo is already highly talented. What I’ve learned is to enjoy the new magical moments that arise when acting with him. The dynamic and fun truly emerge when there is a give-and-take of intentions during a scene. The more we act together, the more enjoyable and comfortable it gets.
Jacket, shirt, all Dior; B.zero1 Gold & Steel two-band ring, Tubogas Gold & Steel bracelet, all Bvlgari
Having worked together for several years, are there still new things you discover about each other as performers when you step onto a set?
Yes, there are many things. For example, the things Apo improvises. When Apo prepares for a scene, he does his homework incredibly well; he’s detailed and highly imaginative. And again, when there’s that give-and-take during our performance, it makes acting together increasingly fun and effortless.
KinnPorsche remains such an important part of your career. As you’ve taken on new projects since then, how do you balance honouring that chapter while continuing to grow beyond it?
I believe every job is important. If we have overlapping roles and responsibilities, we need to know how to prioritise. However, we must be sincere in all the work we do and be honest with our own feelings. A journey shouldn’t always be measured by how far we’ve gone, but rather by whether we’re heading where we intended to go, and by the quality of that journey. It’s just like work — happiness can be measured in many ways, whether through the quality of the project, personal growth, or the joy and memories made while collaborating with others.
Jacket, Junya Watanabe; Tubogas Gold & Steel stainless steel bracelet, B.zero1 Gold & Steel four-band ring, B.zero1 Gold & Steel two-band ring, B.zero1 necklaces, B.zero1 single hoop earring, all Bvlgari
At this stage of your career, what drives you more: the pursuit of new opportunities, the desire to challenge yourself creatively, or something else entirely?
I think being in a balanced spot between growing and creating quality work, delivering a message or happiness to others, and staying happy myself at the same time is what matters most. Therefore, understanding myself and never forgetting my goals are a basic yet powerful driving force for me.
When we last interviewed you in 2023, you spoke to us about the appeal of potential. Now that you’ve added more work to your filmography, what feels more important to you: proving that potential, or simply continuing to build quietly?
I value creating quality work more than simply proving my potential. But at the same time, proving my potential to myself, especially when I question my abilities at times or take on challenges to prove my skills to others, is also a fun aspect. So, I choose both, but I primarily give more weight to creating a high-quality piece of work.
Shirt, Junya Watanabe; Octo Finissimo Automatic watch, B.zero1 Gold & Steel two-band ring, B.zero1 Gold & Steel four-band ring, all Bvlgari
What’s more important to you: leaving behind memorable characters, or leaving behind your own legacy as Mile?
This is a very interesting question. I used to think that leaving my own legacy behind through my work was what made me happy. But as I took on other projects and learned from seeing the audience enjoy the work, find happiness, and grow alongside the characters we’ve crafted, my perspective shifted. It made me feel that my life’s work should strike a balance between creating memorable, living characters and leaving a piece of myself behind as the author of that signature. Truly, the most fundamental answer to this is that we grow and leave behind a time capsule through the works and characters we create, alongside the audience.
As Greeny Rose has grown over the years, has your relationship with your fans changed in any way?
Every time I think of Greeny Rose, I gain strength from their beauty and loveliness. Over the past six years, this garden has grown so much. Many have fully bloomed and remain as beautifully gentle as they were at the start. Some have withered over time, a natural truth I’ve understood since the beginning. However, this garden of green roses remains a vibrant and beautiful space where I can prune the branches while admiring the beauty they offer me. We always give and take happiness and support from one another. They will always be my memory, from that very first day and forevermore.
Vest, COS; (top to bottom) B.zero1 Gold & Steel four-band ring, Tubogas Gold & Steel necklace, Octo Finissimo Automatic watch, all Bvlgari
Photographer Chee Wei
Creative Direction & Styling Izwan Abdullah
Interview Dhani Salbini
Executive Producer Manfred Lu
Production Ratchada Tuptimphet
Grooming Paknat Poolsawat
Once you are done with this story, click here to catch up with our June/July 2026 issue.