On The Bright Side

Actor and singer Bright Vachirawit reflects on his meteoric rise and what truly makes him happy. By Mila Wenin.

Whether or not you are familiar with Bright Vachirawit Chivaaree, the 24-year-old Thai superstar, who is Burberry’s latest brand ambassador (the first for the South Asia Pacific region), has already etched his name in millions of hearts across the world. And yes, the star we’re photographing for Harper’s BAZAAR Singapore’s cover shoot in Bangkok is as dazzling as his name. “We’re blinded by his brightness!” quips Creative Director Windy Aulia. “It’s his royal brightness!” The puns know no end.

The man in question doesn’t seem to mind our excitement. Usually going by just his nickname, Bright rose to international stardom during the peak of 2020 lockdown with the Thai drama 2gether: The Series, alongside co-star Metawin Opas-iamkajorn. They quickly became the talk of the town and are credited with bringing into the mainstream a new perspective to the boys’ love genre.

“It was good timing,” says Bright when asked of his breakthrough role. “2gether was aired during the first wave of the pandemic and it was a kind of comfort for people in distress. It gave many people happiness and something to look forward to. It’s light-hearted and easy to watch. It’s a rom-com in which both leads happen to be male. Even people who are unfamiliar with the genre find it enjoyable.”