GOING FOURTH

Even in the third interview with Nattawat Jirochtikul — or Fourth — there is more to be discovered about the actor and singer-songwriter, and Men's Folio learns of how much he has changed from the teen who won a talent competition to the young adult he is today.

- Manfred Lu

The first time Men's Folio met Nattawat Jirochtikul, he was perched on a trick-riding horse. The then 18-year-old - who had only spoken just a few words the whole time was nervous about several things that day: coming close to a real horse let alone riding it, being on set for his solo magazine cover, and whatever the future had in store for him.

The shoot took place exactly a year ago, but it is one that Fourth remembers well. Little did he know that there will be a meeting again at the same studio for yet another cover shoot with Men's Folio. Coincidentally, Fourth had also spent the morning learning how to ride a horse for his role in the upcoming epic drama, Scarlet Heart Thailand. A funny coincidence, all things considered. And he shares that it is much harder now since he actually has to control the horse rather than pose for stills.

By now, the conversations should have run dry with Fourth-this is his third interview with Men's Folio, after all. Repeating interviews are for presidential candidates on their campaign run, or pop stars evading a PR meltdown - not for a celebrity who many would argue is still in the infancy of his career. But as Thai pop culture blooms at speeds most cannot comprehend, so too have its celebrities - who bear the weight of being the glimmer of hope towards international success.

Likewise, Fourth's growth spurt is unlike any. He seems to have done the impossible - fashion weeks, single releases, blockbuster series, to name some all in a year. As he steps on set, it becomes obvious that this is not the same Fourth as before. With a more mature demeanour and focused mind, he appears all grown up from his teenage days when he won a talent competition.