The Ultimate Flower Boy

An afternoon chat with Nani, one of F4's golden boys, reveals much more of the young Thai actor than what meets the eye

- KELLY LEWI 

ON A RATHER SUNNY Thursday afternoon, I am making my way to meet one of the hottest stars in Southeast Asia. In the back of my mind, I anxiously recall my questions as his image replays over and over again. A particular scene sticks with me: his stoic face as he walks into a funeral, draped in a neatly tailored suit with a slicked back man bun, a tight-lined lip and piercing eyes. Even through his cold gaze, he exudes an aura that commands the room’s attention – the true depiction of a billionaire mafia’s son.

Yet, when I knock on the door, that is hardly the person I am about to be introduced to.

That aforementioned scene from F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers took the drama scene (and many hearts) by storm. With a line-up of four dashing young men with distinctive charismas, it is a romance series that many still swoon over two years after its premiere. It spelled Nani Hirunkit Changkham’s stellar debut as an actor, whom many remember as the smug and flirtatious mood-maker MJ.

Upon our introductions, I am struck by how quiet and humble Nani is. Unlike his onscreen persona, he is more reserved in real life. He offers a kind smile and a polite greeting, a stark contrast to what I imagined he would be like. It caught me off-guard, his gentle demeanour refreshing to see for a celebrity who has amassed such popularity internationally.

Our conversations are relaxed and casual, almost as if I am talking to an acquaintance I met through a mutual friend. He reminds me of that silent classmate that sits in the back of a classroom, someone who you probably will not notice or talk to on a daily basis, but will always offer a helping hand when in need. He has this subtle charisma that just draws people in, all eyes focused on him the moment he speaks.