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Thailand’s rising star Apo Nattawin Wattanagitiphat is impossible to ignore. Here’s why he’s got fans hooked.
Apo Nattawin Wattanagitiphat isn’t your typical heartthrob. At 30, he’s captured the attention of not just Thailand, but that of a growing global fanbase who are genuinely obsessed with him. Maybe it’s his killer fashion sense, his strong ties to Thai culture, or perhaps it’s just the way he looks so effortlessly Thai, reminding you of the guy-next-door crush. Whatever it is, Apo isn’t just admired — he’s loved. Want to know why? Here’s the lowdown.
1/10 Crafting His Own Stardom
Since his acting debut in Most Hate, Most Love (2015), Apo’s been playing the long game. He’s been building his career with patience and precision. Then came Chaat Payak (2018), and suddenly, everyone realised this guy has serious talent — not just a pretty face. He takes his craft seriously, diving deep into his characters and refusing to chase shallow fame. Every role Apo picks is a move in his mission to make sure he’s around for the long haul. He’s not about to burn out, and that’s why his fans stick around.
2/10 Fashion King, Not a Clothes Horse
Some celebs wear designer clothes just because they can. Apo, though, wears it like he was born for it. He is the first Southeast Asian Friend of the Maison Piaget, a Swiss luxury watch and jewellery brand renowned for its craftsmanship and innovation. His appearance at the Piaget High Jewellery Gala event in Paris showed the spirit of his professionalism. Injured, Apo arrived in a wheelchair and successfully portrayed the brand’s image of sophistication and style.
And then there’s Dior — as its House Ambassador in Thailand, Apo is repping the brand’s menswear with flair. Dior, officially known as Christian Dior SE, is a French luxury fashion that continues to be a significant player in the fashion industry with a commitment to classic and elegant style. And Apo is out there making waves in the fashion world, bringing Dior’s tailored, sleek aesthetic to life. He doesn’t just look like another actor in a suit, he conveys messages through clothes and empowers them.
3/10 A Brain Behind the Beauty
Apo’s not just about style — he’s got substance, too. He’s constantly reading and learning, diving into everything from philosophy and history to Buddhism. He’s not just skimming headlines; he’s going deep. Apo always seems to be expanding his mind, staying curious and pushing boundaries without making a big fuss about it. Pharrell Williams is one of his inspirations and it’s easy to see why: both exude a quiet intellect, the kind that speaks louder than words.
Maybe it’s all the reading that keeps his mind open. Here’s an example of some wisdom he’s shared with fans. Apo loves art books that are packed with photos and graphics, and this has helped him to incorporate creativity into his everyday life, finding joy in combining this into his work. He draws inspiration from the small details around him, using those sparks to drive his projects. This makes his work meaningful and adds a sense of fun to his routine.
4/10 A Lover of Art, Both Timeless and Offbeat
Apo’s tastes? Let’s just say they’re as eclectic as his style. He’s into Oriental ceramics, has a thing for the Renaissance period and even lists The Complete Costume History by Auguste Racinet as one of his favourite reads. The books feature graphics and illustrations of historical costumes across the years and Apo loves exploring the details of each outfit and how they differ from one another. One of his goals is to fly across the world, visiting museums to learn more about their arts and traditions as well as experiencing new and unique cultures.
And if that wasn’t enough, he’s also a photographer. His Instagram account Apovision is where he shares his snaps, capturing moments of culture and beauty in his own low-key, artistic way. Whether it’s a photo of people going about their routine, a stunning sunset, bunch of cats or a landscape, we get to see what Apo sees through his lens.
5/10 Grounded in Thai Tradition
Apo might be a global name now, but his roots are deep in Thailand. His commitment to Thai culture is real — it’s not just for show. He’s supporting local Thai arts. Apo’s backing of Doi Din Dang, a local pottery studio in Chiang Rai, speaks of his desire to preserve traditional craftsmanship. His previous work with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) features Butterbear, a famous bear mascot, showing them travelling across Thailand’s attractions. The project is to promote tourism in Thailand for both foreigners and Thais, focusing on the country’s beautiful landscapes, diverse culture and local experiences. On top of that, Apo’s acting career with roles in Chaat Payak and Man Suang (2023), both set in historical Thai periods, make him feel totally relatable to fans who see him as a link between then and now.
6/10 Fashion with a Conscience
Apo’s style is all about bright colours and nostalgic vibes from the 60s to 80s, inspired by his other favourite icon, Elvis Presley. He loves bold patterns. When it comes to choosing what to wear, it’s not just about luxury labels for Apo — he’s got a conscience. He’s big into sustainable fashion, thrifting finds that carry a story. Whether it’s vintage leather shoes or a bold statement ring, Apo knows how to mix in those items that add layers to his look. Forget about wearing logos for the sake of it; Apo’s style is all about attitude and meaning. Catch him in a thrift-store treasure before you see him draped in head-to-toe runway. He’s proof that fashion can be both conscious and chic.
7/10 The Cat King of Thai Cinema
As cool as Apo may seem, he’s got a soft spot — his cat, Milku. The fans? They’re obsessed with this little feline sidekick. Apo’s social media is sprinkled with him and cats moments, and honestly, we live for them. It’s these personal glimpses that make Apo feel more like your effortlessly cool best friend and less like a distant celebrity. Milku just makes him even more lovable.
8/10 He Likes His Coffee With Juice
Apo’s food and drink game is as unexpected as his style. His favourite snack is tangmo pla haeng — dried fish and watermelon. Not exactly mainstream, but definitely very Apo. And when it comes to his drink of choice, he goes for coffee with juice. It’s a blend that makes you do a double-take, but when you think about it, it totally fits. Just like his fashion, Apo mixes it up in ways that somehow make total sense.
9/10 Big City Inspiration
Though he’s all about Thailand, Apo draws big inspiration from New York City. The city’s chaotic energy, its creativity, its edge — it’s where Apo feels most inspired. Whether it’s the art, the culture, or the endless hustle, NYC gets his creative juices flowing. The vibe of the city matches Apo’s evolving spirit and it’s clear that the Big Apple pushes him to keep growing.
10/10 Confidence is His Superpower
At the end of the day, Apo’s appeal comes down to one thing: confidence. But not the in-your-face kind — it’s quieter, more thoughtful. He doesn’t need to shout to be heard. Whether he’s sitting front row at Fashion Week or crushing a role on-screen, his vibe is calm, collected and magnetic. Apo knows exactly who he is, and that’s the kind of confidence that makes people obsessed. Fans aren’t just drawn to his talent; they’re drawn to his energy.
Apo Nattawin is much more than your average rising star. He’s a thinker, a style icon, an artist and a cultural ambassador all wrapped up into one. His fans aren’t just watching his rise — they’re a part of it, witnessing the growth of a star who is just beginning to reveal his true potential.
