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20 Aug 2008

Celluloid to iron: Chaiwat ''Tob'' Thongsang

Chaiwat ''Tob'' Thongsang of Bangkok Love Story fame speaks to Fridae's Vitaya Saeng-Aroon about success, taking on a gay role as a 17-year-old rookie actor and his future plans.

Celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger started out as body-builders and later became actors.

Above: Actor Chaiwat "Tob'' Thongsang was only 17 years old when he was cast in Bangkok Love Story; picture at the top of the page shows the actor who had recently turned 20.
Thai actor Chaiwat Thongsang is doing it in reverse.

Chaiwat, whose nickname is "Tob," was only 17 years old when he was cast in his first leading role in the controversial feature film Puen Koo Rak Meung Wah (Bangkok Love Story), released September 2007.

In the movie, he played "It," a closeted gay man in uniform who is about to marry his pretty fiance. But by chance he falls in love with a lone hit man hired to assassinate him.

The movie broke new ground in mainstream Thai cinema with the portrayal of two masculine men in intimate scenes including deep kissing and love-making. For decades, the big Thai studios produced movies with themes or sub-plots about sad transgender characters and comedies portraying gay men as drag queens.

Not so with Tob, who was 79 kg and 187 cm when he was cast and already looked like an aspiring body-builder. He said he became interested in body-building when he was 14, but only got serious about it after the success of Bangkok Love Story, which afforded him the time and money to devote himself to the sport.

His personal success is all the more ironic given how most actors still shun gay roles, seeing them as the kiss of death for their careers. As with Tob's transition from actor to body-builder, his attitude toward gay roles is the opposite of most actors.

"I wanted the part because I knew taking a gay role could quickly make me famous," Tob said, adding that he's more than willing to take on the role of another gay hunk, if offered.

"No doubt about it," he said. "If I hadn't played It, I wouldn't have gotten famous and received more job offers," adding that recently he was the only guy picked out of 25 male actors in casting for a foreign film production to be announced. He was also signed up to be a presenter in a TV commercial ad for a muscle-pain relief balm gel product.

While doing publicity interviews for the movie, Tob said the most oft-asked question was how he felt about kissing a man. He always gave the same answer: he's straight, but also a professional: "After many takes, I got used to it. It's just acting."

Late last year, he was seen dancing at a famous gay bar on Samet Island with his girlfriend and her gay pals.

"It's fun going out with them," said Tob. "They're members of a cheerleading team at the university where my girlfriend is studying. In the group, it's only me and another guy who are straight. I really had a good time on the trip."

Now standing 190 cm and over 90 kg, Tob turned 20 a few months ago and is ready for a new direction, though he's not giving up on acting or modeling work, which pay the bills. He said he believes he can tone down his big muscles if they do not fit the outfits for fashion shoots or movie roles.

Tob made his remarks in a two-part special interview with the male lifestyle TV show Passport For Men, now available with English subtitles on the Internet and on Bangkok cable TV.

In the show's special two-part report, "Adonis," Tob and his buddies talk about the tough training sessions and how they enjoy the sweat, shouting, and companionship of one another.

"I'm training to compete in a body-building contest in October this year," he said. "It's my dream. I'm not planning to be another 'Hulk,' but I want my muscles toned."

He plans to compete in Body Classic category, under which the contestants develop toned muscles without the bulk.

One of his trainers Sitthi Charoenrith is a five-time Mr Thailand champion and two-time International Federation of Body Builders world champion. "Since Tob has strong interest in the sport and he is a well-build, I believe that he stands a great chance to join the national team.

"Please come to the competition and give me support," he said.

Adonis Part 1 (with English subtitles)


Adonis Part 2 (with English subtitles)



Passport For Men (www.ppformen.com) is aired every Thursday evening at 22.30 on Bangkok cable system TrueVisions' Channel 102 and via a satellite system by Mcot Channel 2 (Mcot2).

Thailand

Reader's Comments

1. 2008-08-20 21:00  
hahaha sure he's straight?
2. 2008-08-20 21:12  
I have watch the show " Bangkok Love story" , his acting was very good in that movie... good job..
3. 2008-08-20 21:29  
he is hot ... i hope he get to make more movies... gay or str8 ... almost as hot as TIC
Comment #4 was deleted by its author
5. 2008-08-20 21:32  
Tob certainly has certainly stolen my heart when I watched him in Bangkok Love Story. Silly me, I remember flying to Bangkok from Tokyo to see the premiere. The power of love, I guess ha ha ha.

I wish him a great success for his next endeavour and will stay as his fan.

Hopefully he will keep up the good work, whether he is straight or bent, I will give him my supports!
6. 2008-08-20 21:52  
Give me a break, guys. OK the 2 actors in that movie are gorgeous, but there's nothing else to be said about it. The acting is pathetic, the story is ridiculously thin, the filming is pretentious and shallow, the music is lousy, the lighting is tacky and over the top, the editing is heavy...
Do we have to scream in awe and pretend there's genius in that disappointing movie just because 2 gorgeous guys are kissing "in public" ? How would the movie have been perceived by gays if the guys were not gym queens with cute faces ? Because that's what it's all about, right ?
Have y'all seen Wong Kar-Wai's "Chongking Express" ? Now THAT movie has true genius in it, not the McDonald kind of cuisine used in Bangkok Love Story.
A singer is not good JUST because he/she's famous, an actor is not good JUST because he/she's beautiful and a film is not good JUST because it talks about gays.
7. 2008-08-20 23:43  
hi Tob ... can i know u? U can call me on my mobile. 0809388807 ... hope to hear from u soon ya gorgeous ... :-p
8. 2008-08-21 02:04  
Why is it when a straight man plays a gay role, he is immediately acknowledged for it? You don't exactly see gay men acting in straight roles being applauded.

By the by, the acting in this film is absolutely atrocious.
9. 2008-08-21 03:18  
Agree with # 5. Another brilliant show with brains to watch is "Happy Together" starring Tony Leung and the late Leslie Cheung. Filmed in Buenos Aires, that movie is a keeper.

Eye candy yes, the so called BKK Love Story has, but lacks mainstream cred. One just dun see st8 or gay people desperately grabbing each other in public under heavy downpour to make out, rolling all over the streets.No, not even alley cats do that! Duh.? Even Brokeback makes that urgency appear more restrained when the 2 leads kissed under a hidden stairway after not seeing each other for ages. That's reality.

I do give it points for good cinematography and plausible sappy songs. Story line? geez...u just dun make out with someone who's out to kill you, even if he happens to look like Brad Pit.

Back to the drawing board sir. Movie no good, No like....:P
10. 2008-08-21 05:18  
does anyone know if you can get Bangkok Lovestory in Australia with English subtitles?
11. 2008-08-21 09:21  
I'm just impressed with how Sitthi Charoenrith looks!
12. 2008-08-21 10:09  
very inspiring clips to watch just before heading for your work out ...
13. 2008-08-21 11:57  
Chaiwat is gorgeous but thats where it all ends... saw the movie. yeah some kissing, groping and maybe evn some crotch rubbing but acting was SO BAD! Eye candy to say the least but he needs to get some acting lessons... NOT ALL Models can become Actors!
14. 2008-08-21 12:22  
Hey Post #5 yveserwan

You give us a break !!! Who are you to say and comment that the acting is pathetic, the story is ridiculously thin, the filming is pretentious and shallow, the music is lousy, the lighting is tacky and over the top, the editing is heavy...hellooooooo , hear who is talking ??? Who are you to say such negative comments ???? Can you act in the first place , direct a film or even come up with a plot ???

Pleaseeeeeeeee get a life and move on B**** !!!!!
15. 2008-08-21 12:52  
Wow... this guy is cute n hot, simple and decent looking guy.. keep up your good work!
Comment #16 was deleted by its author
17. 2008-08-21 16:28  
Hahaha, obviously I'm not the only one who thinks that Bangkok Love Story was, to put it simply, a lousy, pretentious and boring movie with, nonetheless, gorgeous male actors in it, but I am the only one to have the honour of being attacked and insulted by Madam Matahari herself (post 13)... yep, sweetheart, other people's opinions may differ from yours and may be what you consider "negative", however they still have a right to exist and be written ! That's the whole point of this "comments" board. Also, as you know nothing about me and my life, you have no need and of course no right to get so personal and nasty, your wrath being the exact measure of your insecurity, lol.
18. 2008-08-21 16:33  
I totally agree with you Jammyboi (post 8) that "Happy Together" was a masterpiece. And a remarkable antidote to turkeys like Bangkok Love Story.
19. 2008-08-21 20:52  
Cool ! and inspiration for all guys who need to build up the body classic :)
20. 2008-08-21 21:07  
Hi ,tob,nice to meet you

i am handsome boy

i want to make friend with you
21. 2008-08-21 22:57  
He is hot~~
22. 2008-08-22 00:46  
Keep on the good work ,chase after your dream
Comment #23 was deleted by its author
24. 2008-08-22 02:13  
whatever with his movie ( never see anyway ) his totally good looking and hot, but after saw the youtube, is he a narcissimn??...
are he sure he is straight??
25. 2008-08-22 09:32  
Hellooo #15 yveserwan

I do not need to know who you are. All I want to state is don't make such judgement and comments. Give everyone the credit and due they deserve. Period.

The problem with most of us here is we make very nasty comments about others without reflecting on ourselves , which make many people have this preconceived notion about our character. Lets be nice to one another and move on with our lives. NOthing personal here. Cheers and have a great weekend.

Love you all. One dream and one world :)
26. 2008-08-22 11:43  
Tob, great effort put in will not be wasted. Your dreams will comes. Good Luck!
27. 2008-08-22 11:53  
Personally, I don't think critiquing a movie is exactly making nasty comments. The movie was a flop, let's just face the facts. I believe some people watch films enough to be able to critique other people's work.

And I believe everyone has a right to voice out their opinion. Whether it's negative or not. It's calling each other derogatory terms which I think we should not stand for.

A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.
28. 2008-08-22 12:40  
The movie was "successful" in so far as the lead actors gave a "credible" performance of their passion (and lust) but the plot was as leaky as a sieve and incredulous. Let's just accept that it did make TOB a star and that's about all the film did.
Everyone should have the right to make a critique so long as it doesn't get personal or bitchy.
I'm not so sure I want to see so much muscles on him though - he doesn't need it. He should spend some time honing his craft.
All the same, I wish TOB lots of success to come - but I don't think he needs another gay film to propel him further.
29. 2008-08-22 12:50  
The movie is like as nice painting - and I stress out "nice". painting. It's nice to look at for a little while, to enjoy the aesthetics, the undoubtedly gorgeous actors, the beautiful pictures. But far from a masterpiece. That's all. "Bangkok Love Story" is not a movie that would be remembered for its creative photography, for remarkable achievements of the actors, for a credible or at least creative plot. If it will be remembered then it will be because the two lead actors are both very handsome.
And as for the typical gay dissing on this comment board: I indeed believe that everyone has the right to speak out his mind, to have an opinion and this opinion to be respected. It doesn't show a lot of tolerance if people who happen to have a different view to a thing or in this case a movie and its qualities are personally offended. And isn't tolerance what we all ask for all the time? And no one needs to be a professional art or movie critic to express his or her pleasure or displeasure with a production like this.
And just to get it right - I enjoyed watching the movie. Just because I like looking at beautiful people.
Comment #30 was deleted by its author
31. 2008-08-22 14:40  
I have watched the movie and nothing to shout about except the two handsome actors and some nice cinematography effects. Plain storyline indeed....but its worth watching. I would give a 3 star rating.
32. 2008-08-22 14:49  
thoughts of a primitive mind....anyhow, he will probably have a good chance to be successful since he targets a huge audience.
33. 2008-08-22 15:06  
thanks for interviewing a cool straight guy, gay or straight, doesn't really matter-- he's a cool and interesting man first and foremost!
34. 2008-08-22 17:24  
So much about the movie or how hot is this throb or be it he is straight or gay or bi perhaps. The wonderful thing is he is not anti-gay and willing to play gay again given another movie offer. I look forward to his new movie. Preferrably gay role again, caressing with another throb, of coz. Correct or not brothers and sisters?!
35. 2008-08-22 17:27  
Well, i wish to have them. Oh yes, for me to molest... hahahaha
36. 2008-08-22 19:36  
he's hot!!! i like him!
37. 2008-08-22 19:43  
Yeah he's a dream come true, but that film REALLY sucks. It's just a cock-tease.....
38. 2008-08-23 12:36  
Fascinating story. But Tob seems intelligent and well-spoken, and not so obsessed with just his body and a career like a Hollywood star. Of course, he is still young and can grow and be an inspiration to other Thai boys.
39. 2008-08-24 11:22  
He"s nice looking, but that's it, no more.
40. 2008-08-27 11:53  
I like that he is not OVER developed and muscle bound. Sort of guy you might actualy meet somewhere. great
41. 2008-08-27 12:12  
Apart from the nice looking (or gorgeous in someone's opinion) male leads, there are some still some great things about this movie.

What I meant to say "great" isn't about the cinematography or acting or anything of the sort. It's the IMPACT that this movie made on Thai movie scene.

This is the first film in Thailand that portrays the gay male as a man not just effeminate lady boys. And it speaks of gay love in a beautiful way and that gay love can be everlasting yet somewhat tragic.

All in all, I wasn't regret that I spent 2-3 hours watching this movie. Entertaining, some eyecandy and it impacted!

42. 2008-08-28 03:18  
The article is about Tob. And of course we all wanted to know about this gorgeous actor. Regarding the film Bangkok Love Story, it's a total crap. Nothing is good. The acting, the story, the non-stop irritating music score. I found the film even very homophobic and endless melodrama. I didn't see any positive messages but just a worship to the beautiful actors.
43. 2008-08-29 18:52  
WOW! what a babe...why be critical...no need... just adore the beauty
44. 2008-09-01 15:45  
Imagine him shot by the jackjockey.c0m team.
45. 2011-01-26 13:22  
I WANT TO MARRY YOU & HAVE YOUR BABIES ...

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