Pictured on the cover alongside Win Metawin, The Original Bag by RIMOWA is unlike anything that came before it. Crafted with the same sensibilities as the suitcases in the house’s Original collection, its compact and on-the-go form is a step ahead for disruptors in their own field. Like Win, the lexicon of his generation, it’s only human for him to yearn for more. And that’s what sets him apart from his peers. In an exclusive interview, Men’s Folio speaks to the actor on being more than just the moment.
Lately, Metawin Opas-iamkajorn, or as the world affectionately remembers him by the single syllable “Win”, has doubled his English lessons. “It has always been my dream to work internationally,” says the 25-year-old. But his urge to hone a language at a pace faster than most would inflict on themselves is not some irrational quest to improve his skills by simply attempting daily challenges on Duolingo; it’s strategic. It’s very much a skill for survival as well. Win’s latest work for Under Parallel Skies, a romantic comedy set in Hong Kong and produced by a Manila-based production, meant he had to read his lines completely in English. While that might shun off most Thai actors who may not be as proficient, Win, having only learnt the basics of the language in school, took it upon himself to improve his understanding of the language, its nuances and the gravity of what each word he spoke on screen meant. “It was definitely one the biggest challenges I faced as an actor since almost everything had to be in English,” he explains.
Yet, there is genuine confidence in his voice when he says, “Every time an opportunity arises, I’ll always try to give it my all.” When it comes down to making sense of how Thai celebrities have peaked in popularity, there’s no way to describe its trajectory without mentioning Win. The actor, singer, and songwriter was one of the first names to truly make an impression on a scene that had initially been in its bubble at a time when the Thai language lacked global accessibility and had hardly any readily available translations. Despite that, he had his breakthrough in the Thai series 2gether, released in the thick of the 2020 pandemic, which eventually helped pave the way for the opportunities he has today.
However, with a genre that has been tried and tested in other regions, the real reason why the Thai series has become so popular seemingly overnight is not exactly clear. Perhaps it was due to our exhaustion of Korean pop culture, overwhelmed by its eclipse on the mainstream. Or the era of streaming, which allowed for easier, pirate-less access to Thai dramas. It could have also resulted from the lockdowns, which turned our attention towards things not typically on our radar. But between circumstance and pure luck, Win was at the centre of an era where popular drama remakes sprouted in Thailand with their original productions to dizzying international success.
Jacket, shirt, all Techin Underground; Pants, ADI; Shoes, Shone Puipia; Original Bag, RIMOWA
There is madness to the results, becoming a superstar, a lexicon of his generation. Win pulled off what few of his generational peers have with 2gether: he seems to have had it all in the four years since his breakthrough. In that time, Win has since walked between the lines of being a household name in Thailand and as a new inclusion to the list of names to watch elsewhere. Naturally, that meant endless calls from acclaimed directors for lead roles in high-production dramas and, as we would learn, repeatedly spectating fashion weeks in Europe as though a routine dental clean-up. Despite this, Win unironically says he feels like he’s just getting started. With a pastry business at the back of his mind now, more shows in the pipeline, and yet-to-be-revealed chances in life, there is more to Win than being just the moment. “I don’t see it as pressure. Now that I’m looking back at what has happened, it feels like a great opportunity for me to grow and perhaps also as a gateway for other Thai artists to bring their ambitions overseas.” How fitting for an actor who, most might argue to be the first of his kind in the T-Wind scene, a term even he had a play in its coining.
Hi Win. You’re a man of many things. For someone who started as an actor, you also have a singing career, a clothing business, and a pastry business. What motivated you to seek other pursuits in your career?
They make up the things that I truly enjoy. I’ve always wanted to start my own business. I don’t know; having that responsibility pushes me to improve myself not just as an entrepreneur but also as the other half of me, which is my acting career. It’s a joy that keeps you going and gives meaning to life when you wake up every day.
Have you ever encountered the thought that you may have run out of future creative ventures? If not, are there more ideas that we can expect from you soon?
This is still pretty much in the works, but I plan to release something by the end of the year. It’s not perfect yet, though; the timing just wasn’t right, so I decided to postpone it.
Are you the kind of person that focuses on the present or the future?
Definitely, the present. Of course, there are moments where I get fixated on thinking about the future and all the plans I have for it. But I’ll always remind myself to concentrate on the things I have to accomplish first before I get there.
Vest, Rick Owens (via Club21); Pants, Shone Puipia; Shoes, Prada; Original Bag, RIMOWA
The tyrant, the hopeless romantic, the misunderstood, and the anti-hero are the not-so-conventional archetypes of characters you have played. I’m curious to know, surely there are some life experiences you have had that have helped draw you closer to these characters. What are they?
It’s interesting that you asked because, truthfully, it’s hard to say at this point. Perhaps I haven’t had an experience that required that yet. Acting is always challenging, and when you have different roles (to portray), it’s always best to do some homework before approaching your character. The last thing I’d want to do is to blend the personality of a previous character into a new one.
Let’s talk about Under Parallel Skies. The film drew comparisons between different cultures — in this case, Filipino and Thai culture — were there any differences that stood out when you worked with a foreign crew?
Not much, actually; that was what stood out to me at first. The working culture of the production team in The Philippines is no different from the one I’m used to in Thailand. In fact, we even share the same humour and have similar cultures. I have to admit I was initially concerned that there may be differences that’ll make adapting slightly challenging, but the truth is, we’re all professionals working in the same field; how different can that get?
Was Hong Kong the first time you worked on an entire production overseas?
Yes, it was my first. I was away from home for a whole month.
Usually, you would be away from home for just a few days, sometimes even just hours. But you had to spend a lot of time in Hong Kong for that production. What things did you bring with you that reminded you of home?
Hong Kong actually feels like a second home to me because I visit the city more often than most. I like to think that I’ve already lived like a local; I’ve tried all sorts of food and done all sorts of activities there. So it feels like home. But nothing beats spicy food and Thai food. If I feel a bit homesick, the food from home will always comfort me.
Top, pants, all Shone Piupia; Original Bag, RIMOWA
So, were there moments when you felt homesick?
Yes, I used to get homesick at the start. But now I’m accustomed to travelling and spending most of my time overseas.
In that case, would you consider yourself a positive-minded person, or is there a part of you that still stresses about negative situations and negative outcomes?
I’ll always strive to stay positive because I work with many people. It’s not always easy, but I make a conscious effort to be open-minded and take things slow when challenges arise rather than rushing into decisions.
There is no doubt that you disrupted what was once considered a sleepy entertainment town. Today, it’s hard to imagine Thailand’s entertainment industry without you in the middle. Do you ever feel a certain pressure to perform now that (almost) all the spotlight is on you?
I don’t see it as pressure; it is a great opportunity for me and a gateway for other Thai artists to go overseas. I always do my best without putting unnecessary pressure on myself.
It took you just a small portion of the time to reach where you are now compared to other celebrities. Do you think it was a matter of hard work, pure luck, or fate?
It’s definitely not luck [laughs]. I’m sure it’s the result of all the hard work I’ve put in so far. The quality of work always reflects how much effort you put in, so if you give your all, it will show. That’s something you can’t rely on luck for.
Jacket, pants, socks, shoes, all Prada
Has the question of whether your fame was drawn by your personality or the personalities you play on screen ever occurred to you?
I would like to think the real me brought all of this. I’m still the same person, maybe wiser and more careful with my decisions, but my core values have remained unchanged since day one.
There are three sides to you — the characters you play, what fans see online, and you behind closed doors. Do you make an effort to keep these sides of you separate from one another?
I stay true to who I am. When fans see me on the show, they’re seeing a character, but that doesn’t change who I am in real life.
Do you think fame may have made you egoistic?
I don’t consider myself to have a big ego. While ego can boost confidence, I’m generally not an egotistical person.
Then, would you consider yourself to be your biggest critic?
I always strive for perfection in everything I do, but I’ve become more flexible and less of a perfectionist. I’ve learned how to let go when necessary.
Top, Shone Piupia; Original Bag, RIMOWA
What are some things that you wish you had explored earlier in life?
I believe balance is crucial, so definitely my mental health. It’s not good to be extreme in any one area; maintaining balance helps ensure long-term happiness.
Your story would not have been possible without your fans, who have been with you for quite some time now. Would you say your connection to them is still genuine?
Fans are a huge part of my success. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I want to take a moment to thank all my new and old fans for always supporting me. Please stay tuned for my upcoming projects.
Are there any ways you try to further the relationship with them?
I make an effort to find time to meet my fans, even on a personal level. I try to stay in touch and communicate with them regularly.
Can you tell us more about Scarlet Heart Thailand? From what I have gathered, it will be an epic drama. Other than the fact that production has yet to begin, there isn’t much information about it. What are some things you can share about the series?
It’s a big project and a challenging one. The role required new skills, like horse riding and sword fighting. The production team is working hard to prepare the scripts to be the best they can be, and I’m really excited.
Jacket, pants, all Matter Makers; Boots, Techin Underground; Original Bag, RIMOWA
Looking back, a lot has happened in less than half a decade. Is this the beginning of what you can bring to the table?
I believe this is just the beginning. I’m starting to understand more and gain experience. There will be bigger and better opportunities in the future, and I’m ready and excited for them.
Lastly, at which point in your career would you tell yourself, “I’ve made it.” Or has that already happened to you?
Portraying Kung-Koon was the turning point in my career. I feel like I’ve gained more trust from my fans, and they really love the character.
Photography Chee Wei
Creative Direction & Styling Izwan Abdullah
Interview & Fashion Coordination Manfred Lu
Grooming Yothin Chuaysri
Hair Akkarapong Punkaew
Set Design Yukon Boonprasart
Production Assistant Ratchada Tuptimphet
Once you are done with this story, click here to catch up with our September 2024 issue.
