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.

Even so, Fourth is patient and clarifies that he is simply more confident as opposed to the first interview. “To be honest, there is a bit of misconception about growing old. The older you get, the more pressure you have. And the more work you put up with, the more pressure you feel to keep on improving. And with that pressure to improve, the more you feel the need to be more confident and develop yourself further. It is an endless cycle. So when I said previously that working from a young age is not bad, I still mean it. I am glad that I started in my younger years because I got that head start to develop myself. Now I just have to concentrate on getting even better,” he says.

He had spent the earlier part of September in New York City for the Tommy Hilfiger Spring/Summer 2025 show as a front-row attendee. But here in Bangkok, he assures that he is still another boy wearing a plain white T-shirt and cargo pants. This conversation was initially planned to happen in the Big Apple, but a clash with the preparations for his concerts meant it had to be shifted to a studio in Bangkok instead.

With an image as the de facto cute and clumsy little brother of the GMMTV family, it is hard to imagine a more mature Fourth as he grows. Even his fans would attest that it is time to see the soon-to-be 20-year-old embrace a more mature side, taking on roles that do not fall under the conventions of the family-friendly Y-series genre. They add that it would allow Fourth a chance to take on roles that hint at a different side of his acting chops.

But Fourth does not seem exhausted by the idea of perpetuating the youthful troupe, even if it continues well into his 20s. As he veers from singing praises of his fans to casually dropping fun facts about his time with them, he is hesitant to describe how he has been feeling about the things that have changed for him. But one thing is clear: he is not stopping anytime soon.

Sweater, shirt, polo T-shirt, all Tommy Hilfiger

I hope you had a good rest since New York. Did you experience any jet lag after returning home?

Just a tiny bit. It was not as bad as I thought. I always try to catch up on as much sleep on the plane to fight it.

You had quite a tight schedule while you were in New York City. Did you manage to see all the landmarks you were hoping to?

Actually, I did! Honestly, it felt like a short vacation. I spent a lot of time walking around, starting from the area where we were staying, down to places that were on my bucket list. I also took a lot of pictures, as you can see on my Instagram.

Let us track your growth now. It seems that everybody has their eyes on you — they either want to be you or be friends with you. Does that attention get overwhelming, especially with all the support you have been getting recently?

It has been about three years since the first series. It feels weird saying that now; but in that time, I have done things I could not have imagined — like having a singing career and holding big concerts. So, no, I think I have gotten used to it by now. I think in that time my fans have gotten to know me more. I feel grateful to everyone who has supported me so far.

Do you ever feel shocked when your fans turn up to your events outside of Thailand?

Yes, definitely. It is crazy just thinking about that. I have to thank everyone so much.

Polo T-shirts, shirt, shorts, all Tommy Hilfiger

Let us talk about your trip to Kuala Lumpur with Tommy Hilfiger. It had one of the biggest turnouts for events there this year. What was your reaction when you saw the crowd?

Honestly, I was so surprised I could not process it at that time. I never knew people liked me that much. [Laughs] It was also a solo trip, so that meant a lot to me. You know what was the best part? The crowd was awesome, and the way they cheered me on was quite something.

Tommy Hilfiger brought you to New York City for their Spring/Summer 2025 show. Was this your first time in the city?

I have never been to New York City before. It was one of those trips where I was more than happy to leave my home for, even if it meant travelling for more than a day just to get there. I liked that the show was on a ferry and I got to meet other celebrities, such as Felix and Lee Know from Stray Kids — both of whom I am crazy about.

I am sure it will not be your last as well. Shall we give the brands a hint? What is one city you have always wanted to visit but have not?

To be fair, I will not name one specific place. It just has to be somewhere I have not even before and I will be grateful, regardless if it is for work or for my own personal holiday.

You also mentioned in New York City that you have several bruises all over your hands. I figured you got it from your training for your concerts, which involves numerous stunts. What was the training process like?

It is interesting that you mention this because what made up most of my training was cardio. Most people are not aware that concerts are like workouts. I had to learn how to reserve my energy so that I could perform the full duration without exhausting myself. But no need to worry about the bruises. Everything was done under the supervision of the staff, so I was definitely in good hands.

Sweater, Tommy Jeans

Jeans, underwear, all Tommy Hilfiger

What was something you learnt from the training process?

Determination, discipline, and learning how to work with others.

Speaking of training, you started learning how to ride horses for Scarlet Heart Thailand. Pretty funny, no? Because the first time we met you, we also got you to ride a horse for the cover. And back then, I recalled how much you were taken aback by that. Would you say that — since you constantly cross paths with horses — we can call you a horse whisperer now?

Riding a horse is more than a skill, and it is definitely not easy. When we did our cover last year, those were just stills so it was not much of a challenge. But now I have to learn how to control the horse, which took quite a while to achieve.

Can you disclose anything about your character in the series?

Let us wait and see. That is all I can say.

Will we see more moments of you and Tu [tTontawan] together on screen?

She plays the main heroine in the series. We might have moments where we meet in the show. I will leave it to the fans to wait for when it is time to find out.

Sweater, shirt, polo T-shirt, all Tommy Hilfiger

How is Munmuang [Fourth’s pet cat]? Has she grown up well?

[laughs] Thanks for asking. Munmuang has grown up, and I have to thank my mom for taking care of her while I work.

You have also progressed significantly as an actor, singer, and songwriter. Would you agree that, despite all of this growth, you are still the same fourth that we met a year ago?

I hope so. No, I am definitely still the same person, just a little more grown up now.

Does growing older scare you?

It does. The older I get, the more expectations I get from myself, the people around me, and my fans. But I will do my best!

Did you have moments this year when you felt that you lacked purpose?

Yes, for sure. It was kind of like an existential crisis. But with all the opportunities coming in at a pace I cannot comprehend sometimes, I am trying to give myself goals that are bigger and more focused.

Jacket, shirt, shorts, sneakers all Tommy Hilfiger; Socks, Stylist’s own

Would you say fame has gotten to your head? Do you think you have grown more arrogant, perhaps? Even though we do not think so, we would like to hear from you.

No, too, I hope. I still live my life the same. I meet my friends still, but what has changed is I probably meet people who are older and not of the same age. I still spend a lot of time with my family too. I do not think I have changed in that sense.

Did this year live up to your expectations?

Yes. And I am grateful.

How would the younger Fourth feel about where the current Fourth is at in life now?

He would feel that the current Fourth is lucky. When I was a kid, I lived a normal life, not much different from any other Thai kid. Even though I am not that old now, I think I have grown up from learning and working more.

Do you think you are a vulnerable person?

Not when I have the best family in the world and people around me who take good care of me.

Sweater, pants, all Tommy Hilfiger

Would you still consider your family as the most supportive people in your life?

Of course, they are still my biggest supporters.

You were focused on building a career from a young age. You mentioned in our first interview that you had to give up some of your childhood for the things you have now. Would you say, sometime in future, you would like to experience the childhood that you lost?

I still think I lost some for work. But right now, I am still living a happy life.

What is a project that you have not announced that you can perhaps tease us with?

I have Scarlet Heart Thailand coming up next. Soon, we will start the Gemini Fourth Asia Tour which was just announced. There may be other projects as well, so please stay tuned!

We usually end our interviews by giving our celebrities a chance to send a message to their fans. What is the message from 20-year-old Fourth?

Thank you to all my fans who have been following me since I entered the industry. Please continue to share the work that I am working on or the work that I have already released. Please support me in my work. We should have a chance to meet each other. Take care of yourself. I will take care of myself so that I can meet everyone too.

Polo T-shirts, shirt, shorts, sneakers all Tommy Hilfiger; Socks, Stylist’s own

Photography Park Sangjun

Creative Direction & Styling Izwan Abdullah

Production & Fashion Coordination Manfred Lu

Grooming Tanawat Boonraksa

Hair Pakorn Seesem

Set Design Yukon Boonprasart

Photography Assistant Jaewon

Production (Photography) Park Haeju

Production & Styling Assistant Ratchada Tuptimphet

The October 2024 issue featuring Fourth Nattawat on the cover is available at major newsstands in Malaysia. For order enquiries, please visit this link.