Like how most stories of celebrities are shaped in Thailand, Kanawut Traipipattanapong — widely known by his nickname Gulf — was just 21 years old when his breakthrough arrived. He had never planned for it — not when he attempted acting once prior in a missable, small guest role for a Y-series (a classification for Thai soap operas) before taking a break to focus on school — and neither when he took a leap of faith and auditioned for the role of a main lead in a then-undisclosed drama with a year of studies left to complete. The role he eventually got cast for was part of a premise widely popular in Thailand but remained obscure to the rest of the world. It encompassed a light-hearted tale of one character falling head over heels for the other under circumstances that would normally have made it impossible. “I never imagined I would work in entertainment,” he says. “When I was young, I had different dreams and goals.”
Tharntype: The Series premiered on Thai television in 2019 to widespread results — but only within Thailand. It was not until the series ended airing that it eventually got picked up by a growing pool of international audiences who became fond of the genre — a new domain that the industry discovered could generate thousands, if not millions, of fans worldwide. This shuffling culture boom seemingly turned Gulf into Thailand’s newest celebrity to watch overnight. It did not take long before he earned endorsements from other celebrities, as well as deals for advertisements that would land him top spots on Bangkok’s billboards. By the time Tharntype: The Series spin-offs aired and a second season was announced, its success — coupled with the popularity of his love pairing — meant plotting a path for Gulf’s future that was secure for years to come.
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However, towards the end of promoting TharnType Season 2: 7 Years of Love, Gulf decided to further his career via a different path. Having been in the centre of the buzzy touchpoints that piqued the genre’s interest globally, he ultimately found himself stricken by the realisation that something had been missing in his career. “After working for some time now, I realised that being true to myself is the best approach,” he says. “I think everyone can achieve success in their own way. Working as a pair allows for shared joy and fun, but that doesn’t mean working alone isn’t enjoyable.”
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What prompted him were a series of circumstances that would lay the groundwork for Gulf to embrace authenticity, daring him to go to his greatest lengths yet — even if it meant doing it by himself. “Trying to meet the expectations of others can make things feel inauthentic,” Gulf shares. “Whereas I found that being myself adds to my confidence. There’s an overall satisfaction that comes with it,” he adds. “Ultimately, success is a very personal journey.”
Going solo meant anticipating bigger risks. There have not been enough instances of breaking free from the public’s perception — in this case, the popularity Gulf earned just from one series — that could have vouched it would work. Instead, Gulf took small, incremental steps. A year after Tharntype, his initial solo activities were a mix of small acting roles for short films and appearances in music videos.
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During this time, Gulf signed with his first agency. But it took some more time — another year to be exact — to arrive at his next step, where he embarked on bigger ambitions. Starting with a new lead role in the popular K-Drama remake of the same title, romance series You Are My Make Up Artist, before landing himself a film debut in 2022 with Buaphan Fan Yap — both of which received critical acclaim.
The reception to these two projects made 2022 a vivid banner year for Gulf, more so than the years before. His fan base grew during this pivotal moment, garnering Gulf multiple fan clubs that reached even as far as Japan despite the language and cultural differences. “I was pleasantly surprised to know that I have so many fans from so many different countries,” Gulf shares gleefully. For example, consider the multiple fan meetings he has had — including one in Singapore and an appearance in Malaysia — at such an early stage still in his career; it reveals a more confident, robust era for Gulf than in his earlier days.
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However, according to Gulf, his fans fuelled his motivations to push further in his solo pursuit. “I am truly grateful for their support and find them incredibly lovely. Seeing (their) support motivates me to continue working and achieving more. Every time I see them, it brings me great joy and enhances my enjoyment of my work,” he says.
Fast forward to 2024, Gucci announced the appointment of Gulf as house ambassador, which would mark his biggest achievement to date. As an ambassador for one of the biggest and most important fashion houses, it puts him in the league of Thai celebrities who have showcased the soft power of Thailand’s culture. There was little surprise when the news broke, considering he had attended the prior January Gucci men’s show in Milan — which was also his first. “I made wonderful memories from that trip in Milan, the people, the team, having met all the other talented artists who also attended,” he shares. “It was truly an honour.”
He remains friends with Mai — otherwise known as Davika Hoorne, a fellow Gucci ambassador — having known her before their relationships with the brand. When Men’s Folio asked if he thought he was more stylish than Davika, he laughed, saying that “everyone has their unique signatures and styles.” In the most inoffensive way, he adds that “there isn’t a single ‘best’. Each person is special and distinct in their way.”
His next step: putting more time into being a singer and songwriter. According to Gulf, this part feels more like a necessary course of action than a manufactured one — as with every Asian artiste who has succeeded decades before. “I have a deep appreciation for both acting and singing,” he says. “I find it difficult to choose between them. I’m passionate about both,” adding that he’s always “held a deep admiration for all artistes” when asked what inspired him to take this route.
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Gulf’s music ambitions began when he became part of the musical project Boyfriends alongside GMMTV stars. He released his first single in 2020 and the second in 2021. However, what truly stood out in this path would be 2024’s single release — “Congratulations” — with an accompanying music video fitting Gulf’s off-centre personality and also stars fellow Thai actress Nychaa. When asked why, he simply answers that his “goal is to collaborate with other talented artistes, as it contributes to my personal growth.” He continues, saying he “also hopes that more Thai artistes have the chance to represent global brands so that people worldwide can appreciate the exceptional talent of Thai individuals.”
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Yet, amidst all the fanfare, Gulf reveals that he feels relieved when he is alone. “I’m an introvert when I’m not working,” he adds. “I don’t speak much and feel shy around people I’m not close to.” Shedding more of himself, he shares that he “usually needs some time to feel comfortable and familiar.” It reveals a stark reminder that it has not been long since Gulf started his career. With more projects in the pipeline and having established he has reached certain — perhaps more enduring — successes since doing things his way, the next few years are likely to propel Gulf’s career even further. “I have no regrets so far,” he concludes, confidently. “Each experience has imparted valuable lessons, and I deeply appreciate the journey. I honestly can’t wait for what’s next.”
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It reveals a stark reminder that it has not been long since Gulf started his career. With more projects in the pipeline and having established he has reached certain — perhaps more enduring — successes since doing things his way, the next few years are likely to propel Gulf’s career even further. “I have no regrets so far,” he concludes, confidently. “Each experience has imparted valuable lessons, and I deeply appreciate the journey. I honestly can’t wait for what’s next.”
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Photography Poyen Chen
Creative Direction & Styling Izwan Abdullah
Production & Styling Assistant Oey Ratchada
Grooming Dearnaya Kerdmongkol
Hair & Set Design Tiyanon Tom Kumtawai
The August 2024 issue featuring Gulf Kanawut on the cover is available at major newsstands in Malaysia. For order enquiries, please visit this link.
