Actress Returns to Stage Musical After 11-Year Break

Actress Ying Ratha Pho-ngam continues to ride momentum from her viral role as attorney Jitteri in Netflix's "Devil's Lawyer," and has just announced her return to musical theater with "Muang Marya: The Musical" at Muang Thai Ratchadamri Theatre. During rehearsals, she revealed it marks her comeback to stage performance after 11 years away from her last musical, "Bachelor's Day with Old Cases."

When asked about her hiatus, Ying explained that age has brought different priorities—she now values rest and recovery to maintain focus during rehearsals, whereas in her younger days she could perform late into the night and still attend after-parties. However, she emphasized that she has always missed musical theater, which she credits as the foundation of her acting education. She expressed gratitude for finally landing a role her director and mentor Thokklerkit (Boy) felt suited her, playing the good mother character Amanda Obdum in this new production.

Ying praised working alongside renowned stage actress Suthaisini (Pat), calling her Thailand's number-one musical theater actress. She described the new musical as a reimagined version of the classic Ratchadamri Theater story told for the digital age, featuring new storytelling and new music. The production runs from August 17 to September 27, with tickets available through ThaiTicketMajor.

Regarding her recent "Devil's Lawyer Runner" fan event, Ying revealed over 400 people registered, surprising her with the turnout. Since she enjoys fitness activities, she combined the fan meet with a running event and plans to make it a monthly occurrence, though she may limit participation numbers.

When asked about comments that "Ying never dies" in terms of career comebacks, she acknowledged life goes in cycles every 10-12 years, but noted she focuses on self-care and fulfilling her responsibilities. She described the pressure from juggling both "Devil's Lawyer" and the musical as positive pressure—motivating her to maintain quality across all her projects.

On "Devil's Lawyer" ranking fourth globally on Netflix, Ying expressed pride that Thai audiences and international viewers continue to watch Thai-made content. Regarding fan demands for a season two, she said director Anucha (Kai) has mentioned there are behind-the-scenes story elements being developed, but nothing concrete can be announced yet.

When asked about Botox treatments, Ying acknowledged she has had cosmetic procedures over the years but welcomed criticism. She noted that if audiences still connect with her performances, such treatments may not significantly impact her work. However, she admitted she plans to address past procedures—from about 20 years ago—when time permits, though this remains a future consideration.