Entertainment Star – 'Tee' the Hot Goalkeeper Becomes a Leading Man in 'Curse of the City'

Transitioning from goalkeeper at Uthai Thani FC, 'Tee' Bunjakiat Wongsa-Aeng makes his acting debut alongside 'Nam Taan' Pichakkhana Wongsaratanasil in the film 'Curse of the City,' directed by 'Kop' Anuvart Promjang.

On his first film experience: 'Tee' – "I'm very excited. As a footballer, I don't usually get opportunities like this. I decided to take the role because it's a Northern Thai film, and I'm from Lampang already. When the opportunity came up, I talked with my manager about trying something new. This is my first entertainment project and my first film role. I play Sai, a Northern Thai boy who sells fireworks back home. The preparation was intense and every scene was challenging, but I got through it well thanks to the film crew and Nam Taan's support."

On working with Nam Taan: 'Tee' – "I was nervous at first, but she told me to relax and said she believed in us. She gave me confidence during shoots, making me feel comfortable and enjoy the experience."

On working with director Kop: 'Tee' – "The director is also from the North, from Lampang like me. He told me he's been following me as an athlete from our province. Turns out we're from the same sub-district, living close by. We understand each other easily, especially speaking Northern Thai dialect. Since the other actors are also from the North, we bonded quickly and got along well."

On using the Northern dialect: 'Tee' – "100 percent, and it's the local dialect. We specifically focused on the Lampang accent. When I slipped into a Chiang Mai accent, the director would correct me to use the Lampang pronunciation."

On the most memorable scene: 'Tee' – "All scenes impressed me, but the most memorable is when my character reunites with his father after he's gone, and Nam Taan's character makes that happen. It required me to build up emotions, and in real life I've also lost my father, so it really touched me. This film is a romantic comedy with some scary elements, but it's cute scary. I want everyone to watch it. It's a Northern Thai film in 4-5 years since 'Som Por.' I'd like people to come see this love story from the murals of 'Poo Man Ya Man' from Nan province."

On his football career: 'Tee' – "I'm still with Uthai Thani FC and still training. This year I might step back a bit from my role since I'm doing my first BL series 'Don't Be Too Emotional.' I might focus more on acting this year, but I won't abandon football."

On his coach and teammates' reactions: 'Tee' – "They were shocked because I've been with the team for 6 years as a regular player. Before the season started, I talked to the club president about this project. He was surprised but gave permission. Between acting and football, acting might take up more time this year. Once I tried it, I found it fun and quite different from football. The BL series is a new experience. Before filming, the production company Dee Hup sent me to workshops for almost a year. I want people to remember me as both a footballer and an actor, remembering both sides. I've been playing football for 10 years and just started acting—I don't want anyone to forget either role. The discipline, physical training, and focus from football can be applied to acting. With 2-3 thousand spectators in the stadium, I bring that calmness into acting."

On love and his ideal type: 'Tee' – "I like someone fun and easy to talk to, someone who makes me laugh. Our jobs are stressful enough. But right now, I'm not focusing on relationships. I want to dedicate myself fully to football and acting first because I feel like time might be tight for both."

Message to fans: 'Tee' – "I'd like to promote the film...