Lee Thanatpong Opens Up: From ASMR Viewer to Full-Fledged Influencer! Hints at Potential Couple Content Coming

Young actor Lee Thanatpong, who continues to deliver content for his fanbase, recently attended the launch of "Lemon Lens," an influencer monitoring and brand performance platform designed to support modern marketers at The Athenee Hotel Bangkok. He opened up about stepping into the influencer world, creating more content for followers, and his choice to decline BL series roles.

Is the new influencer launching with strong engagement? "I just started. I've been using TikTok for a long time, but mainly for relaxation—listening to ASMR, watching pimple-popping videos. Those are so soothing for sleep (laughs). I watched constantly but never thought I'd upload anything myself. Lately, I wanted to try it out. At first, I told everyone this was a real account, but nobody believed me. Eventually, I did a live stream and the engagement just started picking up. I'm mainly focusing on live content now, but not too frequently. I want to create some distance so they miss me before I come back—but they don't seem to miss me (laughs). If it's working, then thanks!"

What else are you working on these days? "I have events constantly, mostly outside Bangkok. I'm glad to go, but it's a shame the media doesn't always come along. We'll be riding together next time. I also have series in the works—waiting to roll cameras and waiting for them to air."

Are you having a busy year? "Every year is busy. I try to do series every year. Many people message saying they miss me, but I'm constantly working. When I'm on set, I don't usually upload updates about filming. With my latest project, we wrapped months ago, but I haven't posted any behind-the-scenes photos because the script was so intense and exhausting. But I promised everyone I'd share more."

How many series will we see this year? "Throughout the year, I kept saying they'd air this year, but recently I found out they're airing next year (laughs). And with the new project that just started filming, I'm already saying that one's also coming next year."

What are the roles like? "As I've gotten older, the roles I receive lean more toward professional characters. For example, in '669 Emergency Line Becomes Love,' I played a rescue worker. When we made the deal, they didn't mention I'd be doing rope work or falling in water—that was quite the challenge. The upcoming project starting in October has me playing a teacher with a complete image change—different speech, walk, hairstyle. Based on the script I've seen, it seems doable. Feel free to reach out. I want to keep playing challenging roles."

Many actors these days have solo singles. Will you be doing one? "I actually mentioned before that I'm working on music. I've made so many tracks that I feel ready to record anytime. I'm more naturally inclined toward the music production side, but for vocals, I need someone to write the right lyrics. Recently, my friend has written several songs for me, and he keeps messaging asking when I'll record (laughs). Will it be T-Pop dance style? No, I need to be true to myself. I'm not naturally comfortable with dancing—I'm not great with my body that way. Music is more my strength."

Have BL boy-love roles been coming your way? "Yes, constantly. But I don't really feel suited for them. I don't think I can pull them off well. I'd rather younger actors or those naturally suited to that genre get those roles. My vibe has always been more versatile. If you put me in a BL series, I probably wouldn't do as well as my peers."

What kind of scripts are being sent to you? "I don't usually read scripts all the way through. Just brief treatments. If I'm not comfortable, I'm worried I'll do a bad job and ruin my career as an actor. After 10 years in the industry, I don't want people saying I played poorly (laughs). I do read them first and give clear reasons when I decline. Sometimes I feel I'm more mature for certain ages. There are many reasons—it's not just about whether it suits me."

It shows that lately...