Apo Nattawin Rides Into The New Year With Confidence

When it comes to being fabulously dressed, Thai heartthrob Apo Nattawin Wattanagitiphat does not disappoint. Calling on Zoom from a supposedly secret location, he should have kept his camera off, but turns it on anyway. Face to face, I can see him in an audacious tan jacket speckled with hand-drawn motifs of a Thai temple, Murakami characters, the Eiffel Tower and an “I love New York” logo. Let’s be clear though: as flamboyant as the jacket is, it is not wearing him. Instead, Apo pulls if off with the charm of a snappy dresser.

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Ever since his breakout role in action-boys’ love series KinnPorsche: The Series in 2022, the tall, dark and handsome star has transformed from rising actor to a full-fledged international phenomenon. It comes as no surprise that his first-rate acting chops and innate sense of style have solidified him as the global ambassador for luxury brands and a poster boy for Thailand’s soft power.

The actor, who last graced BAZAAR’s cover in November 2024, turns 32 next month. For this cover shoot, which took place in the National Equestrian Centre in Singapore, Apo was paired with a majestic ex-racehorse, Sir Isaac, who the actor immediately bonded with. Sir Isaac connected with Apo’s calming energy, proving his effect on man and beast alike.

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For his most recent role, Apo starred as Thailand’s most infamous outlaw in Netflix’s movie Tee Yai: Born To Be Bad. Based on the real-life criminal from the ’70s, Tee Yai was notorious for his heists and was rumored to have escaped capture countless times through the use of black magic. This dramatic story has undergone six different remakes, both in movies and on TV. However, this latest iteration offers a never-before-told angle by acclaimed director Nonzee Nimibutr, where it is neither magic nor the talismans that helped the outlaw. Instead it focuses on the lifesaving power of friendships, where Tee’s best friend, Rerk, is instrumental in helping him dodge the long arm of the law.

Apo himself is interpreting the role with a completely new look, starting with the yellow sunglasses that Tee was often seen in. “This project is what I am proudest of in my life, because Nonzee allowed me to work on the character’s clothes too,” Apo enthuses.

Past representation of Tee typically showed him in a plaid shirt, with black Ray-Bans and Converse sneakers. However, Apo was deeply inspired by a photo he saw of Tee sitting cross-legged, in a denim outfit. He explains, “I love clothes from the ’60s to the ’80s. From old photos I had seen, Tee appeared tasteful and I felt that the things he used must have been unique, so I got belt buckles custom-made and sourced yellow shades from that era, which were not easy to find.” His attention to detail included the small, round buttons on Tee’s denim shirt, which he believes conveyed his personality. “He’s not a blunt person so I didn’t want to use square buttons.”

Apo even made a trip to Kalong Temple in Samut Sakhon province, where Tee Yai received his talismans, and extensively interviewed the people surrounding the thief. “From what I’ve heard, I feel like he was a sexy person because of how earnest he was,” the actor says. “I feel that his personality was very cool and serious. When someone is cool and serious, it comes from being resolute, loyal and having camaraderie with your team.”

While being so deeply involved in styling his characters meant more work for him, the fashion fanatic is more than keen to do so. The words “sexy” and “vintage” come up a lot in our chat, suggesting that these looks likely resonated with him whether in real life or onscreen. Since getting appointed as global ambassador for Piaget in 2024, his love for vintage watches and penchant for unique pieces have been fulfilled. “I love how Piaget’s identity comes across in strange shapes and how they are always open to try new things,” he says about his Andy Warhol watch, which he loves for its uncommon, cushion-shaped dial. “When it comes to jewellery, I like cool and sexy pieces that look both masculine and feminine at the same time. I like Piaget’s Possession collection because the engravings are just magnificent. The sizing of the rings is great, because it doesn’t look too big or try too hard.”

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While he is open to sharing about his jewellery and watch collection, Apo is a lot more circumspect when it comes to talking about his new work, a movie slated for release next month. Still, his enthusiasm shows when talking about working with co-stars, GL hotties Freen Sarocha Chankimha and Engfa Waraha, “It’s so damn sexy and ... snarky. It’s about all these people crazy in love and who will do everything for it.” He even jokes, “I think I’m a middle-aged guy who is cheerful and upbeat so people remember me as being playful. I still am, but this year, people will see my other more serious side through my character.”

For all the glamour surrounding his ascent, and the fame he has achieved thus far, Apo remains grounded, and this is what sets him apart. He explains, “[Things are] beyond my dreams and whatever happens in the future will be extra bonuses, really.” But still, that hasn’t stopped him from dreaming. “I was just thinking about this in the shower the other day, about how I still have so much fun with work every day. The only thing I still haven’t gotten to do yet and want to is to work on a movie with Christopher Nolan!” So what happens if Nolan were to see this interview, I ask? Apo bursts into a laugh at the thought of it.

He continues chuckling, albeit apologetically, when I ask about his New Year’s resolutions. He never makes any, nor does he remember to celebrate his birthday, he shares. But the most important lesson he’s picked up as the new year unfolds? “Drop your problems quickly and move on quickly,” he says. “Every time I have to shoot the same scene again, I need to completely drop my thoughts, whether it’s ‘I did well’ or ‘I didn’t do well just now’. You have to stay present.”

Editor-in-Chief: Kenneth Goh
Photography: Joel Low
Styling: Gracia Phang
Cover look: Piaget
Hair and Makeup: Pakanat Poolsawat
Manicure: Rebecca Chuang/ The Fluttery Tips
Photographer’s Assistant: Eddie Teo
Stylist’s Assistant: Ynez Loh
Special thanks to: Sir Isaac/ National Equestrian Centre and Equestrian Federation of Singapore