Many actors choose a genre in which they remain for the rest of their career, or even a specific type of character they want to play, because they feel comfortable in it. This is not the case for the Thai acting duo Pond & Phuwin, and that is precisely why they are one of GMMTV’s most popular pairs. At their latest fan meeting in Rome, they revealed to us in an exclusive interview how their early days shaped them and what roles they’d still like to play in the future.
The last weekend in August, 29–30 August, saw a fan meeting in Rome featuring no fewer than three acting duos from GMMTV, whose popularity has long since transcended Thailand’s borders. Among them was one of the most popular ships in the Thai boys’ love industry today: PondPhuwin.
Pond Naravit Lertratkosum and Phuwin Tangsakyuen came to the attention of fans thanks to their first joint series, Fish upon the Sky, which was released in 2021. Since then, the acting duo have built up their own fanbase, have their own mascot and enjoy immense popularity. Their latest series, Me and Thee, and the short sequel, Peach and Me, depicted the relationship between a witty entrepreneur and a photographer who collaborated with his brand.
None of this would have been possible without the dedication of the Jus in Bello team, who continue to create opportunities for audiences and artists to come together, connect and turn their shared passion into real-life experiences. We also had the opportunity to ask the acting duo a few questions. In their answers, they revealed how they view their journey and how they feel before taking to the stage in front of thousands of people. When did Pond realise that their expectations had long been surpassed, and what else would Phuwin, for example, like to act in?
When you first met, neither of you could have known that you would spend so many years working, travelling and growing up together. Looking back now, what do you think the younger versions of yourselves would be most surprised about today?
Pond: His reputation and how much he has grown and developed over time.
You have often said that you are very different people. After all these years, what is something about each other that still surprises you?
Pond: His hard work and continuous growth, both in acting, singing, and other areas.
Peach and Me explores a new chapter in your characters’ lives. As actors, what interested you the most about returning to these characters and discovering who they have become?
Pond: Because fans love and miss these characters. I think they’d like to know what happened next in these tho character’s stories.
It’s been years since Fish Upon the Sky introduced many fans to you as a duo. Looking back now, in what ways do you think you’ve changed the most – not just as actors, but as individuals? What experiences do you think have shaped you the most since then?
Pond: In terms of acting, I’ve had the opportunity to learn and develop in many ways. And as a person I feel that I’ve grown a lot and understand the world better.
You’ve been working together for years now. Was there ever a moment when you realised your journey as a duo had grown beyond your original expectations?
Pond: I’d say it was after my most recent concert. I never expected to have so many fans who love and support me.
This year has been especially busy for both of you, with acting, music, and large-scale performances. Just before you walk on stage and hear thousands of fans waiting for you, what does that moment feel like?
Phuwin: It’s nerves and jitters fot the entire hour before the show, and once you’re on standby everything overloads you by tenfold, then the 10 seconds your queue its just blank. A leap of faith and the next thing you know, you’re on stage and going with the flow.
You both continue to explore your own creative paths – whether through acting, music, fashion, voice acting or other projects. How do these individual experiences influence the way you work together?
Phuwin: Everytime we have projects separate from each other it’s like a training montage in a movie, the next thing you know when you see eachother again its like the other person has upped their skill in a particular front and that leaves many more opportunities and things to explore together.
You’ve worked together in several projects over the years. Is there a particular type of role or story you’d still love to explore together?
Phuwin: There’s none that comes to mind at the moment but I would like to continue on presenting something new and fresh everytime that we work together and for the audience to experience.
If someone were to describe the story of Pond and Phuwin many years from now, what would you hope they would say about you?
Phuwin: We are 2 partners who get along very well witch eachother, respect eachother and in times of need are there for eachother.
This August, you’ll be meeting your European fans at your fan meet in Rome. How excited are you about the event, and what are looking forward to the most during your time in Rome?
Phuwin: Very excited, we haven’t met the fans in Rome for 2 years and we think that a lot has changed and happened during our period of absence, very eager to meet both old and new fans and ready for a blast that is to come.
Source: Interview with Pond Naravit Lertratkosum and Phuwin Tangsakyuen, GMMTV, Jus in Bello
