Meet Nattawin ‘Apo’ Wattanagitiphat, Thailand’s Rising Actor and Fashion Darling

Nattawin Wattanagitiphat, better known by his fans as Apo, has taken the Thai entertainment world by storm. With his portrayal of Porsche, a bartender-turned-bodyguard entangled in a passionate romance with a mafia boss, this breakout role in the hit series KinnPorsche brought him into the spotlight.

Get To Know Nattawin ‘Apo’ Wattanagitiphat

Apo’s career began in the modelling world, where his looks and natural charm quickly gained attention. In 2015, after signing with Thai TV Network Channel 3, he made his acting debut in the popular drama Sud Kaen Saen Rak. This was just the beginning of his career, as he continued to star in several long running-series until 2018. Despite Apo’s success and growing popularity, Apo felt confined and controlled by his management, so when his contract was over, he decided to take a step back and reclaim control over his life.

Move to the United States

Where did Apo go, you might ask? In 2019, Apo made the decision to continue his break, pack his bags and move to the United States. Apo wanted to seek new opportunities, personal growth and gain experience in many different fields – which included waiting tables and bartending. Now, luckily Apo’s intuition was correct and all came full circle when his newfound bartending skills would prove invaluable for his role in KinnPorsche. After a couple months in the U.S., COVID hit, which made Apo return home to Thailand. It was only then that he realised he still had a true passion for acting, and there was no better time than COVID for self tapes, auditions, and other creative pursuits.

Working with Dior

In addition to acting, Apo is also an avid photographer with an instagram account, @apovision, which showcases his talent behind the lens. He doesn’t just stop there. Known for his impeccable style, Apo has most notably become linked with Dior. This relationship with Dior culminated with an invitation to their autumn 2023 show in Paris, followed by another appearance at the 2023 Dior show in Mumbai, alongside his KinnPorsche co-star Mile Phakphum. The two became the talk of the town when they were officially named the newest brand ambassadors for Dior in summer 2023, receiving high praise from menswear creative director Kim Jones.

While Apo is already making strides in the fashion industry as a Dior Darling, he is also the creative mind behind his own clothing brand, Traisit.1962, a line inspired by his father’s sense of style. The brand’s tagline ‘from papa’s hidden closet,’ reflects its preppy streetwear aesthetic and serves as a nod to the past with a modern twist.

Apo in Man Suang 

Apo showcases the depth of his acting talent in Man Suang, a film that explores the mysterious world of Siam’s most luxurious entertainment club. In the film, Apo portrays Khem, a young man from a slave community with aspirations of climbing the social ladder. Khem’s journey is deeply intertwined with traditional Thai dance, which he uses as a tool to navigate the rigid class structures of that time. The club, Man Suang, is a place where societal barriers blur, giving Khem an opportunity to explore and challenge the norms of his era. The film also reunites Apo with his beloved KinnPorsche co-star Mile Phakphum, adding a beautiful layer of chemistry.

Piaget Global Ambassador

In mid-April 2024, shortly after the conclusion of Watches and Wonders Geneva, Apo was announced as Piaget’s Global Ambassador. The role was especially meaningful to him, as he has expressed a deep love for watches, and seeing them as markers of special moments in his life. Apo, who was Piaget’s first-ever friend of the brand from the South Asia region before his global appointment, shared his excitement about being a part of the Piaget family. The star has stated how he admires how the maison has maintained his beliefs and uniqueness and looks forward to becoming a part of the brand’s journey.

[Hero and featured Image Credit: Instagram @apo555]