In the enthralling world of Thai entertainment, few actors have made their mark as distinctly as Wichapas Sumettikul (or Bible, as he’s better known) and Jespipat Tilapornputt (Jes). Bible’s rise was swift, propelled by a standout role that tapped into his natural intensity, while Jes’s ascent was more of a steady climb, built through years of consistent work. It’s a journey they recount with quiet confidence as they step into our shoot dressed every bit the stars they’ve become.
Bible’s rise to fame was swift, propelled by a meaty role and the pandemic-driven boost in entertainment consumption that led international audiences to discover Thai dramas. Contrary to popular belief, the 26-year-old didn’t come from a wealthy background, even though he did go to an international school in his hometown of Chiang Mai. Motivated by a desire for financial independence, Bible took up all kinds of jobs, from modelling to working as a translator to being a ball boy at a rugby tournament. He says, “I didn’t know myself well back then. But I knew I wanted to lessen the load on my parents and help them. That’s why I said yes to everything, even if it meant attending countless modelling auditions and castings.”
It eventually led him to his first acting gig in KinnPorsche: The Series (2022), the hit Thai boys’ love drama thrust him into the limelight. Playing the role of Vegas, the manipulative and complex heir to a crime family, Bible captivated audiences with his intensity and vulnerability. Reflecting on his journey, he says: “I never planned on becoming an actor. I was more comfortable behind the camera, doing subtitles and storyboards. But when the opportunity came, I took it. You never know where life will take you.”
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He fondly recalls that his childhood was spent “crab hunting in canals, dirt biking in the mountains, camping in waterfalls and feeding elephants.” But Bible’s passion for film and television runs deep. “I’ve always been a movie buff [and I’m] fascinated by how films are made, from props and miniatures to computer-generated imagery. It’s what drew me in and made me fall in love with acting. I wanted to get lost in those worlds.”
On the other hand, Jes, 32, fell into acting through a more serendipitous route—a classic tale of being in the right place at the right time: “It all started when Poj Arnon, a well-known film director in Thailand, was scouting for new talent at my high school. I was one of the kids who made it through the audition rounds, and landed my first movie role.” Since Sassy Player (2009), he has steadily racked up an impressive list of TV and drama credits, including Club Friday The Series 9 (2017), Bangkok Love Stories (2017), and Bunga Saree (2023).
Before acting found him, Jes’s pragmatic nature had led him to pursue a degree in finance at Kasetsart University. “I’ve always been more of a numbers guy,” he admits. “I like calculating rather than memorising, so finance seemed like a good fit.” His father’s advice about the value of financial knowledge in any career path also influenced his choice.
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As a child, he enjoyed sports and music. “I was an active kid,” he says. “Football, golf, music—I did it all. But despite all these activities, I was shy and lacked confidence, especially since I attended an all-boys school for 12 years.” It meant that he had to confront his insecurities every time he stepped into the glare of the spotlight. “Acting helped me grow,” he reflects. “It taught me to express myself in ways I hadn’t before.”
4MINUTES, an eight-episode suspense drama, marks a turning point in Jes’s career. The series, which just ended its run in mid-September on streaming platform Viu, thrust him into the international spotlight. Episodes one and six ranked #1 on Viu in Singapore, while the rest of the episodes consistently ranked #1 in Thailand and the region, thanks to a gripping storyline.
The plot revolves around Bible’s character Great, who suddenly gains the power to see four minutes into the future, which alters the course of his life and leads him to Jes, who plays his love interest, Tyme, a man torn by inner conflict. “Tyme was a tough role,” Jes admits. “There’s a fine balance between being committed and being consumed by your own ambition, and that was something I had to navigate both as the actor and as an individual.”
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Fresh from the conclusion of the 4MINUTES, the two actors step onto our set with an easy camaraderie that comes from familiarity and friendship. Jes, in his Fendi tank top and Dior Men trousers, exudes street-savvy edge. Bible, the cool minimalist, is decked in head to toe Celine. Both sport the IWC Schaffhausen Portugieser Automatic 40 watch. As their popularity continues to rise domestically and internationally, they have attracted brand sponsorships, both on and off the red carpet. Bible has worked with Polo Ralph Lauren, Zegna and activewear brand Alo, while Jes has collaborated with Estée Lauder, Fendi, Saint Laurent and Off-White. They take these fashion partnerships as seriously as their acting careers.
“Fashion, like acting, is about expression,” Bible shares. “It’s about telling a story without words.” Jes nods in agreement. “It should never feel forced,” he says. “When I collaborate with a brand, it’s about more than just wearing their clothes—it’s about an alignment of philosophies.”
They shared their thoughts about working together for the first time, career highs and lows, and ambitions.
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What were your first impressions of each other, and has it changed since?
Bible: At first, Jes was just another fellow actor. Now, I see him as a friend whom I can confide in and hang out with outside of work.
Jes: When I first met Bible, he was a very quiet person who barely spoke. However, when we started working together, and I got to know him better, I realised that he is actually a very nice person. He is very clear on what he wants and he has great passion for the things he loves as well.
Can you share any memorable moments working on 4MINUTES?
Bible: During the action scene with Asavapatr Ponpiboon (Bas) and Jes, Bas hit the drywall so hard it cracked. It was hilarious.
Jes: Although we were filming late into the night, every actor and crew member gave their all. Everyone was treated as equals, and there was no sense of unfairness, which I found incredibly touching.
What’s a habit or ritual you have before inhabiting a character or a new role?
Bible: I imagine the morning habits of the character and try to emulate what he would do as his routine.
Jes: I listen to music that I think my character would listen to and create an environment in my head—where would he be, what would he be doing while listening to it—to help me get into character.
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Looking back on your career, what’s something that you’re particularly proud of?
Bible: I’m proud to have faced my fears: The fear of being on stage, fear of being judged, fear of being in the spotlight... I wouldn’t say I have completely overcome them but if they come up again, I will face them when I have to.
Jes: It would have to be the television series Cheewit Puer Kah Huajai Puer Ter (2017) where I was part of the main cast. While I don’t think it’s my best performance as an actor, I do believe that I gained a lot of experience from being part of it.
If you could work with anyone or score any role, what would it be?
Bible: I would love to work with Quentin Tarantino. His visual style and storytelling really resonate with me, and I’m a huge fan of his films. I love Wes Anderson’s style of storytelling as well.
Jes: I would like the challenge of portraying a mentally challenged individual. Given the opportunity, I would really like to work on a project with Cillian Murphy.
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What do you find most fulfilling and challenging about being an actor?
Bible: I find being able to create the most satisfying thing about my career as it gives me an outlet to express myself. The most challenging would probably be dealing with negativity; no training can really prepare you for that.
Jes: It’s most fulfilling when people appreciate all the effort I’ve put into my work. I feel proud and happy that I can make my parents proud—especially when my family follows my work. I still find acting challenging because I was a shy kid growing up. I used logic more than emotions. Because of this, I’ve had to practise even more and have patience.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone who’s just starting out in the acting industry?
Bible: Find out what drives you, learn everything from everyone in all aspects of life. Be adaptable, and never complacent or too comfortable. Stagnation will lead to ruin.
Jes: If you want to be an actor, you must love acting. There are people out there who can act better than me but never got the chance to do so, and the opposite is true as well. In the end, longevity in this industry comes from a love of performing.
How do you unwind or relax after a long day of filming?
Bible: Just being at home is how I unwind; I seek nature and quiet. I love the calm that nature brings. I came across this Japanese concept, “mono no aware”, which is related to the idea of impermanence. It has influenced me to appreciate things much more, especially nature. I tailor my surroundings to suit my own needs. Which means lots of plants and animals, and no people, not even friends. Home is where I go to be alone.
Jes: I like spending time with friends or finding something delicious to eat.
*This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Stylist JEFFREY YAN
Make-up Artist SAPSIRI SIRIWONG
Hairstylist ROANGRITZ APISITVACHIRAMATEE
Producer SOPHANA ZONA TANMANATRAGUL
Stylist’s Assistant RATCHAPHON CHAROENKUSOL
Photographer’s Assistants WANCHAI ARRERUK; PROMPONG DECHPOL; RATCHAPOOM YAEMNET; KACHAPON PANUDITEEKUN
Producer’s Assistant VORRAKAMON TECHASARATHUN