On set for our cover shoot in Bangkok, “Miu” Natsha Taechamongkalapiwat and “Lena” Lorena Schuett move through the studio with a calm and ease that feels unexpected for two rising Thai actresses. They waltz in together dressed in baggy sweats, matchas in hand, looking like identical twins—soft, fair skin, lithe frames and silky long tresses. Coincidentally, they share the same birthday, which happens to be the day after our shoot.
Their energies are similar, but we can spot some obvious differences. Lena, 26, is soft-spoken, observant, and moves with an unhurried cat-like grace of someone who sees more than she says. Miu, 24, who’s fairly new to the industry, has a more eager, curious-kitten-slash-playful-retriever-like enthusiasm. Together, they form the kind of yin-yang pairing the industry loves: Complementary in temperament, compelling on screen, and disarmingly grounded. It is a dynamic that made audiences latch onto them this year in the hit series My Safe Zone—their first drama together—and one that continues to gain momentum as both prepare for a second season next year.
In recent years, Thai dramas have begun embracing more female-led narratives about friendship, identity and the complexities of female relationships, some of which sit within the “GL” (girls’ love) romance sub-genre. Ultimately, it’s the emotionally honest and thoughtful performances that draw audiences in.
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For younger actresses like Lena and Miu, these roles can still feel bold, especially in a region where such relationships are portrayed with a certain caution. Thailand’s more progressive culture allows creators slightly more freedom, though projects in this space remain niche and often underfunded. For the co-stars, the appeal wasn’t about the genre at all. It was the challenge of diving into layered, emotionally-charged roles and learning to play them with authenticity.
Watching them banter on set, their chemistry is giving off BFF vibes. They crack inside jokes, complete sentences, cheer each other on—almost akin to the Ariana-Cynthia-like affection. “What I appreciate most about Miu is how expressive she is,” Lena shares. “I rarely have to guess what’s on her mind because she’s so honest with her emotions. And her bubbly personality brings this bright, warm presence into my life, both on set and off.” Miu meets this with equal sincerity. “Working with P’Lena feels like being with someone in my comfort zone. I always feel happier, more secure, and more confident when she’s around because she knows me so well.”
They give each other a knowing look before Miu continues: “We have this kind of unspoken understanding, we connect through eye contact, and sometimes our thoughts align even without saying a word. That connection makes the work feel effortless, and it’s one of the reasons audiences respond so strongly to our scenes together, since we react and act out the same way we would do it outside of the frame.”
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We ask them how they navigate their friendship in an industry that can sometimes be very intense and highly critical. Miu is quick to answer: “From the very beginning, we agreed to always be honest and open with each other. If there’s something we like or don’t like, we say it directly.” Lena chimes in: “We also complement each other because we have different strengths and ways of approaching things, which makes our relationship and teamwork stronger.”
Dressed in the season’s cruise 2026 pieces and scintillating jewellery from Cartier for this shoot, the girls embody our bright and bold December issue theme. But truly shining bright is more than just surface glamour. For Lena, it’s about connecting with others through empathy and kindness. “Real beauty comes from within—from the way you treat people to how you carry yourself,” she utters. And for Miu, it’s about being genuine, staying true to yourself, doing things with sincerity, and never hurting others. “I think for a person to shine in a real and lasting way is to truly be yourself. It’s about discovering who you are, being open to opportunities, and putting yourself in the right place at the right time. One day, the light will naturally find its way to you,” she smiles.
Together, Lena and Miu reflect a generation of actresses unafraid to take on roles that stretch them creatively—roles that require stepping outside traditional expectations. They are not defined by genre, fandom or labels, but by their commitment to their craft and the steady support they offer each other along the way.
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LENA SCHUETT: THE INTROSPECTIVE FORCE
Born to a Thai mother and a Canadian father, Lena grew up in Chiang Mai. Her Asian side shaped her instinct to be polite, humble and kind, while her Western upbringing taught her to be expressive and inquisitive. Growing up in this bicultural environment gave her the ability to read a room, understand nuance, and sense emotional shifts—traits essential to her work as an actor. “I’m a highly sensitive person,” she says. “I feel things deeply, which can be challenging, but it also helps me connect with others and understand their perspectives.”
Her entry into acting happened early. At 15, she took on the role that she still considers a personal breakthrough—family drama Naree Rissaya (2016)—not only because it placed her on the industry map, but because it forced her to learn discipline and craft before she even understood the weight of either. Since then, she has built a surprisingly diverse filmography for someone still in her mid-20s, including roles in Sanae Rak Nang Sin (2018), A Tale of Ylang Ylang (2022), Devil in Law (2023) and Stepmother (2025). “My latest role in My Safe Zone has been very significant,” she reveals. “I had to navigate intimate scenes, and it was a big learning experience in terms of professionalism, trust, and understanding my character and partner better.”
What she’s learnt over the years tackling challenging roles: Internal alignment. “If my focus is aligned, the emotional work and physical choices flow much more easily. But reaching that level of concentration, especially in unpredictable environments, is something I’m always working to strengthen,” she says. The kinds of roles she’s hoping to play one day are emotionally charged. “I’d love to challenge myself with a character who has serious trauma, memory loss, or a complex background—someone I would need to really study to fully bring them to life. Roles like that push me to grow as an actor and explore new depths of emotion.”
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Acting in different roles has also served as a catalyst for personal growth. “When I think about the girl I was growing up versus the woman I am today, evolution is really about perspective,” she muses. “As a girl, I saw the world largely through my own lens, focused on my fears and desires. But the woman I am today has learned to see beyond herself, to understand and empathise with the experiences of others. I’ve also learned to fight for my dreams with intention and courage, to take responsibility for shaping my own path rather than waiting for it to unfold.”
This clarity is anchored by one lesson Lena returns to often: Self-belief. Trusting her abilities, staying rooted in who she is, and holding her ground regardless of what the industry throws her way. “The best advice I’ve ever gotten was to stay rooted in who I am and remain humble. I was told always to protect my inner balance so neither success nor setbacks can throw me off,” she says.
What stands out most about Lena is her steadiness. She doesn’t feel the need to rush to prove anything or bend herself into someone she isn’t. Instead, her self-confidence has grown through reflecting and really understanding what she wants. It’s a slower process but one with lasting results—and it’s the reason she leaves an impression even in her quietest moments.
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MIU NATSHA: THE DISCIPLINED DREAMER
Miu carries an energy that feels instantly warm and genuine. “My childhood was truly happy,” she says. “Every evening, my family and I have dinner together. We’d swim after school or spend time outdoors. My parents were very social, so I always tagged along to different events.”
Before acting was even on her radar, Miu was on track for something else entirely. She took a Bachelor of Arts and Science in Integrated Innovation—a rigorous, hybrid programme that integrates robotics, creative problem-solving and entrepreneurship. Her path, at least academically, made sense to her family who have deep roots in the automobile industry. But like many starry-eyed teenagers, the allure of show business was hard to resist. She would hide a tablet under her pillow at night so that she could watch Channel 3 dramas while everyone was asleep.
Entering the industry wasn’t straightforward. Her father initially hesitated, concerned about the job’s instability. Miu had to convince him that this wasn’t some fleeting fantasy. “He believed it wouldn’t be long-lasting, and he worried that I only saw the good side: The success, the fame, but not the side that’s exhausting and full of challenges,” she explains. “Little by little, I showed him how much I genuinely enjoy what I do. And over time, he started to ease up and let me find my own way.”
Stepping into her debut role in My Safe Zone was harder than she thought—requiring emotional vulnerability she wasn’t used to showing. “Acting doesn’t let you hide; you have to be honest, and you have to let every feeling show,” she admits. “What helped me was realising that once I’m in character, it isn’t me people are judging; it’s the character going through their experiences. When I allowed myself to step into the character fully, I stopped worrying about other unnecessary factors.”
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To this day, she remembers a straightforward piece of advice from her acting coach: Acting is not acting. “The more you try to force a feeling or plan your reaction, the more disconnected you become,” she observes. “Real acting happens when you stop performing and start listening; truly being present with your scene partner instead of focusing on what you think you should feel.”
She credits the more experienced Lena for being a source of inspiration. “I really admire her dedication to her work. Her commitment to every scene is so complete and effortless that it inspires me to push myself further,” she expresses. “What I appreciate most is how straightforward she is with me. She’s always there to guide me through every scene I find challenging, and she makes it easier for me to connect with the emotions of the character.”
Today, Miu has grown into someone bolder and more assured, anchored by a maturity earned through stepping out of her comfort zone. “I get to work in a field I truly love. I feel so much clearer about who I am and what I want. I’ve learned to trust myself more, to speak up, and to take on challenges with a lot more courage.”
Make-up Artist for Lena JIRANET SEECHANG
Hairstylist for Lena AKKARACHAI DEEDPIN
Make-up Artist for Miu HOMELESS MAKEUP
Hairstylist for Miu PAKORN SEESEM
Producer SOPHANA TANMANATRAGUL
Photographer’s Assistants WIROON WUTTIPHONGDECHA; ARNON BOONROD; JOEYSLEEPER
Stylist’s Assistants RATCHAPHON CHAROENKUSOL; SUPANEE NAMPROM