Atthaphan Phunsawat
Atthaphan Phunsawat (Thai: อรรถพันธ์ พูลสวัสดิ์), professionally known as Gun Atthaphan, is a Thai actor, singer, host, and entrepreneur who rose to prominence in the entertainment industry after debuting as a child actor in 2003 and achieving widespread acclaim for his versatile performances in television series and films.[1][2] Born on October 4, 1993, in Bangkok, Thailand, Phunsawat completed his secondary education at Srinakharinwirot University Prasarnmit Demonstration School and later earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Ramkhamhaeng University, having initially studied business administration at Bangkok University before switching majors.[1] His early career began with a debut appearance in the drama Benja Keta Kwarm Ruk (Episode 8) on December 29, 2003, followed by his first leading role as Prince Gomin in the 2004 series Gomin, marking the start of a trajectory that saw him join the prominent production company GMMTV in 2015.[1][3] Phunsawat's breakthrough came with critically acclaimed roles in youth-oriented and romantic dramas, including Punn in The Gifted (2018), which highlighted themes of inequality and supernatural abilities, and Third in Theory of Love (2019), a landmark BL (boys' love) series that explored complex relationships and earned him international recognition.[2][1] He further solidified his status with performances such as White in Not Me (2021–2022), addressing social activism and identity, and Dome in the supernatural thriller Midnight Museum (2023), while his film work includes the coming-of-age drama The Blue Hour (2015). He continued his success with roles such as Ryan in The Trainee (2024) and Ozone in Leap Day (2025).[2][1][4] Throughout his career, Phunsawat has amassed over 20 awards, including Best Actor for The Blue Hour in 2015, Best Supporting Actor at the 7th Chalerm Thai Awards, Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the 24th Asian Television Awards, and the Outstanding Asian Star in a Drama award for Midnight Museum in 2023, reflecting his range across genres from romance to mystery.[1][2] Beyond acting, he has ventured into music as a singer and appeared in music videos, while also serving as a host and model under GMMTV.[1][3] In addition to his entertainment pursuits, Phunsawat is an entrepreneur who owns the streetwear clothing brand Gente, co-owns the apparel line Too Cute To Be Cool, and is involved in the café chain Last House on the Right, often incorporating his eclectic fashion sense—characterized by bold colors and patterns—into his public persona.[2][1]Early life and education
Early life
Atthaphan Phunsawat was born on October 4, 1993, in Bangkok, Thailand. He grew up in the city alongside his younger sister, Pimwalee Phunsawat, in an environment marked by limited public details about his family to respect their privacy.[5] From a young age, Atthaphan displayed a keen interest in performing, frequently imitating actors in front of the television and voicing his ambition to appear on screen.[5] His mother played a pivotal role in nurturing this passion, offering strong encouragement after recognizing his natural inclinations toward entertainment.[5] This early familial support fostered Atthaphan's initial exposure to the media world through casual involvement and encouragement, setting the foundation for his later pursuits without delving into formal professional steps.[5]Education
Atthaphan Phunsawat completed his secondary education in Bangkok, attending Sri Vikrom School for lower secondary levels and Satit Srinakharinwirot Prasarnmitr School for upper secondary, where he enrolled in the Visual Arts program.[6] These years coincided with the early stages of his acting career, which began in 2003 at age 10, requiring him to balance school commitments with on-set obligations as a child performer.[6] For higher education, Phunsawat initially enrolled in the Faculty of Business Administration at Bangkok University but faced challenges due to the program's strict attendance requirements conflicting with his burgeoning acting schedule.[7] He subsequently transferred to the Faculty of Political Science at Ramkhamhaeng University, which offered more flexible part-time learning options and support from senior students, allowing him to better manage his studies alongside professional roles under GMMTV.[7][6] Phunsawat's academic path was influenced by his mother's encouragement to obtain a degree, motivating him to persist despite multiple transfers and delays caused by his career demands.[7] By 2018, he indicated nearing completion of his bachelor's degree in Political Science at Ramkhamhaeng University, and as of 2025, he is recognized as an alumnus of the institution.[7][8]Career
Early career (2003–2017)
Atthaphan Phunsawat, known professionally as Gun, entered the entertainment industry as a child actor in 2003 after winning the Boy Model Competition at age nine, which led to his debut in minor television roles, including a small part in the series Benja Keta Kwarm Ruk. His breakthrough came in 2004 with his first leading role as the young Prince Gomin in the 57-episode Thai folklore soap opera Gomin, where his portrayal of the charming protagonist earned him early recognition and established him as a promising child star.[5][9] Throughout his early teens, Phunsawat took on supporting roles in films that showcased his versatility, such as the 2009 thriller Slice, in which he played Nut Boonla, an abused child central to the story's emotional core; the performance received critical acclaim for its depth, earning him the Best Supporting Actor award at the 7th Chalerm Thai Awards and the Performance of the Year at the 2011 Bioscope Awards.[5][10][11] In 2012, he appeared in a guest role as Tee in the horror film 407 Dark Flight, a supernatural thriller about mysterious deaths on a flight, contributing to the ensemble cast amid mixed reviews for the film's effects and pacing.[12][13] As Phunsawat transitioned from child to teen roles in the mid-2010s, he faced challenges including typecasting from his early innocent characters and limited opportunities in a competitive industry, which intensified scrutiny on his growth as an actor before signing with GMMTV in 2016.[5] A key milestone came in 2015 with his leading role as Tam, a bullied loner navigating a supernatural romance, in the film The Blue Hour; the role highlighted his dramatic range and garnered international awards, including Best Actor at the 21st Chéries-Chéris Film Festival in France and Best Lead Actor at the 29th MIX Copenhagen International Film Festival, along with a nomination for Best Actor at the Suphannahong National Film Awards.[5][14][15]Rise to prominence (2018–2022)
Atthaphan Phunsawat's breakthrough came in 2018 with his role as Punn Taweesilp in the supernatural thriller series The Gifted, produced by GMMTV, where he portrayed a high school student navigating gifted abilities and intense rivalries among peers.[16] The series highlighted supernatural elements through its plot involving a special school for talented youth, earning widespread acclaim for its suspenseful narrative and Phunsawat's dynamic performance in action-oriented scenes. His portrayal won him the Best Fight Scene award at the 2019 LINE TV Awards and the Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the 24th Asian Television Awards, marking a pivotal moment in elevating his status within the Thai entertainment industry.[17][4] Phunsawat entered the boys' love (BL) genre prominently in 2019 as Third, a film student harboring unrequited feelings for his friend Khai, in the series Theory of Love, opposite Jumpol Adulkittiporn (Off).[18] The on-screen chemistry between Phunsawat and Adulkittiporn, known collectively as the OffGun pairing, was a highlight, contributing to the series' exploration of complex romantic dynamics and personal growth in a university setting. This role significantly boosted the popularity of Thai BL dramas by showcasing mature themes of love and friendship, with the duo receiving the Best Couple award at the 2020 LINE TV Awards. In 2021, Phunsawat took on dual roles as the twins Black and White in Not Me, a politically charged action-drama that delved into themes of activism, betrayal, and social injustice within a gang context.[19] His performance, praised for its emotional depth in conveying the brothers' intertwined identities and moral dilemmas, helped the series stand out for pushing boundaries in the BL genre with its commentary on Thai societal issues.[20] The show received nominations for Best BL Series of the Year at the CBLO Awards, underscoring Phunsawat's growing reputation for versatile, impactful portrayals. Between 2020 and 2022, Phunsawat expanded his presence through roles in GMMTV projects like I'm Tee, Me Too (2020), where he played the introspective psychology student T-Rex, adding layers to ensemble stories of friendship and self-discovery.[21] He also took on MC duties for various events and series promotions, enhancing his multifaceted career as a host.[5] This period saw his international fanbase grow, fueled by social media engagement and early OffGun fanmeets, including their first in Manila in 2018 and subsequent ones in Singapore and Japan by 2022, which fostered direct interactions with global audiences. His online presence earned recognition, such as the Best Entertainment Performance on Social Media (Actor) at the 2022 Thailand Zocial Awards.[22]Recent work (2023–present)
In 2023, Atthaphan Phunsawat took on a lead role in the supernatural fantasy-thriller series Midnight Museum, portraying Dome, a character entangled in mysteries surrounding a nocturnal museum haunted by spirits and ancient artifacts.[23] The series blended thriller elements with supernatural lore, exploring themes of redemption and the afterlife, and featured dynamic interplay between Phunsawat's Dome and co-star Thanapob Leeratanakachorn's Khatha, whose partnership drove the narrative's emotional core.[24] From 2024 onward, Phunsawat continued his collaboration with longtime partner Off Jumpol Adulkittiporn in projects that expanded his range into more introspective dramas, including a music video appearance in Off Gun: Available (2024). This was followed by lead roles in 2025 releases, including Burnout Syndrome, where he portrayed Jira, a character grappling with emotional burnout and complex interpersonal tensions in a boys' love framework.[25] He also starred as the autistic youth Ozone Anawin in Leap Day, a drama examining family bonds and personal challenges on a fateful leap day, earning praise for his nuanced depiction of neurodiversity.[26] Additionally, Phunsawat appeared as Kao in the film Serpent Beauty (2025), a romantic tale infused with mythical elements involving a snake king's lineage. Phunsawat's international presence grew in 2025, marked by his debut UK fan meeting alongside Adulkittiporn in London on October 6, which celebrated their decade-long on-screen chemistry and drew fans for interactive sessions and performances.[27] His performance as Ozone Anawin in Leap Day secured him the 2025 National Winner accolade at the Asian Academy Creative Awards for Best Actor in a Supporting Role, representing Thailand, with the grand final scheduled for December 4.[28] Looking ahead, Phunsawat attended the announcement for iQIYI's 2026 lineup. This period reflects a shift toward roles emphasizing emotional depth and global outreach, as evidenced by his selections for international recognition.[29]Filmography
Films
Atthaphan Phunsawat began his feature film career in the horror genre with a supporting role as Tee, a passenger caught in a supernatural aviation nightmare, in 407 Dark Flight (2012), Thailand's first 3D horror film directed by Issara Nadee, which explored vengeful spirits aboard a doomed flight.[30][12] Transitioning to lead roles, Phunsawat portrayed Tam, a bullied teenager navigating a haunting same-sex romance and themes of isolation and violence, in the critically acclaimed supernatural drama The Blue Hour (2015), directed by Anucha Boonyawatana; the film premiered in the Panorama section of the 65th Berlin International Film Festival, highlighting his ability to convey emotional depth in coming-of-age narratives.[31] That same year, he starred as Gump in the romantic comedy Love Love You (2015), directed by Naphat Chaithiangthum, where his character grapples with relationship challenges amid youthful antics, showcasing his versatility in lighter, heartfelt stories.[32][33] In Playboy and the Gang of Cherry (2017), a gay-themed horror-comedy directed by Oompon Kitikamara, Phunsawat took on the supporting role of James, a member of a quirky mafia group at a construction site, blending dark humor with thriller elements to depict underground subcultures.[34][35] Phunsawat's most recent film, Serpent Beauty (2025), marks his return to a lead role as Kao, a key figure in a fantasy-horror tale of a young woman with an ancient serpent bloodline facing tragedy and supernatural forces, directed by Lee Thongkham and released on February 13, 2025, reflecting his shift toward more intense action-drama infused narratives in contemporary Thai cinema.[36][37]Television series
Atthaphan Phunsawat began his acting career as a child performer in Thai television during the early 2000s, taking on minor and supporting roles in various lakorns and dramas before achieving prominence with GMMTV productions. Notable early appearances include a guest role as a young boy in Benja Keta Kwarm Ruk (2003) and his first leading role as the titular character in the youth drama Gomin (2004), which marked his initial foray into more substantial parts amid a series of episodic guest spots on channels like Channel 7.[4][22] His breakthrough came with the supernatural thriller The Gifted (2018), where he portrayed Punn Taweesilp, a high school student grappling with mysterious superpowers and social hierarchies, across 13 episodes co-starring Korapat Kirdpan (Nanon) as Pang and Harit Cheewagaroon (Sing) as Korn. The series highlighted themes of inequality and bullying, earning Atthaphan acclaim for his intense performance and contributing to his rise in the boys' love (BL) genre. In 2019, Atthaphan starred as Third, a film student navigating unrequited love and friendship tensions, in the BL miniseries Theory of Love, a 5-episode production opposite frequent co-star Off Jumpol Adulkittiporn as Khai. The role delved into emotional vulnerability and LGBTQ+ relationships, solidifying his status as a leading BL actor. He also appeared in the anthology Our Skyy (2018–2019), reprising elements from Theory of Love in a 1-episode segment with Off Jumpol. Atthaphan's 2020 short-form series I'm Tee, Me Too featured him as T-Rex, a quiet nerdy young man entangled in comedic mishaps and budding romance, spanning 8 episodes alongside Off Jumpol and an ensemble cast including Earth Pirapat Watthameruang. The lighthearted narrative explored self-discovery and humor in everyday life. The political thriller Not Me (2021–2022) showcased Atthaphan in dual roles as the gentle White and his bolder twin Black, activists fighting corruption and inequality in a 14-episode arc co-starring Off Jumpol as Dan/Black. The series addressed pressing social issues like LGBTQ+ rights, police brutality, and youth protests, with Atthaphan's nuanced portrayal of the twins' duality receiving widespread praise for its depth and impact.[38] In 2023, he led as Craft, a enigmatic museum curator entangled in supernatural mysteries and personal hauntings, in the 14-episode horror-fantasy Midnight Museum, opposite Tor Thanapob Leeratanakajorn and a supporting cast including Nanon Korapat Kirdpan. The role emphasized themes of loss, redemption, and the afterlife, blending thriller elements with emotional introspection. Atthaphan's recent television work includes his starring role as Ozone Anawin, an autistic nephew central to unraveling a time-loop mystery of personal tragedies and second chances, in the 12-episode sci-fi drama Leap Day (2025), co-starring Dew Jirawat Sutivanichsak as Night and Pond Naravit Lertratkosum as Day.[26] Upcoming projects include the medical drama Burnout Syndrome (premiering November 26, 2025), where he will play Jira, a dedicated doctor facing workplace exhaustion and ethical dilemmas in a 10-episode series co-starring Off Jumpol Adulkittiporn and Dew Jirawat Sutivanichsak. The narrative tackles mental health challenges in healthcare, drawing from real-world burnout issues.[39] These 2025 releases underscore his continued versatility in genre-blending stories.Music video appearances
Atthaphan Phunsawat has made several notable appearances in music videos for other artists, often showcasing his acting range through narrative roles and dance elements that complement the songs' themes. These cameos, primarily in the 2010s, highlighted his early versatility as a performer transitioning from child acting to more mature roles. In 2013, he portrayed a nerdy admirer in the romantic pop track "พรุ่งนี้ฉันจะเป็นแฟนเธอ (Yours)" by Knomjean, contributing to the video's playful storyline of unrequited affection and budding romance.[40] This appearance marked one of his initial forays into music video acting, helping establish his on-screen charm in lighthearted scenarios. By 2016, Phunsawat took on the role of Rome in "แอบเพ้อเจ้อ (Secretly Babbling)" by Songkran, the soundtrack for the series Senior Secret Love: My Lil' Boy. His performance featured subtle emotional expressions of hidden crushes, integrating seamlessly with the song's upbeat melody and tying into the series' themes of young love.[41] Such roles in OST videos boosted his visibility within GMMTV's ecosystem, bridging his acting career with music promotions. More recently, in 2023, Phunsawat appeared alongside fellow GMMTV artists in the collaborative single "กอด กอด (Hugs)", performing dance sequences that emphasized camaraderie and affection in a celebratory group narrative.[42] This ensemble appearance underscored his ongoing adaptability in music visuals, enhancing his profile in promotional content linked to network events.Music career
Discography
Atthaphan Phunsawat, professionally known as Gun, has built a modest discography centered on collaborative singles released under GMMTV Records, emphasizing pop genres with romantic and upbeat themes. These works, produced in collaboration with GMMTV's in-house composers such as Okomo P and PALMLAMER, often feature harmonious vocal arrangements tailored for Thai pop audiences. As of November 2025, his releases include no full albums or EPs, focusing instead on duets and ensemble tracks that showcase his versatile tenor voice alongside agency peers.[43] Gun's music journey began with guest vocals on collaborative singles in 2019, transitioning post-2020 to more frequent duet and group efforts that align with GMMTV's promotional strategies for its artists. This evolution reflects a shift from intimate pairings to broader ensemble projects, enhancing cross-promotion within the label's roster while maintaining pop sensibilities influenced by BL drama aesthetics.[22]| Year | Title | Collaborators | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | ความเงียบดังที่สุด (The Loudest Silence) | Off Jumpol | Debut collaboration; pop ballad arrangement by PALMLAMER. Released March 19.[43] |
| 2020 | ไม่รักไม่ลง (Too Cute to Handle) | Off Jumpol | Upbeat pop duet; lyrics by Okomo P. Released October 1.[43] |
| 2020 | ตุ๊บๆ จุ๊บๆ OK! | Various GMMTV artists | Group pop track for label compilation.[22] |
| 2022 | กฎของแรงดึงดูด (Law of Attraction) | Krist Perawat, Singto Prachaya, Off Jumpol, Tay Tawan, New Thitipoom, Bright Vachirawit, Win Metawin | Ensemble pop single; multi-vocal harmony production. Released July 8.[44] |
| 2023 | กอด กอด (Hugs) | Off Jumpol, Tay Tawan, New Thitipoom, Pond Naravit, Phuwin Tangsakyuen, Gemini Norawit, Fourth Nattawat, Perth Tanapon, Chimon Wachirawit | Large-group pop collaboration; festive arrangement. Released November 29.[45] |
| 2024 | ข้างๆ ยังว่าง (Available) | Off Jumpol | Contemporary pop duet; melody and lyrics by Okomo P and GG0NE. Released December 6.[46] |
Soundtrack contributions
Atthaphan Phunsawat, known professionally as Gun, has made notable contributions to the soundtracks of Thai television series, primarily through vocal performances in original songs tied to his acting roles in boys' love (BL) dramas produced by GMMTV. These OSTs often feature themes of unspoken emotions, supportive relationships, and playful romance, reflecting the narrative arcs of the series. His collaborations, frequently with co-star Off Jumpol, have garnered significant fan appreciation for their harmonious vocals and emotional depth.[47] Gun's soundtrack work began prominently with the 2019 series Theory of Love, where he lent his voice to the key track "The Loudest Silence" (Thai: ความเงียบดังที่สุด), co-performed with Off Jumpol. This ballad explores the paradox of silence amplifying unspoken love and longing, recorded during the series' production under GMMTV Records. It became a fan favorite for its poignant lyrics and melody.[48][47] In 2022, for the action-drama Not Me, Gun and Off contributed "My Side" (Thai: เข้าข้างตัวเอง), a mid-tempo track delving into loyalty and choosing one's partner amid conflict, directly inspired by the series' plot of identity and rebellion. Recorded in Bangkok with GMMTV's production team, the song highlights Gun's versatile tenor blending with Off's baritone, and it has been cited by fans as an emotional anchor for the show's intense narrative.[49][50] Gun's OST involvement continued into the 2020s with lighter, more whimsical entries. For the 2023 rom-com Cooking Crush, he reunited with Off for "What's Zabb," a fun, spicy pop number using food metaphors—like wasabi's heat—to depict flirtatious attraction, composed to match the series' culinary theme and recorded post-filming. The track's playful energy made it a streaming hit, beloved among fans for its danceable vibe and relatable lyrics. In 2024, Gun delivered his first solo OST performance with "Love Training" (Thai: ฝึกรัก) for The Trainee, a sweet pop song about the learning curve of falling in love, penned by Justmali and tailored to his character's internship romance. Released via GMMTV Records, it quickly became a fan favorite for its catchy hooks and youthful charm, frequently highlighted in online discussions as one of GMMTV's standout recent OSTs.[51][52][53][54]| Series | Song Title | Co-Artist(s) | Release Year | Key Theme |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theory of Love | The Loudest Silence (ความเงียบดังที่สุด) | Off Jumpol | 2019 | Unspoken longing in love[48] |
| Not Me | My Side (เข้าข้างตัวเอง) | Off Jumpol | 2022 | Loyalty and support in relationships[49] |
| Cooking Crush | What's Zabb | Off Jumpol | 2023 | Playful, spicy romance[51] |
| The Trainee | Love Training (ฝึกรัก) | Solo | 2024 | Learning to embrace love[53] |
Awards and nominations
Awards won
Atthaphan Phunsawat received his first major recognition in 2010 for his role in the thriller film Slice, winning Best Supporting Actor at the 7th Chalerm Thai Awards, organized by the Thai Film Association to honor outstanding performances in Thai cinema.[5] His performance as Tam in the 2015 drama The Blue Hour earned him Performance of the Year (shared with Oabnithi Wiwattanawarang) at the Bioscope Awards 2015, Best Lead Actor at the 29th MIX Copenhagen LGBTQ+ Film Festival in Denmark, where the award highlighted his portrayal of a vulnerable teenager navigating bullying and first love, and Best Actor in a Feature Film at the 21st Chéries-Chéris International Queer Film Festival in France, recognizing his emotional depth in the film's atmospheric narrative.[5][4] In 2018, Atthaphan won Rising Star of the Year at the Daradaily The Great Awards for his portrayal of Rome in Senior Secret Love: Puppy Honey.[15] In 2019, for his role as Punn in the supernatural series The Gifted, Atthaphan won Best Fight Scene at the LINE TV Awards, presented during the ceremony on February 12, 2019, in Bangkok, Thailand, for the intense action sequences involving his character's supernatural abilities.[4] He also secured Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the 24th Asian Television Awards, held in 2019 in Singapore, where the award celebrated his nuanced depiction of a gifted student grappling with isolation and power.[17] In 2023, Atthaphan won Outstanding Asian Star in a Drama at the Seoul International Drama Awards for his role as Ton in Midnight Museum.[1] In 2025, Atthaphan was named National Winner for Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the 8th Asian Academy Creative Awards for his performance as Ozone in the fantasy series Leap Day, produced by GMMTV; the national selection was announced on September 30, 2025, positioning him to represent Thailand at the international Grand Gala Final on December 4, 2025, in Singapore, with the award noting his compelling portrayal of a time-looping character confronting personal trauma.[55]Nominations
Atthaphan Phunsawat, known professionally as Gun Atthaphan, has received several nominations throughout his career, primarily recognizing his performances in film and television. These accolades highlight his versatility as a supporting and leading actor in Thai cinema and dramas, spanning from his early breakthrough roles to more recent international recognition.[17] His nominations began with his supporting role in the 2009 thriller film Slice, earning early critical notice for his portrayal of a troubled teenager. Subsequent work in the 2015 drama The Blue Hour further solidified his reputation, leading to multiple nods from Thai film organizations for his intense depiction of a young man entangled in a dangerous romance. In recent years, Phunsawat's television roles have garnered international attention, with nominations reflecting his growing influence in Asian media.[56][17] The following table summarizes his key nominations:| Year | Award | Category | Work | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Suphannahong National Film Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Slice | For his role as Nut, a supporting character in the thriller film.[17] |
| 2015 | 6th Thai Film Directors Association Awards | Best Actor | The Blue Hour | Recognized for his lead performance as Tam. |
| 2016 | Suphannahong National Film Awards | Best Actor | The Blue Hour | Nominated for the same lead role, emphasizing the film's exploration of youth and violence.[17] |
| 2025 | 30th Asian Television Awards | Best Actor in a Supporting Role | Leap Day | For his performance in the GMMTV drama series, competing in the international category.[57] |