Cover Story: Supassara Thanachat Finds Balance

Thai actress Supassara Thanachat, universally known to her fans as Kao, greets the day with an infectious smile. ‘Hi, Friday Club. I’m Kao,’ she says warmly. We meet at a place she holds close to her heart – Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, a world of magic and storytelling. It’s a fitting backdrop for an artist who has spent half her life bringing wonder to audiences. ‘I’ve been here so many times,’ she recalls with a hint of nostalgia. ‘When I was a kid, then as a teenager, and now again for the park’s 20th anniversary.’ She laughs, an easy, genuine laugh that instantly dissolves any formalities.

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Beneath her welcoming aura lies a career spanning nearly 14 years, one that began in her youth and made her one of Thailand’s most recognisable faces. Now 30, Kao has been charting her own course since 2022, when she took the leap into freelancing to pursue new opportunities. The familiar comfort of the past is giving way to a conscious search for what comes next. ‘I don’t want to stay in the same place for too long,’ she reflects. ‘I’m looking for more opportunities. I’ve grown up now, and I want to choose my own path and try new things.’

This isn’t a hasty jump into the unknown, but a mature realignment of her career direction. After more than a decade in the industry, her focus has shifted from quantity to quality. ‘I think it’s a lot and too much,’ she says of her extensive filmography. ‘And now, at 30, I feel older. And in this era, many talented young actors are emerging.’ Rather than competing in a crowded field, she is refining her priorities. She is no longer just looking for work; she is seeking purpose and connection in her projects. ‘I’m just looking for the kind of work I want to do, with the people I want to work with, and the stories or scripts that resonate with me.’

This pursuit of challenging material is not new. When asked about the most difficult role she has ever played, she doesn’t hesitate, pointing to a character from the series ‘The Root.’ She recalls a complex, emotionally taxing story of grooming and a desperate struggle for independence. ‘I think that is the hardest one,’ she says, her tone turning serious. ‘It’s about being groomed by a woman who loved me as a lover. And when I grew up, I didn’t want to be under her control, so I had to find a way out. But at the same time, I loved her, though not as a lover, more like as a sister. I think that is the hardest one.’

For Kao, the mark of a powerful project lies in its ability to connect deeply – first with her, and then with the audience. ‘The main thing is the script, the story. It has to be interesting. If it can move me, then it can move the audience.’

This introspective outlook extends beyond her professional choices to her entire approach to life. In an industry that thrives on constant exposure, Kao identifies as an introvert, valuing her peace and privacy. Her goal is to create harmony between her work and personal life. ‘For now, I like to have work-life balance,‘ she shares. ‘So it’s not too hard. I just want to be at peace, to relax, and to work with people I truly want to work with – people with happy vibes, and that’s it.’

This wish for peace also shapes her vision for the future. When asked what’s next in her personal life, her answer is refreshingly candid and unexpected for a star on the rise: ‘I want to be retired.’ She laughs softly, explaining, ‘I want the freedom to live life on my own terms and express myself freely.’ It’s a statement that reflects her self-awareness. ‘I think I’m actually an introvert. I don’t want to meet too many people or always be in the spotlight. I just want to focus on myself and be content with who I am.’

Catherine Pun

Editorial Director |  + postsBio

A Hong Kong native with Filipino-Chinese roots, Catherine infuses every part of her life with zest, whether she’s belting out karaoke tunes or exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations. Her downtime often includes unwinding with Netflix and indulging in a 10-step skincare routine. As the Editorial Director of Friday Club., Catherine brings her wealth of experience from major publishing houses, where she refined her craft and even authored a book. Her sharp editorial insight makes her a dynamic force, always on the lookout for the next compelling narrative.

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