Digital Cover #12: Upclose and personal with Tul Pakorn feat. Braun Büffel
Through sleepless nights, joy and hard work, the actor-turned-white-collar-man, Tul Pakorn is reimagining his life.
What if Tul Pakorn took a different path, a parallel universe where he took a right turn – signing with a talent agency since he was 20 years old followed by landing a starring role in Bad Romance at the youthful age of 23, followed swiftly by another leading role that propelled him into the ranks of Thailand's most sought-after new talents by 2017?
"Back in the day, I had various aspirations, but fate steered me towards becoming an actor." he reflects. Alternatively, his lifelong passion for art and architecture might have led him down the path of spearheading ambitious societal development projects. "I've been thinking about ways to improve communities, like providing cosy shelters, better access to fresh air, or boosting education support - you know, stuff that makes life better. And I've got this dream of leading my own sustainable housing project."
Yet, amidst these alternate realities, certain constants remain. His unwavering devotion to his feline companion would persist. His relentless work ethic, subtle sense of humour, profound familial bonds, and thirst for knowledge would endure. These enduring qualities, evident even in our brief exchange, are the very essence of Tul, cherished by those who know him best. Ultimately, isn't that where the authentic Tul truly resides?
This year, Tul has seized the opportunity to cultivate a sense of fulfilment in his work, showcasing facets of himself that often elude the camera lens. At 31, Tul Pakorn recently attained his Master’s Degree in Real Estate Development from Columbia University, marking a significant milestone in his journey. This academic pursuit not only aligns with his lifelong ambition of contributing to society as a property developer but also provides him with the structure and stability he previously lacked.
Last summer's graduation represents more than an academic achievement; it symbolizes a deliberate choice to realign his career trajectory. Tul recognized the need for a career reset during the lockdown period, a hiatus from the entertainment industry that afforded him invaluable introspection. "When I was younger, I had all these different dreams, and real estate was a big one. But as I got more into acting, that dream kind of took a backseat. Still, I wasn't ready to let it go completely," he reflects, comfortably clad in a loose black shirt, shorts, and sneakers in his studio.
"I absolutely love exploring different places and diving into their cultures, meeting all sorts of people and soaking up everything that makes each spot special," Tul muses, reflecting on his love for travel and architectural design. "Every place has its own charm, and I'm always energised by the chance to dig into the artistry of everyday living, whether it's marvelling at architectural details, or pondering over the choice of materials and building methods."
When envisioning his ideal home, Tul envisions a harmonious blend of natural elements, seamlessly integrating stones, greenery, and water features. He emphasizes a preference for simplicity and functionality in design, prioritizing comfort above all else. "Most of all, I just want my place to be cosy," he asserts.
Despite his decade-long tenure in the entertainment industry, Tul acknowledges a lack of experience in the corporate world. Following his graduation from Columbia University, he embarked on a quest to familiarize himself with the realm of white- collar professions. " I never used to be big on LinkedIn, but lately, I've been really getting into it, carefully polishing up my profile to highlight all the stuff I can do," he chuckles. Transitioning from entertainment to finance, Tul found himself in unexpected territory, reflecting on the humour of his newfound role. "Finance? Can you picture me in that world?" he quips, still amused by the twist of fate that led him to a stint in the underwriting team of a property acquisition company in New York City. Nevertheless, he respects himself for taking the job as it opens his mind to what the real corporate world looks like.
In January 2024, Tul Pakorn steps back into the limelight, marking his return to extended on-camera work with an editorial photoshoot alongside his close friend, Mew Suppasit. Reflecting on their bond in a recent interview, Tul shares insights into the enduring friendship they've cultivated. "He's been there for me through thick and thin, especially since I made the call to head to the States for my studies. Missing those laid-back hangouts with him is hitting me hard," he reminisces. Yet, where there's a will, there's a way, according to Tul. Despite the 12-hour time difference, they find ingenious ways to stay connected, relying on video calls and phone chats during their respective free moments. "Our chats usually span across time zones; I'll be having my morning coffee while he's winding down for the night, and then it flips around the next day," he chuckles. Despite the physical distance, they make it a point to reunite every three months, with Mew visiting Tul in NYC and Tul reciprocating the gesture with trips to Thailand. Their bond, it seems, knows no bounds
My initial introduction to Tul Pakorn was through a Boys Love (BL) series about six years ago, and I vividly recall the starstruck feeling of finally connecting with someone I admire from afar on screen. Admittedly, nerves flutter within me as I prepare for our interview. Yet, any apprehension dissolves upon meeting Tul, who effortlessly exudes a calming presence, instantly putting me at ease. It feels as though we have been friends for aeons. Throughout our conversation, Tul's lively banter and quick wit extended our dialogue far beyond my expectations. Despite his outgoing nature, he values moments of solitude, finding solace in the simple act of dining alone. "It might sound sad, but there's something oddly therapeutic about enjoying a meal solo," he jests. While Tul cherishes his inner circle, he also discovers the profound comfort of familial bonds as he matures. "There's a warmth and intimacy that can't be replicated elsewhere when surrounded by loved ones," he confides.
Navigating a burgeoning career in the corporate realm has posed challenges for Tul in maintaining his close connections with family and friends. Despite the demands, his real estate journey has taken root upon his return to Thailand. Now assuming the role of project manager for a sprawling community development project in a fast-growing suburb of Bangkok, Tul displays images of the ambitious undertaking on his iPhone. "It's a weighty responsibility, but I'm grateful for the support and assistance from those around me," he remarks, though a light-hearted chuckle betrays the underlying pressure he feels. "Everyone's taking me seriously now, which adds its own layer of pressure. Or perhaps it's just my own perception?” he giggles.
Amidst the hectic schedule, Tul prioritizes fitness, dedicating time to gym sessions to maintain his physique. "My aim for 2024 is to achieve a leaner, healthier body," he shares, acknowledging that while his physique may be admired by many, he sets personal standards higher. When probed about his definition of "sexy," Tul offers a nuanced perspective. "To me, sexiness transcends mere physical appearance; it's rooted in one's mindset, personality, and physical attributes," he explains. And when pressed further about who embodies this definition, a mischievous grin appears. "Tul Pakorn," he quips, punctuating his assertion with laughter. "Some might call it narcissism, but I think it's all about owning your allure. I mean, if you can't appreciate your own sexy, who else will?" he jests.
Beneath Tul's charming quirks and quick wit lies a depth of wisdom that only time and experience can impart. Reflecting on his journey, he acknowledges the transformative power of life's lessons, describing himself as "wiser, settled yet unsettled, wealthier, and embracing the spirit of YOLO." In our final exchange, Tul delves into a topic close to his heart yet rarely broached publicly: reincarnation. " I've got mixed thoughts on that. I think the idea of life reincarnation can really shake things up for people, sometimes in ways they never saw coming," he muses. " It's closely tied to the whole karma deal. If everyone bought into reincarnation, maybe we'd all strive for a fairer and more thoughtful way of living." As our dialogue takes a contemplative turn, Tul injects a note of levity. "I can't believe I shamelessly proclaimed myself sexy," he quips, punctuating the serious discussion with his signature humour.
Credits
Editor-in-Chief John Ng
Words Syazil Abd Rahim
Creative Direction & Styling Colin Sim Photography Lock Chee Wei
Makeup Rae Seok / Plika Makeup
Hair Keith Ong
All bags Braun Büffel
