Get to know Tayme Thapthimthong, Thai cast member of ‘The White Lotus’ season 3

This week, we landed an exclusive interview with one of the new cast members for the upcoming season 3 of The White Lotus. Meet Maethi-Tayme Thapthimthong, who’s here to give us an exciting sneak peek into his world. 

Tayme is a man of many talents, and he has led an interesting life. He was born and raised in England, graduated from Kensington University, and received training from the British Royal Marines and is an ex-SAS soldier. In addition to his cadet training, he has worked as a bartender and bouncer in London. After moving back to Thailand, Tayme participated in season 10 of the famous Thai singing competition Academy Fantasia, winning the runner-up title. This contest opened many doors for him, including landing roles in movies like Skin Trade, Farang, the Netflix series Thai Cave Rescue, and more.

Here, we get to know Tayme a little closer, and chat to him about his upbringing, acting career, and how he prepares for major roles.

[Hero & Feature Image Credit: Instagram @taymettt]

Get to know Tayme Thapthimthong of The White Lotus season 3

Tell us about your childhood in England.

For the first six years, I lived in Chelsea. I grew up with many minorities since the area I lived in had many Africans, Chinese, and Indians. I felt like I fit in. 

However, when I was six, we moved to London. Life was nicer, but I was an outcast. We were the only Asian family in the neighbourhood, so that brought loads of attention to me. I was bullied a lot for being Asian, as back then, there weren’t that many Asian people around, especially Thais. Once I stood up for myself, I finally found my true standing in London. There were good and bad memories, but living there taught me a lot. It also made me want to be a soldier so I can protect people. 

What was working as a nightclub bouncer in London like?

When I was 18, I got my first gig as a bouncer, and I loved it because I got a real buzz out of protecting people. Initially, I worked as a bartender in a Thai restaurant/club called Thai Square. However, one day, a drunk man was acting up, so one of the staff told me to get security. I saw it as an opportunity to prove I could do this job, so I decided to handle it myself. They gave me the job after that, and as crazy as it sounds, I’ve never started a fight in my life. I only intervene and try to stop it.

You trained with the British Royal Marines. How did that happen?

I started cadet training at 13 and continued university until I tried out for the British Royal Marines. I was so focused on being a Marine that I didn’t drink or smoke. Everything went South when I went to my medical since my ear didn’t qualify for operations. I passed everything so well, but no amount of training would make my left ear better. 

Even though I didn’t qualify to join the Marines, I had an amazing opportunity to train with a retired SAS soldier before returning to Thailand. It all started when my mother’s best friend, who worked as his personal assistant, told him about my situation. The retired soldier generously invited me to train with him. So, every weekend, I took the train to meet him. We would go camping, and he would teach me how to survive in the wilderness one-on-one. The lessons I learned from him have had a significant impact on the way I live my life and the way I think.

How did you get into acting?

I never acted when I was younger, except for a drama class I took in university. As part of a dance course, we had to perform in a Greek play, and I was assigned the role of a demigod. It was my first acting experience, and I really enjoyed it. 

Then, after winning the first runner-up position in Academia Fantasia, I was thrilled to land my first gig as Nung in Skin Trade within a month. Tony Ja was also a part of the cast, and performing alongside him was a dream come true. Growing up, I watched many action films and being cast in one made me incredibly happy.

How do you normally prepare for a role?

I never had acting lessons before, so I don’t know how to do acting exercises. I learn through watching films and series. I’m very good at mimicking and copying. For example, if I had a military or drug dealer role, I would watch movies similar to the role. Then I’ll make it my own. 

Do you have any hobbies? 

I love shooting and working out. I don’t really go to the gym, though, since I like to do army-style workouts and calisthenics.

Lastly, with so much attention on Thailand because of The White Lotus, do you have any places to recommend in Bangkok?

For clubs, it’s Flamenco. I recently discovered this place as I also work as Thaitanium’s security. It was DJ Buddha’s birthday, so we surprised him there. I love the music and the vibes at Flamenco. Sing Sing Theater is great too, but it’s too small to dance. I like clubs with space so I can move. 

For food, I enjoy eating at The Emporium food court a lot. Whereas for bars, I like going to izakayas like Shakariki. I prefer eating and drinking with my friends at these places since bars and clubs are too loud.