Behind the spotlight: Dunk-Natachai unveils his journey as a rising idol

Let’s take a glimpse at the life of Dunk-Natachai Boonprasert, a Thai idol who’s passionate about work and is all about self-development.

If you’ve seen this young man before, you know he’s always on the move. Whether it’s jet-setting around the world to meet fans, performing in hit series, or laying down tracks in the studio, Dunk-Natachai is currently living life at full speed. At just 24 and fueled by his unwavering passion for acting, this young man has opportunities coming at him from every direction. Yet, he remains grounded, grateful, and always ready to give 100 because, in the end, the spotlight isn’t just a stage for Dunk, it is his home.

Behind the spotlight: Dunk-Natachai unveils his journey as a rising idol

For our February 2025 digital cover, LSA caught up with a rising star who rarely slows down—Dunk Natachai. Taking a brief break from his wildly popular series The Heart Killers and cooking, the young star sat down with us to reflect on his journey within the industry. Despite his life moving at lightning speed, Dunk still finds a way to balance growth with consistency. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this actor’s perspective on his evolution, his love for acting, and his relentless pursuit of learning—because as Dunk puts it, “Never overestimate your abilities, yet don’t ever think what you’re doing is enough; you can always improve.” And what better way to mark time on this journey than with a stunning Citizen watch, a brand he knows well?

You are currently 24 years old. Is your life now what you thought it would be?

Honestly, I never really expected it. At first, I was a student with dreams of becoming an engineer or a pilot, as that was my aspiration since childhood. However, once I had the opportunity to enter the entertainment industry and experiment with acting and singing, I discovered that I had a lot more fun and truly enjoyed this path.

Give us a recap of your life last year.

2024 was a year of growth for me. I accomplished many things, including performing in concerts and attending fan meetings. You could even say I travelled around the world because of these fan meetings (laughs). Every year, I like to set New Year’s resolutions, but honestly, I think setting specific goals might be better. For instance, focusing on the smaller tasks needed to reach that ultimate goal. This year, I achieved some important milestones, such as releasing my song and taking on a new role in a Thai series.

You seem like a chill, easygoing guy. Who are you really when you’re at home?

I’m exactly like that—laid-back and enjoying the slow life, taking things day by day. I’ve never measured whether I’m an introvert or an extrovert. My fans love to argue and joke about it, trying to guess which one I am. But I’ve never checked, and I’m not sure why. However, I think I embrace both sides. Some days, I want to be alone; other days, I want to socialize. It’s normal for humans to feel this way.

As an actor involved in the fashion industry, what is your perspective on fashion?

I believe that fashion is something that can boost a person’s confidence. Everyone has their own unique style; some prefer vintage, while others gravitate towards streetwear or elegant looks. I like to say, “If the shoe fits, wear it,” because if something looks good on you and you feel great in it, obviously it will help you feel more confident. When it comes to my style, I enjoy many looks, but if I had to choose, I would lean towards minimal or vintage aesthetics. I particularly enjoy watches because they can elevate many outfits. For instance, wearing a simple plain white shirt or denim jeans may seem basic, but adding accessories like a Citizen watch can make the look more polished and complete.

How was it working with Citizen again today?

Yes, I have previously done a photo shoot with the brand and walked the runway for them. This time, I’m involved in another photo shoot, but with Lifestyle Asia. I feel that every design that I have had the opportunity to wear was stunning. I’ve already thought about which outfits would pair well with this watch. It’s truly a must-have item. And although it’s hard to choose my favourite model, since they’re all gorgeous, I’d say if I were going for a more basic look, I would choose a watch with a colourful dial like the Zenshin model, to elevate the outfit. On the other hand, if the look is already quite bold, the white dial with the stainless-steel case from the Quartz collection would be a perfect choice.

Let’s talk about acting, how many have you grown in this area?

In terms of acting skills, it’s a never-ending learning curve. Everyone has to keep upgrading their skills. Never overestimate your abilities, yet don’t ever think what you’re doing is enough because it’s important to always grind while improving our talents. There’s always extra room to grow.

What made you want to play the series THE HEART KILLERS?

What motivated me to play THE HEART KILLERS was primarily the character. I play Style, who has a very vibrant personality. He is extremely extroverted, often saying whatever comes to mind without letting others get a word in (laughs). It’s a character worth taking on. Style is also a car mechanic, which is quite different from my own skills. I can’t fix cars at all (smiles). To prepare for this role, I had to attend workshops for both car repair and fighting. This series has pushed me to try many new things. And as of this interview, I’ve been on set for over 30 scenes, and everything I’ve experienced there is something I wouldn’t typically do in real life, so I’m grateful to this series for providing me with new experiences.

So, can you change your own tires now?

Changing tires… Oh, man, that would be difficult! Even my father teased me about it, saying I should be able to fix cars if they broke down in the middle of the road or something (laughs).

Were there any other preparations? 

Yes. The director, Jo, told me to watch a movie and a cartoon. I can’t remember the name right now, but that was my homework. He advised me to capture the essence of the cartoon character while also blending it smoothly with the character I was playing, emphasizing not to overact or underact.

How do you maintain your passion since you’ve been acting for a long time?

I’m just pursuing something I love. It has always been my passion, and whenever I get opportunities like this job, whether it’s modelling, acting, or any other work, I feel motivated to give it my all.

When was your “I made it” moment?

Honestly, this term might be a bit distant for me at the moment, but if I had to pinpoint an exhilarating experience, it was when I met a lot of fans for the first time. There was this event where I encountered more people than I ever had in my life. I was overwhelmed with happiness to meet everyone. The fact that so many were cheering me on was something I never thought I would experience.

What’s next for you?

I want to perform in movies. I’ve only done series and concerts, so right now, landing a role in a film is my main interest. I believe that acting in films is different because it involves unique elements like camera work, blocking shots, and even timing in speech. I still have a lot to learn in this area. I’ll also be going on a fan tour across Europe for the first time, so I’m excited to meet my European fans as well as visit many different countries.

Lastly, is there anything you want to say to your fans?

I want to take a moment to thank everyone who has supported me since day one. To be honest, I never imagined I would become an actor or be where I am today. However, once I discovered my passion for acting, it changed everything for me. I am truly grateful to everyone, from the fans who come to see me in public to those who support me on social media. Even if they can’t see me in person, they make sure I stay trending online all the time.