Actor Tayme Thapthimthong on Enjoying Gaitok in ‘The White Lotus’

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Actor Tayme Thapthimthong by no means watched The White Lotus earlier than being solid as resort safety guard Gaitok on the favored HBO present. And whereas his character has generated numerous buzz for the reason that present’s February premiere, Thapthimthong chatted with Journey + Leisure over the summer season whereas the solid was filming on location in Thailand and informed us all about his expertise on and off digicam. 

“It’s been wonderful, nothing has actually made me wish to get away from bed this a lot,” Thapthimthong informed T+L. “Waking up in a five-star resort each time that I’m filming right here has been surreal.”  

Thapthimthong, who was born and raised in London however spent summers with household in Thailand, moved to the South Asian nation at age 22. With a navy background and a facet ardour for appearing, he scored varied gigs prior to now decade earlier than his main break in The White Lotus. Coincidentally, he was working as a bodyguard when he acquired the function on the present—after which watched the primary two seasons in per week. 

“It was one thing I by no means really anticipated to occur, however it got here alongside and I couldn’t be happier,” he mentioned of the present that’s set primarily on the luxe 4 Seasons Koh Samui in Thailand, which is T+L’s 2025 Vacation spot of the 12 months.

Off digicam, Thapthimthong lives like every other native. He’s based mostly in Bangkok and his ardour for health leads him outdoors of the town for climbing and bouldering each time attainable. And since he grew up visiting Thailand through the summer season, the nation’s wet season, the actor went full-fledged vacationer upon his transfer from London and explored throughout. 

“Since being right here, I’m very adventurous,” he mentioned. “Throughout the first three months of being right here, I managed to fulfill somebody that introduced me all the way down to a province a bit south of Phuket, and I really lived with a fisherman household for 2 weeks on their boat, and I acquired to see that life the place they used the celebrities to navigate at night time and camp out.”

Thapthimthong, who additionally lived on a rice farm in his early Thailand days, discovered himself experiencing a extra luxurious facet of the nation whereas filming The White Lotus. 

“This is sort of a complete new expertise for me, I’ve by no means stayed at a 4 Seasons earlier than or an Anantara,” he mentioned. “It’s been eye-opening for me, I’m like, ‘Oh wow, that’s what these rooms appear to be.’”

However no matter lodging, the actor’s explorations didn’t cease when he landed his function in The White Lotus. The present’s solid—which incorporates Michelle Monaghan, Parker Posey, and Walton Goggins—acquired to discover locations collectively whereas filming. 

“I’ll eat on the nearest restaurant I see, I’m not that choosy with meals,” he mentioned. “These guys, they go round after which they begin sending into the Whatsapp group ‘You must do that, do that, and do that,’ and that was one thing I actually respect as a result of if I come again to Koh Samui, I will know the place to go.”  

After all, Thapthimthong isn’t a stranger to native delicacies and has suggestions of his personal, together with Chiang Mai specialty khao soi “which is sort of a hen, noodle, and coconut cream lime soup,” he defined, plus a easy grilled hen, sticky rice, and papaya salad. “That’s often my go-to, and yow will discover it anyplace.” 

And if you go to Thailand, the actor famous {that a} easy gesture—the wai, a praying palms movement that signifies gratitude—is all you must talk. 

“That’s your finest good friend in Thailand, you may go anyplace,” he mentioned. 

Past a serious profession enhance, Thapthimthong shares that he was happy with his function as Gaitok as a result of he had the possibility to signify his nation and folks, too. 

“I really feel proud to truly get to be one of many folks to signify Thailand on this season,” he mentioned. “Thailand has all the time been an excellent vacation vacation spot for folks around the globe, however I feel it will actually do what it did for Hawaii and Sicily. I do know what it is like to return from a colder nation to this place. It’s nice that the present is right here.” 

With the season almost over, viewers have principally seen Gaitok’s budding relationship with fellow resort workers member Mook (performed by Lisa from Ok-pop group Blackpink) and his challenges because the resort’s safety guard. Of his character, Thapthimthong informed T+L that he’s “a pleasant man, however he can change it up if he must. His arc goes to be fascinating.” 

The season finale of The White Lotus airs this Sunday on HBOMax.