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Actor Tayme Thapthimthong by no means watched The White Lotus earlier than being forged 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 forged was filming on location in Thailand and advised us all about his expertise on and off digicam. 

“It’s been wonderful, nothing has actually made me need to get away from bed this a lot,” Thapthimthong advised 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 aspect ardour for appearing, he scored numerous 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 position 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, but it surely 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 primarily based in Bangkok and his ardour for health leads him outdoors of town for mountaineering and bouldering every time attainable. And since he grew up visiting Thailand in the course of 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 satisfy somebody that introduced me right 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 aspect of the nation whereas filming The White Lotus. 

“This is sort of a entire 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 like.’”

However no matter lodging, the actor’s explorations didn’t cease when he landed his position in The White Lotus. The present’s forged—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 want to do this, do this, and do this,’ and that was one thing I actually recognize as a result of if I come again to Koh Samui, I am going to know the place to go.”  

In fact, 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 rooster, noodle, and coconut cream lime soup,” he defined, plus a easy grilled rooster, sticky rice, and papaya salad. “That’s often my go-to, and yow will discover it wherever.” 

And if you go to Thailand, the actor famous {that a} easy gesture—the wai, a praying fingers movement that signifies gratitude—is all it’s essential talk. 

“That’s your greatest good friend in Thailand, you possibly can go wherever,” he mentioned. 

Past a significant profession increase, Thapthimthong shares that he was pleased with his position as Gaitok as a result of he had the possibility to symbolize his nation and other people, too. 

“I really feel proud to truly get to be one of many folks to symbolize Thailand on this season,” he mentioned. “Thailand has at all times been an amazing vacation vacation spot for folks world wide, however I believe 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 advised T+L that he’s “a pleasant man, however he can swap it up if he must. His arc goes to be fascinating.” 

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