Tayme Thapthimthong (born 1989 or 1990), also known as Maethi Thapthimthong,[1][2] is a British actor.[3][4] He is best known for his role as Gaitok in the third season of HBO series The White Lotus.[5]
Early life and education
Thapthimthong was born in London, England, to Thai parents.[6] He has a brother.[7]
At 13, he joined Combined Cadet Force, a youth training program run by the British Armed Forces.[6] He became interested in joining the military, but his parents wanted him to get a university degree, so he studied dance at Kingston University.[6]
Career
While at university, Thapthimthong worked as a nightclub bouncer.[2] Still determined to join the military as a Royal Marine, he trained with a family friend who had been in the Special Air Service, but did not qualify for medical reasons.[2][8]
After this disappointment, his parents encouraged him to visit his aunt and uncle in Thailand.[6] While there, Thapthimthong auditioned and was cast in the reality show Academy Fantasia (2013), eventually coming in as runner-up and landing a record deal.[6][2] Within a month, he landed his first acting role as Nung in Skin Trade (2014).[6][2]
After five years of minor roles in productions such as Farang (2017) and Netflix series Thai Cave Rescue (2022), Thapthimthong reevaluated his career choices and decided to join the Royal Thai Army.[6][7] He worked for the army's counter-terrorism team and spent time with the Armed Forces Security Centre, the Thai counterpart of MI6 or the CIA.[7]
Thapthimthong left the army three years later to take on more lucrative private security contracts.[6] As recently as January 2024, he did security for Thai-American hip-hop group Thaitanium.[2]
He was still working security when he was cast in the role of Gaitok in season three of HBO series The White Lotus, which takes place in Thailand.[6] He credits his co-star Lisa, of the K-pop group Blackpink, for helping him perfect his Thai accent.[6]
Personal life
Thapthimthong has a daughter.[5]
Filmography
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Academy Fantasia | Himself | 12 episodes | [2] |
| 2017 | Farang | Pao | 7 episodes | [2] |
| 2018 | Hooked | Lamon | 2 episodes | [8] |
| 2020 | Bäckström | Prasong | 1 episode | [8] |
| 2022 | Thai Cave Rescue | Abbot | Limited series, 2 episodes | [2] |
| 2025 | The White Lotus | Gaitok | Main role | [2] |
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Skin Trade | Nung | [2] | |
| 2016 | Mechanic: Resurrection | Young Construction Worker | ||
| 2017 | Paradox | Thai Police | ||
| 2019 | The White Storm 2: Drug Lords | Indonesian Police Chief |
References
- ^ Chaiyong, Suwitcha (28 October 2013). "Tayme time: Rising star acts up". Student Weekly. Retrieved 28 February 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Chandarasrivongs, Tipapa (25 January 2024). "Get to know Tayme Thapthimthong, Thai cast member of 'The White Lotus' season 3". Lifestyle Asia Bangkok. Retrieved 27 February 2025.
- ^ Kandangwa, Sumnima (24 February 2025). "Who is Tayme Thapthimthong, the actor behind Gaitok in The White Lotus season 3?". South China Morning Post. Retrieved 27 February 2025.
- ^ Alcantara, Carissa (27 February 2025). "Getting to know Tayme Thapthimthong of 'White Lotus'". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved 27 February 2025.
- ^ a b Alter, Rebecca (24 February 2025). "Tayme Thapthimthong Needs You to Feel How Much Gaitok Loves Mook". Vulture. Retrieved 27 February 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Campbell, Charlie (15 February 2025). "Meet Tayme, Who Romances Lisa in The White Lotus Season 3". TIME. Retrieved 27 February 2025.
- ^ a b c Roberson, Matthew (25 February 2025). "The Real Life Diet of Tayme Thapthimthong, Who Was Told Not to Get Too Jacked for 'The White Lotus'". GQ. Retrieved 27 February 2025.
- ^ a b c Craig, David (17 February 2025). "Who is Tayme Thapthimthong? Meet The White Lotus actor | Radio Times". Radio Times. Retrieved 28 February 2025.