Dew Jirawat and Thanaerng: Growing into the Light

Ever since Dew Jirawat and Thanaerng made their respective onscreen debuts in wildly popular Thai dramas — he as part of the charismatic quarter in F4 Thailand: Boys over Flowers, and she as a rebellious student in Hormones 2 — their stars have been on the rise… and rise.

On the cover, Dew Jirawat and Tharnaerng.

Their star power extends beyond the screen, too. As Bottega Veneta brand ambassadors, the pair have shown they can work a runway look as convincingly as they can a camera. Which begs the question: is there anything they can’t do?

On Dew: Coat, shirt and trousers, Bottega Veneta. On Thanaerng: Dress, bralette, beanie and earrings, Bottega Veneta.

What are the most significant ways you have grown personally over the years?

Thanaerng: I think it is learning to trust my own journey. I grew up being taught to stay humble. My mum always reminded me that not everyone will celebrate your success, and that’s ok. So instead of trying to prove myself or seek validation from everyone, I’ve learned to focus on doing my work quietly and consistently.

Over the years, I’ve also realised that people usually only see the outcome, not the preparation, the doubts or the thought behind every decision. That has taught me to stop worrying about what others think and simply trust my own path. It’s something that keeps me grounded every day.

Dew: For me, it has been accepting that I don’t have to be good at everything. When I was younger, I always felt the need to do everything as perfectly as possible. But as I’ve experienced both success and disappointment, I’ve come to realise that listening to others, learning from the people around me and having the courage to admit that I still have much to learn are what truly help me grow. That mindset has taught me humility and made me appreciate everyone who has been part of my journey.

On Dew: Blazer, trousers, and shoes, Bottega Veneta. On Thanaerng: Dress and shoes, Bottega Veneta.

What is something you used to view as weakness but now realise is actually your greatest strength?

T: I used to think that overthinking was a weakness. I question almost every decision I make. I rarely jump into something without thinking it through, and there were times I wished I could be more impulsive. But over time, I realised that being thoughtful has actually protected me. It helps me make decisions I can stand behind, even if they take longer. Looking back, I don’t regret taking my time — I think it’s one of the reasons I’ve been able to build a career that feels authentic to me.

D: It’s the same for me. Overthinking often made me slower to make decisions than other people. Now, I see it differently. It allows me to pay close attention to details, consider different perspectives and take greater responsibility for everything I do. Whether it’s acting, fashion or working with brands, I always want to give my very best and make sure every piece of work reflects that commitment.

Sweater, trousers, shoes and Piega tote bag, Bottega Veneta.

Away from the camera, what is the one thing about your craft that you are still obsessed with mastering?

T: Making better decisions. As my career has grown, I’ve realised that what happens away from the camera is just as important as what happens in front of it. Choosing the right projects, the right people to work with, and knowing when to say yes — or no — can shape your career more than people realise. I’m always trying to improve my judgment because I believe every decision becomes part of the story you’re building.

D: I’m still fascinated by the art of communicating through eye contact and body language. I believe that sometimes people can feel more from what isn’t said than from words themselves. Whenever I have the chance, I enjoy watching films, studying the performances of different actors and even observing people in everyday life to understand how subtle emotions can be expressed. To me, that’s a craft you can never truly finish learning.

If you look back to when you first started out, what’s the biggest misconception you had about being successful?

T: I used to think success meant reaching a certain point where everything would finally feel secure. Now I think success is much quieter than that. It’s about earning people’s trust over time, continuing to grow and staying true to yourself even as things change. I’ve also learned that success isn’t something everyone will see the same way — and that’s ok. The most important thing is knowing you’re proud of the work you’ve done and the person you’ve become.

D: When I first started, I thought success meant being well-known or constantly having work.

Today, I see success very differently. It’s about still finding joy in what I do, continuing to grow, and having people who genuinely want to work with me because they trust me, not only as an actor, but as a person. In the end, success isn’t a destination. It’s about staying true to my own standards, continuing to improve and embracing every stage of the journey.