Actor Tayme Thapthimthong on Taking part in Gaitok in ‘The White Lotus’

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Actor Tayme Thapthimthong by no means watched The White Lotus earlier than being forged as lodge safety cover Gaitok at the widespread HBO display. And day his persona has generated a number of buzz because the display’s February premiere, Thapthimthong chatted with Walk + Ease over the summer season day the solid used to be filming on location in Thailand and instructed us all about his enjoy on and off digital camera. 

“It’s been amazing, nothing has really made me want to get out of bed this much,” Thapthimthong instructed T+L. “Waking up in a five-star hotel every time that I’m filming here has been surreal.”  

Thapthimthong, who used to be born and raised in London however spent summers with folk in Thailand, moved to the South Asian nation at year 22. With an army background and a facet pastime for performing, he scored numerous gigs within the month decade earlier than his primary crack in The White Lotus. Coincidentally, he used to be running as a bodyguard when he were given the function at the display—and later watched the primary two seasons in a time. 

“It was something I never actually expected to happen, but it came along and I couldn’t be happier,” he mentioned of the display this is eager basically on the luxe Four Seasons Koh Samui in Thailand, which is T+L’s 2025 Destination of the Year.

Off digital camera, Thapthimthong lives like several alternative native. He’s based totally in Bangkok and his pastime for condition leads him out of doors of the town for climbing and bouldering each time imaginable. And because he grew up visiting Thailand all over the summer season, the rustic’s wet season, the actor went full-fledged vacationer upon his travel from London and explored in all places. 

“Since being here, I’m very adventurous,” he mentioned. “Within the first three months of being here, I managed to meet someone that brought me down to a province a bit south of Phuket, and I actually lived with a fisherman family for two weeks on their boat, and I got to see that life where they used the stars to navigate at night and camp out.”

Thapthimthong, who additionally lived on a rice farm in his early Thailand days, discovered himself experiencing a extra sumptuous aspect of the rustic day filming The White Lotus. 

“This is like a whole new experience for me, I’ve never stayed at a Four Seasons before or an Anantara,” he mentioned. “It’s been eye-opening for me, I’m like, ‘Oh wow, that’s what these rooms look like.’”

However irrespective of lodging, the actor’s explorations didn’t prevent when he landed his function in The White Lotus. The display’s forged—which incorporates Michelle Monaghan, Parker Posey, and Walton Goggins—were given to discover parks in combination day filming. 

“I’ll eat at the nearest restaurant I see, I’m not that picky with food,” he mentioned. “These guys, they go around and then they start sending into the Whatsapp group ‘You need to try this, try this, and try this,’ and that was something I really appreciate because if I come back to Koh Samui, I’ll know where to go.”  

After all, Thapthimthong isn’t a stranger to native delicacies and has suggestions of his personal, together with Chiang Mai uniqueness khao soi “which is like a chicken, noodle, and coconut cream lime soup,” he defined, plus a easy grilled hen, sticky rice, and papaya salad. “That’s usually my go-to, and you can find it anywhere.” 

And while you visit Thailand, the actor famous {that a} easy formality—the wai, a praying fingers movement that indicates gratitude—is all you want to be in contact. 

“That’s your best friend in Thailand, you can go anywhere,” he mentioned. 

Past a big occupation spice up, Thapthimthong stocks that he used to be happy with his function as Gaitok as a result of he had the anticipation to constitute his nation and crowd, too. 

“I feel proud to actually get to be one of the people to represent Thailand in this season,” he mentioned. “Thailand has always been a great holiday destination for people around the world, but I think this will really do what it did for Hawaii and Sicily. I know what it’s like to come from a colder country to this place. It’s great that the show is here.” 

With the season just about over, audience have most commonly obvious Gaitok’s budding dating with fellow lodge personnel member Mook (performed via Lisa from Okay-pop team Blackpink) and his demanding situations because the lodge’s safety cover. Of his persona, Thapthimthong instructed T+L that he’s “a friendly guy, but he can switch it up if he needs to. His arc is going to be interesting.” 

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