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xingmiddae · 17 days

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Krist & Singto “Begin Again” with Praew Magazine

I bought the e-book for KristSingto with Praew Magazine, and it won't let me screen-capture the interview without a watermark, but it's been officially translated into English, and I love the interview dearly, so I wrote it all out for everyone to read. You can see it in Google Docs format here and you can buy the magazine for yourself here.

I must ask about how you feel for this first time after coming back to work together after so long?

Singto: I’m happy about it. I must say this is the first time we get to work together again after 2 - 3 years, although we see each other every now and then off work.

Krist: Exactly. But it has been about 8 years since we were together in the series. When I come to think about it, SOTUS The Series was the only drama we worked on together.

Can you tell us what kind of work we should anticipate?

Krist: There will be a new series.

Singto: By the time everyone is reading this interview, we probably are about to start filming. And there will be a fan meeting and concert called Peraya Party: Begin Again. I wish everyone can come join us.

When Krist learned that Singto would return to the same company. How did you feel?

Krist: At first, I didn’t believe it. I felt that there was no way this could be true. Impossible. But when I found out it was, I got so happy. Because when we separated, each of us went on different paths of work. For me, I was going solo, which was both a good thing and a very tiring effort.

I feel that this reunion will bring the same vibe of comfort, which is totally true. When we were filming the Friend.Ship with Krist-Singto program, I sensed the same atmosphere, place, co-workers, and crew. Everything went back to the past and it felt so nice.

That means Singto had never revealed any of this to you before. He’s so good at keeping secrets.

Singto: I normally don’t talk much. I mean, if I need to keep a secret, I won’t talk about it at all.

Krist: But even before the company announcement, I can’t say that I completely had no clue about it. I’ve known for a while. It would require P’Sing to cover his whole body while walking into the Grammy building if he really wanted to keep this from me.

Singto: Yes, it would be difficult because I needed to be there to discuss contracts and agreements. When entering the building, I had to walk past the fans. And they must have known that I was there for this matter. But what they actually saw, and it became an issue, is when I went to meet up with the executives to discuss being a guest star at Krist’s concert (The Krist Elements Concert). I don’t think it was something they guessed about.

Krist: It got me thinking. Although I didn’t find out about this from the fans, because when P’Sing visits the 30th floor, the crew who worked with us also missed seeing him and they were also happy for me and our reunion. They wanted to tell me about it so badly but couldn’t. So, I guess I kind of learned this fact from the staff, too.

Knowing for sure that Singto was about to return, what was the first thing you said to each other?

Krist: I didn’t find out about this from him but from GMMTV’s post which announced his comeback. We only talked about it after that. I pretended not to know it and just played along.

Singto: Well, we are in the same Line chatgroup of Kasetsart University friends who play games together. The group is normally updated daily. Somehow during that time, I disappeared without mentioning any work matters at all since none of our friends knew about my reunion with the company.

Krist: I chose to talk about other things. I mean, if he wanted to keep this a secret then I should cooperate. But when the label announced about it, I was like, “Ah, alright…”

Singto: I really had to ask about when and from he did realize about it.

Krist: Alright, I think we’d better not talk about who said it.

Singto: P’Tha (Sathaporn Panichraksaphong, Chief Executive Officer of GMMTV) was so nice to me. When my contract was ending and I was going for an independent path, I mentioned that I wanted to continue my studies. P’Tha clearly said that if I decided to come back after the course or I didn’t end up taking it, whether I wished to work in the front or behind the scenes, to think of P’Tha.

Now that it’s a good opportunity to, Krist, is there anything you would like to say to this new member of the label?

Krist: Today, little brother Sing may seem to be a junior who just joined us. But I know this new guy is prompted with potential. He is good at speaking and becoming more independent. I feel like he hasn’t changed. He was already like this. Just before that, I might not have seen this side of him.

Singto: During the past 3 years, I have been involved with various areas of work outside of my safe zone. I went solo for both acting and work matters. It was a true self-discovery phase of life and I feel like I’m more comfortable in my shoes. Now that I am back, I feel like I’m already old. Hey! No. I’m still young. But I become a new kid with more experience and a wider range of expertise.

And is there anything you would like to say to senior Krist?

Singto: For a senior like Krist, I notice that he grew up. This is another advantage of me not being around to work with him. He became so mature with more artistic skills. He wrote his own songs and performed solo. I dare to say that if I was still around during the past 3 years, Krist might not decide to go for various opportunities or certain works.

Because there were many offers for us as a duo which might as well decrease his chances. So I felt it’s one of the good things that we’ve both been apart and get to work together again when we both grew enough.

Krist: It’s like we separated to level up only to meet again. I mentioned in an interview a long time ago that we are like two people living in the same house who go separate ways for their own work. And it is unbelievable that today we are here together again at home with a new, complete skillset.

Singto: But coming back to work together this time, we really grew up in many aspects. I don’t know how to put it exactly. But there are both comfort in working together as before and a certain maturity. We understand each other more and better.

It is considered the perfect timing.

Krist: For me, it feels like a perfect fit. Previously, I might have asked God “Why? Why is it like this?” But I feel like this phase of life is really the perfect timing. Like P’Sing said, it’s not just about me. But he also got to go out and experience something to improve himself. When we reunite, in terms of ideas, ways of thinking, or participation, I feel that we grew so much.

Singto: I don’t know if it’s a coincidence, or what. Before this, I and Krist talked to our fans about the comeback. I mentioned the probability of being in a series together when we turn 30.

Krist: Exactly. I said that we can work together again when we are older and that we are not going anywhere. And today I’m… really old.

Coming back to work together this time, is there anything you need to adjust?

Singto: Our new gig hasn’t completely started yet. But during the previous period of working together, when I was a guest at Krist’s concert. One thing I noticed was his growth and the skillful artistry which shined brighter than when we were together. These traits become so clear in him.

And another of his skills that became much more obvious is being a MC. Neither of us had much experience in this field so we could barely help each other. But now I can put my hope in him.

Krist: That is not true, everyone. Let me speak from my point of view. We’ve just been recently working together for an event to watch movies with our fans. I was so surprised when I met him, since it was the first time we performed together. I even asked him after work about what he has done to be so good at MCing without any dead air. He came up with so many things to talk about. I remember our normal routine where he would start a joke and I responded to it. But now he can add another awesome one afterwards, which was pearl.

I think we’ve both grown so much since P’Sing was able to leave his comfort zone and worked with others to experience new ways of working. He said that he encountered so many different types of performances and that he has seen them all. I consider it a good thing that we both chose to leave our comfort zones.

Singto: As I said, it’s like we went out there to gather more experiences. He chose to become an MC and an artist. He was clear about it. I went towards acting. That was the first time leaving my comfort zone. And it was also the first time I received sincere comments about my performance. Since I started working in this industry, I may not be that outstanding in acting, but I’ve never been criticized for needing improvement.

I admit that at some point I was secretly proud of myself. But when I stepped into the outside world, I realized how petty I was.

Krist: I really like to compare GMMTV as a home with a strong foundation. But what we did was content for teenagers. I feel like we were only doing great in our small worlds, or something like that.

The real world still has many things for us to discover. Then something happened and we had to separate and get to really striving in the outside world. We got to see how everything goes and learn different ways of thinking. For example, when I joined The Golden Song program, I came to understand how people of each generation must adapt. I had to learn about the proper means to approach Gen X and Boomers to be able to analyze their characters and work with them. I wanted them to see me as a part of the family. It was a practice I learned from the outside world.

Singto: It’s like we expanded our work experiences to cope up with a wider range of people.

Have you exchanged advice about work before?

Krist: Mostly he would just tell me about what and where he was going to do or be, so that I knew he would not be around at the time being, like when he was going to Japan.

Singto: It’s more like I complained about things to him. For example, when I was criticized about my performance, and I had to go through a workshop soon. As for Krist, in the beginning of being a MC, he also told me about it.

Krist: I complained a lot in that group chat about why it had to be so difficult and what I should do. When I sang Thai Suntaporn songs, I had a problem with getting each syllable clearly. Please help me. I mean, I complained about everything. Then he would ask about what happened and what I had done. I mean, I can tell him everything. There aren't any barriers between us.

Growing up together and always witnessing each other’s success, if you look back at the first day until today, in what aspects do you think you have changed?

Singto: It is very clear for Krist. When we started working together, we had to adapt to each other quite a lot. It’s true that we used to work together during our university years. But when he stepped into the entertainment industry, we had to adjust.

At the beginning of work I was so uptight, I wouldn't compromise for anything. I kept my cool and maintained my image. Everything must be perfect. Every time I did something, I thought repeatedly, and things were all so slow. But Krist was quite carefree. So, when we were together, we had to adjust quite a bit towards our middle ground.

Krist: But from my view, I feel like it’s a perfect fit now. Before this, our characters were so uneven. But as time passed, it seemed like we trusted each other more. As for work, I feel that P’Sing trusted me to decide or take a lead on many things, and he will add on certain aspects that I missed. That is, I become better every day and our work also becomes of better quality.

But in terms of living life, I really respect P’Sing. I still need to consult with other people and there are still many things that I overlook. But when I learned from him, I realized maybe I am breathing too quickly. I don’t have to put too much pressure on myself or be so serious about everything. I don’t need to be a perfectionist all the time.

If I want to go anywhere, go. If I want to go abroad alone, go. Or if a friend invites me to eat and I’m too lazy, I don’t have to feel pressured to be there. The older we get, being ourselves and our own happiness become so much more important. Somehow, I feel I did worse in this matter. But he is good at this, and never changed about it.

One day, we were sitting and eating at home. Then we began to talk about our days. Then I thought to myself that I should start to also look for comfort and happiness in his life like he always does. I can safely say that he is my role model in many aspects.

Singto: In the work part, whether it’s a show or artistic aspect, I let him handle it most of the time because the stage always came out perfect. The most obvious thing is our show is always planned by Krist and sometimes I work on certain additional elements of some songs or some parts where I want more space to express myself. But almost all of it is designed by Krist.

Krist: I don’t know if I’m right or not. At work, I feel like I am leading and P’Sing follows. We also share ideas with each other. But in terms of living life, he is the one who leads me along. It is true, guys. I must ask him first about many things. I feel like I have to let him decide. Like, will he go? Will he do this or that? If not, then I won’t either. And I won’t try to convince him or anything. I feel like it’s nice and obvious how it is. That is, we share the lead in different matters.

Singto: If it weren’t for work, I mainly focus on myself. Maybe it is because I prefer being alone. Although I enjoy being with friends, sometimes it’s just so tiring to be amongst a lot of people. At times, when he invites me to tag along with the whole group of friends and that day I worked hard, I feel like taking a break, I can just tell him how I felt.

Krist: My friends in the group always pester him like, “Come on. Let’s go.” But I never did that. Because I know him so well that if he makes a choice, that’s the end of it. Even if we take a million people to drag him out, he won't go. We respect each other in these matters.

Singto: But there isn't much on my mind. If I decide not to go, it may just be because I feel lazy and tired, that's all. For work, it's also the same. I talk to Krist about certain gigs I’d rather not do, talking frankly about my perspectives and the reasons why I choose not to. I feel like I used to be very strict, but nowadays I look up to Krist and feel more carefree about things. Also, we have been through quite a lot in the entertainment industry. We learned enough to know what should or should not be done with the right amount of appropriateness.

Krist: That is, we become more flexible. But we pay more attention to quality. On some matters, things can be flexible. But we also have to be stricter with other things so that they suit our preferences.

Since the day you first met each other, have you ever had a serious argument?

Singto: Before, there wasn’t any. It was just towards the recent period of our career.

Krist: I think it’s more like we chose to not express our anger to avoid fighting.

Singto: It’s called looking at things from different angles. Because when it comes to work, I and Krist have different aptitudes. One thing that I have always admired about him is his ability to memorize lyrics and his rapping. He used to rap with 2-page-long lyrics and got every word exactly right, even though he had only practiced it a few times.

While I sang my songs a hundred times and still got the lyrics wrong. My brain just can't. So, before performing for concerts or fan meetings, I am always so focused on the lyrics, repeating and rehearsing them time after time. While Krist had already moved on to other things, where it is the script and the queueing. Therefore, it’s like we always pay attention to different things. But all in all, we take our work so seriously. We only focus on different aspects. At that time, we kind of fought about this difference. I was so paranoid about him being careless with the lyrics or stage script. It was because I forced my problems to also be his when in fact, I didn't need to memorize the script, and he also didn’t understand why I didn’t focus more on certain things so that our performance can continue smoothly.

Krist: I must mention that we had less than 7 rehearsals for that gig. And it was our last concert (LOL Fan Fest 2022). There were shockingly few chances for us to rehearse. I wanted to come up with a good script because it was supposed to be a very emotional show. But I forgot to realize that at the time he was also focusing on other things. It turned out that we started being tense. We wanted each other to work harder on certain aspects and became a little upset because at that time I was very into it. I felt like it was the last concert of our farewell. Just thinking about it made me cry. So, it’d better be good!

Singto: What I had on my mind at the time was that I had to perform so many songs, including those I was unfamiliar with. I sometimes get the songs that are regularly sung wrongly. I was so stressed. And when he mentioned how I failed to focus on certain matters, I was secretly upset, because he didn't know I was working so hard to get the lyrics right. I thought it was also important because he was the one who created the show. We both didn't want the show to come out disappointing.

As for the talking parts, if there were mistakes that we stumbled, I think it felt more natural that way. But since he planned the whole stage, he didn't want any mistakes regarding queues and scripts. I, as the guest of the stage, didn't want any mistakes either. It’s just that we look at it from different angles.

Was it just a temporary annoyance or a serious quarrel?

Krist: I was just upset. My singing coach helped me solve the issue. When I felt troubled and walked out on him, I didn't know how my coach talked to P’Sing. Later, he came to make it up to me, and said, “Come here, come here.” At that moment, I shed tears.

Singto: I usually don’t do that often. Especially if I’m not in the wrong. I won’t be the first to try to reconcile at all. But on this matter, our singing coach helped me see from Krist’s point of view and mine. We focused on the same outcome, just from different angles. So, no one was at fault there. I just thought about whether it was possible that we talk it out. Because we chose to shut ourselves off from each other.

At first, I didn’t look at it from his perspective and wondered why he didn’t do the same. But when our teacher explained it from different views that he was the one who came up with the show and he also meant for it to be successful. No one wanted to make any error. I got it when I looked at things the way he did. Since he designed the whole show, of course he wanted everything to come out perfectly. We are both perfectionists and I understand well that he didn’t want there to be any mistakes. So, I felt that it was my fault and apologized to him. When we practiced, we didn’t talk at all. We just worked and practiced separately. When we really got to talk and saw things from different angles, we came to understand each other better.

Krist: Actually, we were both at fault. We weren’t angry at all. It was more of a disappointment. After that incident, I think we’ve found the middle ground and know how to prepare better to prevent this problem from happening again.

Since then, you met in the middle and understood each other, right?

Krist: Exactly. I understand more about my own work as well. That sometimes we don't have to go full on being a perfectionist. Mistakes like getting the choreography wrong and slurs can also lead to charming, cute moments. I have to work on controlling it as well.

Singto: Even though we had so little time to practice for that show, it came out something we are so proud of. I dare say that it was a performance that we put so much effort on and thought about every step together.

Krist: It was a very perfect concert for the two of us.

You have known each other for so long and seen both the strong and weak sides. I wonder if there is anything you are still worried about each other.

Krist: I just found out about another side of his life recently. It was something that shocked me quite a bit. He doesn’t usually talk and will not tell others about things that he considers not so good. I always understood that P’Sing was very happy with his life. But on that day when he mentioned that there were times when he cried alone. And the tattoo on his arm also reads “Save me from myself.” At first, I thought it was just a cool word, but he really meant it.

We have been together for 10 years and I never knew about that. I wanted to let him know that it doesn't matter what the issue is, he must always include me in his problems. Just say it. You know you can always call. No matter what time it is, I’m always on standby for you. you can tell me, your friends, or anyone. From your very own tattoo “save me from myself” then please give us permission to really save you from yourself.

Singto: Well, I didn’t tell anyone at all during that time, 2 - 3 years ago, because it felt like it was something… I had mild depression-like symptoms. I consulted it with a doctor, and it wasn't that serious or extreme. I just had to take some medicine. It was a time when I encountered depression and mild panic attacks. For example, when Line notifications popped on my phone, my heart would tremble and I didn’t want to even read them, something like that.

It was a period of emotional instability. When I was alone, I would suddenly cry. My mood swung a lot. My spending was irregular, and everything was wrong. I had to go to the doctor and my siblings and close friends wouldn’t let me be home alone. If I wasn’t working, they would have to take me out somewhere. Everyone was trying their best to help. But finally, when I returned home and was with myself before going to sleep, my feelings plummeted again. But I tried to solve it, being more aware of what I really wanted, I got better. After getting through that period, I decide to get a tattoo saying, “Save me from myself.”

Krist: Both I and my friends who heard it on that day just wanted to let him know that no matter what, we are always there for him. He doesn’t need to go through everything alone. For matters that he can handle, we will let him. But if it’s out of his hands, it's important that he remembers he has his friends here to always call or reach out to. Otherwise, I’ll get really angry.

How about Singto? Is there anything you are worried about Krist?

Krist: I’m very open.

Singto: For Krist, it’s probably his health issue and the way he is living life. To be honest, he can’t ever be alone. Since we’ve known each other, he must always have at least one or two friends with him or on a call with him constantly. For me, I think being alone at times is important, and it makes you learn something as well, although I’m not sure if it only applies to me.

Krist: Like… I should be with myself sometimes too, right?

Singto: Yes, that’s what I have been telling myself in the past. In the end, we have to be able to live with ourselves. No matter how much anyone tries to help or to be in our lives, the most time we spend is by ourselves.

Although my friends try to ask me to go out all day, before going to bed, I am all alone, sitting by myself with thoughts whirling around in my head crying anyway. It is important to handle life on my own. When I’m capable of that, then I can be around in everyone’s life easily. So, I’m probably most worried about his lifestyle, for example, in trusting others too much. He becomes close to people very easily. He should be aware that not everyone can be told about everything in life. I wish he is more careful.

Krist: It makes sense. I’ve been warned about this a lot as well. Still trying to improve.

What does “Begin Again” refer to in your feelings?

Krist: Begin Again by Krist and Singto, from my point of view, it should be a new beginning that is better and fresher than before.

Singto: Seriously, at first, I didn’t think “Begin Again” would become our concert title. But this word reminds me of the movie Begin Again and it connects to the song Lost Stars from the movie soundtrack, which was the first international song that I and Krist sang together.

Therefore, “Begin Again,” according to me, may not necessarily refer to a new beginning at all. Rather, it’s more of the same old images and stories that keep coming back. It was as if we were actually orbiting around, close to each other.

Krist and Singto are never really gone.

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xingmiddae · 18 days

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Krist extorting money from fans who want more information about Sotus S. [x]

#lmao gotta get that bread #I love them sm #sotus #krist perawat #singto prachaya

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xingmiddae · 21 days

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THE ULTIMATE KISS

KongArt have some memorable kisses but this little peck just ascends me to heaven.

IT'S SO DOMESTIC. SO INTIMATE. AND THE FACT THAT THEY ADDED IT THEMSELVES IS JUST SO HEARTWARMING.

SINGTO'S ANSWER ON HOW HE FELT ABOUT THE PECK

gif credit to the owner Screenshots from Krist & Singto LINE Pangya FB Live

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xingmiddae · 21 days

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The juniors helping Kongpob to get closer to P'Arthit. [x]

#this is so cute I'm-#I need to know where this is from #also I miss ice lol

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xingmiddae · 21 days

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This comeback isn't to expect for anything else.

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xingmiddae · 21 days

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LOLFanfest2022: Krist-Singto ❶ ❷ ❸ ❹ ❺ ❻ ❼

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xingmiddae · 1 month

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Pluto & Khaiwan's safe place ❤️

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xingmiddae · 1 month

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Krist & his found parents ♡ ❶ ❷ ❸ ❹ ❺ ❻ ❼

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xingmiddae · 1 month

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Thinking about the Mock-Trailer for The Ex-Morning

Pathapi is said to be the Best Reporter of the Year in the beginning. How. I want to know his career accomplishments so badly? I need to know how he got here!

I’ve been considering why Pathapi acts the way he does in the beginning. Has he always been like, since his university days? Or was it perhaps heartbreak and the passage of time that’s made him more like this?

Aou is being made to play the exasperated best friend in Be My Favorite and the rival with coffee thrown on him in The Ex-Morning. Someone give both characters a raise. And a boyfriend!

I looooove the trope of the arrogant, whiny jerkass in a successful position who gets humbled. And that paired with him rebuilding his reputation with his ex-boyfriend of all people? I am so ready to see Pathapi’s character arc, and the things Tamtawan makes him do in this trailer makes me think he’ll get more in-tune with the spirit of good reporting and why it’s so important.

How does Tamtawan know and decide to come back? Obviously, he wants to help Pathapi and is still in love with him, but why did he leave? WHY DID HE LEAVE? Later in the trailer, when present-day Tamtawan leaves, it’s after he’s told “Tam. You have two options now.” What are the two options? The way Tamtawan leaves and the look on his face makes him look regretful, but what exactly is motivating him trying to leave here? Why did he leave in the first place? Does Pathapi know? His face looks half confused rather than just heartbroken!

What has Tamtawan been up to? I am intrigued.

The SOTUS reference in their university days flashback? I am obsessed. They were so sweet in that one frame, it makes me wonder how they fell in love. How different were they? How much of the same remains in them? How did they fall in love? Oh my god!

The transition from Pathapi being awkward with shirtless only-clothed-in-a-towel Tamtawan to taking his own shirt off and asking if Tamtawan has an ulterior motive to fluster him is hilarious to me. I love how forward Pathapi is here! And Tamtawan getting flustered is amazing. Oh my god, I love this trailer. It balances a comedic tone, angst, tension, etc all in one show. Can’t help but adore it.

“You’re still the same selfish jerk.” I need to know what happened! I said this above and I’m saying it again. I am intrigued.

Uni Tamtawan pulling Pathapi by his tie? I am obsessed.

The umbrella scene is both so very P’Lit and so very much a SOTUS reference, it delights me. I wonder how many SOTUS references we’ll have in the show proper.

I wonder if the car accident will coincide with the climax of the show.

That! Last! Scene! I suppose this is a scene when they’re hooking up but not properly together, seeing as they’re flirting, shirtless, and probably just had sex, but still won’t admit they still like each other. This sounds great to me.

I’ve mostly not talked about the meta elements here, because I feel it’s less about the contents of the actual trailer and more about the nature of the series as such a KristSingto RPF-type plot. Anyway, I love it. Everything about the meta of this series is perfect to me, and exactly what I wanted. This show is SO fun to think about when you know about the lore of KristSingto in real life. I’m half expecting Tamtawan to have hazed Pathapi at this point!

Side note that is not a side note: I LOVE THEIR ACTING! I love their characters!

Is this vers? I’m going to say it’s vers or Top Krist until proven wrong, because that last scene? Well. Let’s put the KristSingto into the KristSingto.

I love the small cast and the focus on KristSingto! I just need to say this. I am so excited for this comeback, in-part because it really is just Tamtawan and Pathapi’s story.

Tamtawan is supposed to mean “follow” and “sun” whereas Pathapi means earth/soil/ground. Coming off of KongArt, where Arthit is obviously “sun,” and KristSingto, who compare themselves to the sun and moon, this seems so definitely meaningful. Aof and Lit, I need to know what you’re cooking!

The coals scene is sooooo perfect, both for the characters AND KristSingto themselves. Again bringing it back to the meta of it all, but, oh my god? This is perfect? Aof wrote a screenplay that was KristSingto RPF? On that note, I keep thinking about the idea of KristSingto channeling their feelings from the irl work-partner “break up” and it makes me go a little crazy. Especially with Krist talking about all his efforts to bring Singto back, and how he over-thought it when Singto left. And even more so seeing as they say they’re basically playing themselves.

The lyrics of the song used in the trailer are so fitting, I am now looping it and thinking about Pathapi and Tamtawan forever and ever.

I noticed that Tamtawan goes by “Tam” but did I miss it for Pathapi in the trailer, or do we get no indication of his nickname? I’m curious.

The “Begin Again” for the new Peraya Party speaks to both KristSingto and their new characters, and this is again making me go, oh god it’s true they’re just playing themselves.

I said my ideal KristSingto BL was a vers exes-to-lovers that parallels reality. Evidently, I was not alone.

Is it just me, or do the Pathapi + animals and Pathapi + soil degradation water scenes feel a lot like certain episodes of Friendship with KristSingto? Just me? Maybe it’s just Krist. I love him so dearly.

So much is revealed in this trailer, but that somehow makes me more intrigued about what is not being revealed to us?

Krist still goes for the top lip and Singto still goes for the bottom lip when they kiss. This kills me every time. I am so excited to see lovey-dovey Tamtawan and Pathapi!

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xingmiddae · 1 month

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Shoo shoo Monday blues!

#this is literally the cutest thing I've ever seen #haikyuu #sakusa kiyoomi #komori motoya

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xingmiddae · 1 month

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FRIEND.SHIP WITH KRISTSINGTO SPECIAL ↳ Namtan Tipnaree, Godji Tachakorn

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xingmiddae · 2 months

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People Think Krist Is Homophobic (but He Isn’t)

[TW: discussions of homophobia, death threats, "the rape filter joke", etc.]

Last September, I made a thread about The Whole Krist Thing, and I'd like to make a version here on Tumblr as well.

NOTE: My being a queer fan of Krist doesn’t override the feelings or opinions of other queer people. I fully understand that time on this planet is limited and you don't need to exert precious energy into researching an actor. The reason I'm making this is to provide context for people who are new to the fandom or just wondering why Krist is known as homophobic.

- Why I Made the Twitter Thread -

As a queer international fan living abroad, my understanding of Thailand, Thai culture, and Thai language is extremely limited. Like most of us, I rely entirely on translations, both official and fan-made.

After watching SOTUS for the first time in 2020, I saw English-speaking fans claiming that Krist Perawat, the actor who played Arthit, was homophobic. And it wasn't just one or two people saying it. It was dozens. Hundreds. That called for some research. I loved Arthit, and Krist's empathetic portrayal of him didn't mesh with the angry guy in the Instagram photo I was seeing passed around.

I'd made a number of queer Peraya fans on Twitter, so I went to them individually and asked, "What's this about Krist being homophobic?" As queer fans who were knowledgable and openly fond of Krist, I wanted to hear their side of things.

They sent me links and photos and videos and translations that thoroughly explained how Krist's reputation for being homophobic had gotten so out of control. The problem: those things weren't compiled in one place, and they were all on Twitter where the Asian Peraya fandom is most active. Interfans, meanwhile, took the worst of everything they could find and compiled it into contextless videos for Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, etc. Since the vast majority of Krist's fanbase is spread across Asia and many of them don't engage with the international fandom, it's no wonder to me that the homophobia thing has become so ubiquitous over the years.

It's a paradox where, in order to see the evidence of Krist's allyship, you kind of have to be a fan already. Or you have to know which keywords to use to navigate Twitter's nightmare of a search function (I know, Tumblr is worse). While I made that thread, I was regularly texting Peraya I knew things like, "Do you know where that one interview from 2019 is?" or, "Did you take a screenshot of the marriage equality post he made last month?"

The thread was difficult to make, and I'm a fan! What I know of Krist, I know because I've been a fan for three years and I have access to information that fans who have been here much longer can find.

I also procrastinated on making it for ages. I knew the amount of vitriol people hold against him, and I just wanted to enjoy my time in fandom quietly without calling waves of anger and hate to my carefully curated little corner of sunshine.

Then Krist was in a car accident.

And even though he was reportedly driving safely and slowly, Thailand is notorious for its poorly maintained roads and a high number of traffic accidents. Only months after receiving his first driver's license, Krist's car flipped upside down, and he had to reassure fans from the hospital that he was physically all right, just shaken.

Meanwhile, some international fans thought it was funny.

And that's when I started making the thread.

So, with all that said, let's start with Krist's allyship, because I know most of us agree that that's the bare minimum for an actor working in the BL industry and profiting off the queer community.

- Acts of Allyship -

In the early days of their SOTUS fame, Krist and Singto were interviewed about the LGBTQ+ community.

Acceptance and equality is something that the LGBTQ community still struggles to achieve up to this day. But both Singto and Krist believe that this should not be the case. “They are just humans. They are like me, and they are like everyone,” Krist claims. Furthermore, he mentions that we should all be given the freedom to love anyone we want to love. “It’s just natural,” he says.

“They don’t have to understand now,” Singto says, referring to those who can’t grasp same-sex relationships. “One day, when they find their true love, they will realize that love is the same no matter the gender.” Krist adds, “Gender is not relevant when it comes to love. But in case some people still don’t understand this in time, what’s important is that we all give due respect to each other at the end of the day.”

He's also educated himself in colors representative of the LGBTQ+ community.

When Krist and Singto attended an award ceremony for their photoshoot in the gay magazine Attitude, Krist shared a sentiment that he gave to a queer friend of his. "If no one accepts you, you can stay with me, because I accept you for who you are." [Paraphrased]

Despite Thailand's current government leaning on BL series as a new soft power, it's still very conservative, and its people are to this day fighting to see equal marriage recognized.

Krist often adds his voice to this fight on Instagram, specifically as someone who works in the BL industry. These were in 2021 and 2022:

And, like many young people in Thailand, Krist also seems to support the Move Forward party. Earlier this week, he used an orange heart in a tweet to encourage people to go out and vote in the most recent election. One of the many things the Move Forward party is pushing for is the legalization of same-sex marriage "with the same rights and responsibilities as their heterosexual peers", which the current military government actively does not.

- His Circle -

When I was making my Twitter thread, I hesitated before including mention of his queer friends and coworkers. I knew how that would sound, but in the same way I felt it was important to mention my own queerness, I also think it's important to highlight not just the presence of queer people in his life, but how comfortable they are with him.

As I said in my Twitter thread, having queer friends isn’t indicative of anything substantial, but I do think it’s important to look at how those queer friends interact with him. If you’re queer, you know firsthand which friends you’d be physically affectionate with. The entertainment industry is its own world, of course, and the weight and meaning of relationships and connections can be different, but for all Krist's fame and popularity, he's not so famous or remotely powerful that faking a friendship with him is going to get them very far.

Among his queer friends, you've got Jennie who babies him, Godji who treats him like her son, and Oat who still adores him years after SOTUS. All of them queer, all of them visibly affectionate in a way that feels authentic, at least to me.

On the professional side of things, I think the best example of someone who wouldn't bother with him if he were homophobic is Golf Tanwarin Sukkhapisit. In 2022, Krist worked on The War of Flowers with Golf, a nonbinary queer activist, former MP, and director of The Eclipse. Since they're not just a queer person in the industry but a vocal queer activist who's made incredible progress for the community in their country, I value their judgment of his character.

Again, the reason I bring up these people isn't to say, "Look! Queer people! He knows some!"

It's to point out that he's close to them, and it disrespects their judgment to casually assume that they’d cosy up to a homophobe.

It's a small point, yes, but it was important to me when I first became a fan to see that queer people who know him personally had "vetted" him.

- Growth -

For this next section, I'll address three things I see brought up most often: the rape filter joke, the rumor that Krist said he doesn't like watching men kiss, and the claim that he's only doing BL because rent is due.

1) The Rape Filter Joke

In 2017, Krist and Singto were on a live with (I think) two other friends. They were testing out different filters, and when they got to a blur effect, one of them (one of the friends, I think) said it looked like the filter they put over victims of sexual assault on the news. They all laughed, including Krist and Singto.

I can't find a video of the original event, but we do have a translation of the apology he gave in 2018, and the public apology he made in 2020 when the video resurfaced again.

While this is unfortunate, and it would be nice if he hadn’t done it, I’m more interested in how he responds to criticism and his growth afterward. The incident was in 2017, but even speaking on it in 2020, he didn't make excuses for himself.

He apologized, accepted culpability, educated himself, and has never repeated it.

2) Krist "Doesn't Like to Watch Men Kiss"

There's also a claim that goes around that Krist said he doesn't like to watch men kiss. But that isn't what he said.

The subtitled interview that this claim was taken from has been split into two parts, and I think a lot of people have only seen the first half, if they've seen either.

(Also, my deepest apologies, but I'm linking you to Twitter for the video clips.)

In the first clip, the hosts tease Krist about Singto's sex scene with another actor in Close Friends. I can't speak to the nuances of what Krist is saying in Thai, but in the subtitles, he's basically saying that as a guy, he doesn't want to watch stuff like that and just skips past Singto and his partner to one of the other couples, like the male-female pairs. With just this clip, I agree that it doesn't sound great.

But in the second clip, the hosts tease Krist until he admits that the "stuff" he doesn't want to watch is Singto specifically kissing people who aren't him. Krist's jealousy, especially when it comes to Singto, is a well-trod fanservice joke.

3) He's Doing BL Only for the Money

I mean, I have no idea, but it'd be very weird if this was true, because he hasn't been in a BL since 2018 (if you count Our Skyy), and he's doing very well for himself financially.

Listen, this is probably the least serious people get when they criticize him, but I'm including it because why not, this is already a thesis.

From what I understand based on actors' comments, BL roles don't make a lot of money for the actors. (Boun even quoted a surprisingly low daily salary recently, and I'll share it here if I find it again.) Of course, I imagine Krist has enough fame and clout that he gets paid more than most actors, but to be frank, he absolutely makes more from all his other work.

Apart from the acting work he's done, he hosts two music shows, he starred in a musical recently, GMM just flew him to Japan for the first leg of his Asia concert tour, he runs a restaurant with Wave, and he has a bunch of sponsorships. And that's off the top of my head. The car from his accident in 2021 was a luxury model, and he replaced it with another pretty soon afterward. I'm not bragging for him or anything, but the "he's just doing BL for the money" is an odd thing to say when he probably already earns more than most without doing it.

It would have been a better argument back in 2016 when Krist's family was deep in debt. Krist's said that his main motivation to join the entertainment industry back then was to pay off that debt for his family, and he did so with the money he made from SOTUS.

Krist has spoken in the past about wanting to do more BL roles, but GMM preferred that he work with Singto. Now that Singto's left GMM (likely to start his own agency), Krist is in Be My Favorite, so I think his explanation tracks.

It's also worth mentioning that you can do something for the money and also love what you do. In the case of SOTUS, Arthit wasn't just a role that made him money, he's the character who changed Krist's life. He honors Arthit to this day by always wearing the bracelet he wore to his audition and by naming his music studio "SUN St." after Arthit.

(This is a very minor point, but I don't think a homophobe would cherish a queer role to quite that extent even if it was their kick-off point. If anything, they'd probably try to bury the role and pretend their real success started later.)

- Perception of Sexuality -

I think the reason the IG story hits people so hard is because Krist's reaction makes it seem like he's horrified that people could even think he's gay. My understanding is that he was tired of people interrogating him about his sexuality.

Krist is very openly affectionate with the people he loves, regardless of gender, which is clear in the photos with his friends above. Thus, he's always been like that with Singto. They hug before every show, they sleep on each other, cuddle, what have you. All the stuff of people who have developed a tight bond over the years.

When Krist was asked if he was afraid that that would put off potential partners in the future (which, good god, the questions they're asked) Krist said he doesn't care how people perceive his sexuality.

This was in 2018, the year Our Skyy aired, and he's said similar things in passing before and since.

- Conclusion -

All of what I've posted here is just a slice of what's out there. This is just the stuff I could find with reliable English translations because I'm making this for an English-speaking audience. Krist's fans already know all of this, which is why he has queer fans in the first place, and a lot of them are just too tired by hate fatigue to keep correcting misinformation.

I'm not trying to get every person in the world to like Krist, I promise. He's not perfect. He's a loud mess, and while he has four cats who love him, they're also exhausted by him. I just happen to like loud, obnoxious people, especially when they're as kind as he is.

There are plenty of Thai actors I don't vibe with for any number of reasons ranging from serious to petty. You have my written permission to dislike some people.

The Instagram story he posted was a bad move, we're all agreed. He agrees. He's apologized multiple times over the years. Whether one accepts his apologies is each person’s right, and I understand if this is enough to turn people away.

I just hope it's clear that he's been a staunch ally of the queer community and remains so to this day.

Personally, I'm more upset about the question.

This isn't a question you ask anyone.

And this wasn't the first fan to ask him.

According to people who have been fans from the SOTUS era, Krist and Singto were both relentlessly dogged by fans about 1) their sexualities and 2) details about their relationship with each other. We've all likely seen it happen to actors today, but back in 2016, there weren't hundreds of BL actors vying for the spotlight, so the spotlight hit Krist and Singto in a way that we can't imagine today. Most of us, myself included, arrived in this fandom long after SOTUS's meteoric rise to popularity that ended up saving GMMTV from bankruptcy, but given how many fans still behave like they're entitled to know an actor's sexuality, I think it's safe to trust that it was relentless. Fans accusing Kit Connor of "queerbaiting" as recently as 2022 is proof of that.

At the end of the day, there are plenty of reasons to dislike Krist, just like there are to dislike any person on this planet. He's hyperactive, he's whiny, etc. He's not flawless, but I think he's more than shown through his actions that he isn't homophobic, either.

He's not some actor playing queer roles for clout. He's vocally supportive of queer rights, and he backed that up this week in the polls by voting for the most progressive party in his country who are actively pushing for marriage equality.

But like I said, you don't have to like him, so I'll end this post with a quote from a friend who doesn't like Krist for the funniest reason I've ever heard:

"I don't think Krist is homophobic. I just don't like him because he reminds me of every kindergartener who demanded my attention at the exact moment when I was carrying something that could spill – and then it did spill, and they laughed about it for five minutes."

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