Ken Theeradej

Theeradej Wongpuapan, widely recognized by his nickname Ken, is a prominent Thai actor and promotional presenter born on December 3, 1977. He grew up in an entertainment-oriented family as the youngest child of director Weeraprawat Wongpuapan and television drama writer Kanchana Wongpuapan. Encouraged by his father, he entered the performing arts field at a young age, later establishing himself as one of the most recognized figures in Thai television and cinema.

His initial exposure to acting occurred in 1985 when he featured in the Channel 3 series The Six Siblings, directed by his father, followed by a role in My Sweet Orange Tree. He subsequently paused his acting endeavors to complete his schooling at Saint Dominic School. After starting higher education at ABAC University, he moved to the United States to study photography at the Brooks Institute of Photography in California. However, after two years, the 1997 Asian financial crisis forced him to halt his studies and return to Thailand, where he resumed his entertainment career through modeling, advertisements, music videos, and roles in productions such as Super Luk Toong, Queen of Luk Toong Pumpuang Duangjan, and The Ridiculous Battle.

Theeradej achieved widespread national prominence following his lead role in the television series Song Rao Nirun Dorn alongside Phiyada Akkaraseranee. His success expanded through highly successful television dramas such as Chain of Love and Paradise Diversion, both co-starring Ann Thongprasom, who became his primary on-screen partner. Paradise Diversion achieved exceptionally high viewership figures, including a peak finale rating. In 2009, he starred in the romantic comedy film Bangkok Traffic Love Story, which emerged as the highest-earning theatrical release in Thailand that year, generating over 145 million baht.

Throughout his career, Theeradej has secured notable industry honors and public popularity titles. He earned the Golden Television Award for Best Leading Actor four times for his performances in Ey Mah Lek, Song Rao Nirun Dorn, Paradise Diversion, and Sood Sanaeha. Additionally, public preference surveys frequently placed him at the top of national entertainment rankings. From 2006 through 2011, he was voted the most popular Thai male star for six consecutive years in the annual Suan Dusit polls, culminating in his 2012 induction into the Most Popular Star Hall of Fame alongside Thongchai McIntyre and Pachrapa Chaichua.

Beyond his dramatic roles, Theeradej has engaged in humanitarian work and official advocacy. He was named a special ambassador for UNICEF in Thailand starting in 2008 and later participated in the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security's 2010 White Ribbon Year Project to campaign against domestic violence. On October 25, 2007, he married actress Boosakorn Pornwannasiriwej in a ceremony attended by Queen Sirikit. The couple has two sons, born in 2008 and 2010. Outside of his professional activities, his interests include basketball, short film production, photography, nature travel, and collecting vintage timepieces and furniture.