Urassaya Sperbund

Urassaya Sperbund, also known by her nickname Yaya, is a prominent Thai actress and model. She has established a major presence in Thailand's entertainment industry through her leading roles in television dramas and feature films. Over the course of her career, she has earned numerous accolades, including two Suphannahong National Film Awards, a TV Gold Award, a Nataraj Award, and three Mekhala Awards.

Born on March 18, 1993, in Pattaya, Chonburi province, Urassaya is the daughter of a Norwegian stockbroker father and a Thai homemaker mother, and she grew up alongside an older sister. She received her schooling at Regent's International School Pattaya before transferring to Bangkok Patana School in 2009. She later pursued higher education at Chulalongkorn University, graduating in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in language and culture from the Faculty of Arts.

Her entry into modeling occurred at thirteen after being scouted at Chatuchak Park, leading to commercial work for a cologne brand. Although she briefly paused modeling due to travel constraints, she resumed after another industry discovery, prompting her family to relocate to Bangkok. She subsequently appeared in photo shoots as well as music videos for artists such as Mr.D and C-Quint, laying the groundwork for her transition into television.

Urassaya made her screen debut in 2008 with a role in the Channel 3 sitcom Peun See Long Hon. Her major breakthrough came in 2010 with her lead role in the widely popular drama Duang Jai Akkanee, which brought her rising star honors. Throughout the early 2010s, she built her television portfolio with major performances in series such as Kularb Rai Narm, Tawan Dueat, Game Rai Game Rak, Torranee Ni Nee Krai Krong, Sam Thahan Suea Sao (Maya Tawan), and Nueng Nai Suang, alongside doing voice work for an animated series.

In 2017, Urassaya starred in the romantic drama Khluen Chiwit, earning the Best Actress title at the 32nd TV Gold Awards. She expanded into feature films in 2018, starring in the successful romantic comedy Brother of the Year, which won her her first Suphannahong National Film Award for Best Actress, and the hit fantasy thriller Nakee 2. That same year, she starred in the series The Crown Princess and became the first Thai actress named a Friend of Louis Vuitton, as well as the first Thai celebrity featured in Vogue.

She continued her critical success with the 2019 drama Klin Kasalong. In 2022, she starred in the comedy film Fast and Feel Love, securing a second Suphannahong National Film Award for Best Actress, and co-starred in the Netflix series Thai Cave Rescue. In her personal life, she began dating actor Nadech Kugimiya after meeting on set, becoming engaged in June 2023 and marrying in Khon Kaen in April 2026.