We meet Win Metawin the day after he returned from his first solo fan-meeting tour to New York and Mexico City, still visibly energised by the warmth and enthusiasm he encountered from audiences on the other side of the world.
It is easy to understand his global appeal. Open, thoughtful and disarmingly funny, the Thai actor and entrepreneur brings an ease to his conversation with The Art of Wellness that makes the superstar persona quickly fall away.
For Win, wellness is neither a perfectly optimised day nor a rigid routine. Instead, it is an ongoing, more forgiving practice of making room for work, family, relationships and himself, while knowing when to slow down. Between demanding shoots, international fan events and growing business ventures, he finds steadiness in life’s simplest pleasures: time with loved ones, a comforting plate of pad kaprao, exercise, sufficient sleep and permission to take a genuinely relaxed day.
As he looks ahead to the release of the much-anticipated television historical drama series Scarlet Heart Thailand, in which he plays a leading role, Win shares the mindset shifts that have helped him manage pressure, protect his energy and remain connected to the person he is beyond his public persona.
Public attention can make it difficult to separate the person from the persona. How do you stay connected to who Win is away from the camera?
I think it’s about the way I live my life. When I’m with my family and friends, I feel like myself — not the Win from TV or a series. We talk about normal things, like what we want to eat. When I’m away from the entertainment industry, I feel like a normal person in my daily life. The people around you are very important.
Who or what helps keep you grounded, especially after becoming famous at such a young age?
Family is one of the most important things that keeps me grounded. They always tell me what’s right and what’s wrong — they even stalk me online. They know everything about me! We talk openly, and they help me see how I can improve for the future. I listen to them and try to keep on becoming a better version of myself.
‘Family is one of the most important things that keeps me grounded.’
Is there a lesson that has changed the way you care for your mental wellbeing?
I’ve learned that constantly rushing is not good for either physical or mental health. If there’s one thing I would say, it’s to make time to rest so you can recharge and do your best again the next day. I became famous very quickly and was always in a rush, whether I was trying to improve myself or push myself harder every day. Eventually, it became too much for my mental health. Now, I’ve learned to allow myself a relaxed day.
What does your perfect chill day look like?
Just being around my friends and family, hanging out, eating good food or going to a spa — that’s really relaxing for me.
What’s your ultimate comfort food when travelling?
Pad kaprao — Thai basil stir-fry — is probably my favourite dish ever. Whenever I’m travelling, whether in Milan or anywhere else outside Thailand, I still try to find a Thai restaurant and order it. It’s my ultimate comfort food.
Do you have a daily ritual that helps set the tone for the day?
Exercising helps a lot, especially in the morning, as it boosts energy and clears your mind so you can start the day fresh.
You represent Thailand so beautifully around the world. Is there a place at home that makes you feel instantly invigorated?
Lang Suan in the south makes me feel instantly recharged. It’s so green, with trees all around, and there is something very calming about being there.
What is one thing you do today that your younger self did not fully understand the importance of?
Taking care of your body is so important as you get older. If I could go back, I would exercise more and drink less alcohol.
How do you protect your sleep while filming, travelling and making public appearances?
Just sleep whenever you’re free. I try to manage my schedule and let the crew know what time I need to wake up the following day, to ensure I get enough sleep. I’m the kind of person who needs at least seven hours of sleep. Otherwise, I’m going to be like… [laughs].
What have you learned about managing pressure, expectations and moments of self-doubt?
Personal time is very important. It helps keep my mind relaxed and allows me to think more clearly about the future. Sometimes, when everything happens at once, you can feel stuck. Spending time on my own helps me reset and regain perspective.
‘Personal time is very important. It helps keep my mind relaxed and allows me to think more clearly about the future.’
You have also become an entrepreneur. What inspired your macaron business?
I started it with my sister. She has always loved baking and making desserts and used to make macarons at home for fun. I noticed that hers looked quite different from what was already on the market, so I thought we could create something with them. That’s how we started — from our home kitchen.
You recently returned from fan events in New York and Mexico. How did those new environments affect your energy and creativity?
It was a really great experience, and my first solo fan-meeting tour in both New York and Mexico. I was amazed by the fans — they are more outgoing and expressive, and that’s wonderful for an artist because you receive so much energy from them. You really enjoy performing with that kind of support.
I’m also running my own business alongside my work in entertainment, and both require creativity. Travelling to new places and experiencing different cultures sparks new ideas; I see what people are doing and bring that inspiration back into my own work.
‘Travelling to new places and experiencing different cultures sparks new ideas; I see what people are doing and bring that inspiration back into my own work.’
Which upcoming project are you most excited about?
Scarlet Heart Thailand, one of my biggest projects to date. We just finished filming and it’s going to air soon. I can’t wait!
What is wellness to you?
Wellness is about balance: how you live your life physically, mentally and emotionally. But for me, balance is not something you achieve in a single day. Sometimes, it takes a month to find equilibrium across family, relationships, work and personal time. I keep reminding myself to make space for each of those parts of life.
‘Wellness is about balance: how you live your life physically, mentally and emotionally.’
Photographer: Bert Sivakorn
Creative / Fashion Direction: Patryk Chaou
Hair Stylist: Akkarapong Punkaew
Makeup Artist: Wasupon Ruangwiriyanan
Photography Assistant: Korrawee Payonlert
Location: The Peninsula Bangkok
Wardrobe: ACNE STUDIOS, AMI PARIS