Tayme Thapthimthong is a 35-year-old dynamic actor born and raised in London. From his early days in Chelsea to finding his passion for performing arts, his path has been shaped by his cultural identity, and a drive to succeed. Let’s take a closer look at his story—his background, acting career, and what makes him one to watch.
Quick Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tayme Thapthimthong |
| Birthplace | London, UK |
| Age | 35 years old as of February 2025 |
| Education | Kingston University |
| Notable Role | Gaitok in The White Lotus |
| First Major Break | Academy Fantasia |
London Roots & Thai Heritage
Tayme was born in London, where he spent his childhood in the diverse neighborhood of Chelsea. At six, his family moved to another part of London, where he had to adapt to a new environment. Facing moments of discrimination and cultural differences, he learned the importance of standing up for himself—something he has carried into his career.
“I was bullied a lot for being Asian, as back then, there weren’t that many Asian people around, especially Thais. Once I stood up for myself, I finally found my true standing in London”- Tayme Thapthimthong in an interview with Lifestyle Asia
Education & Military Aspirations
Tayme Thapthimthong studied at Kingston University, where he focused on performing arts. But acting wasn’t his only passion—he also had a deep interest in the military. He joined the Royal Marine Cadets during high school, training with them for three years.
He even attempted to join the Royal Marine Commandos, but hearing problems in his left ear prevented him from completing the rigorous program.
He eventually started working as a nightclub bouncer in London in his university days.
From Thailand to Hollywood
Tayme’s big break didn’t happen in the UK—it happened in Thailand. After university, he moved there and entered Academy Fantasia, a Thai singing competition. He finished second, and his success led to roles in movies like “Skin Trade” and “Farang”.
After moving to Thailand and getting a taste of the entertainment industry, Tayme Thapthimthong started wondering if this was really the right path for him. He had spent five years singing and acting, but the uncertainty of it all made him crave something more stable. That’s when he made a bold move—he joined the Royal Thai Army.
I didn’t know where this was going and wanted a stable income. That’s when I decided to join the Thai Army.” — Tayme Thapthimthong in an interview with Time
At first, he signed up as an infantryman, going through six months of tough basic training. Even though he was older than most recruits, he impressed his instructors and was selected for an elite unit—the Counter Terrorist Operations Command (CTOC).
While serving in CTOC for three years, he also took on the role of a Physical Training Instructor, using his fitness skills and military expertise to train other soldiers.
After proving himself in special operations, Tayme Thapthimthong moved to the Armed Forces Security Center—which is pretty much Thailand’s CIA. Here, he worked in the Close Protection division, where his job included guarding high-ranking officials, training in counter-assault tactics, and serving as a shooting instructor
After six years in the military, Tayme decided it was time for another change. He transitioned into private security, and before long, he landed a job as a bodyguard for Thai rapper Way of Thaitanium.
However, his international breakthrough came with HBO’s The White Lotus. In Season 3, he played Gaitok, a security guard at a luxurious Thai resort. The role catapulted him into the global spotlight, earning praise for his performance.
Family and Net Worth
Tayme Thapthimthong is married and a proud father to a young daughter. While there’s no exact number on his net worth, given his roles in The White Lotus, and his growing presence in international entertainment, it’s clear his financial standing is rising.
His recent signing with Artist International Group as reported by Deadline and other management agencies suggests bigger opportunities ahead for him.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. We’ve gathered this information from publicly available sources we believe to be reliable. However, we encourage readers to verify details independently. Who is Buzzing will not be responsible for any wrong information.
Who is Sophia Egbueje, and why her leaked Phone Call about Burna Boy created controversy
