Lt Col Wanchana Sawasdee, better known in Thai showbiz circles as “Colonel Bird”, is among the very few men in uniform who have hit the Thai silver screen. Colonel Bird was excited when Chatrichalerm Yukol, director of the King Naresuan films, chose him for the lead role. Yet in the initial stages, he couldn’t help but regard the project as just another military assignment.
As Colonel Bird’s main focus is his day job as a soldier, MC Chatrichalerm had to obtain special permission from the Royal Thai Army to cast him in the epic five-part movie series, which began filming in 2002. The final film in the series will be released on May 29.
“Since Tan Mui [MC Chatrichalerm’s nickname] had planned from the beginning that whoever was going to portray King Naresuan in his film had to be a real soldier, and since the set for the King Naresuan film in Kanchanaburi was built right next to the military camp I worked in, I was sent to the casting team along with other 9th Infantry Division soldiers for a photo shoot. My commanders told me to go there, so I followed their orders. It was as simple as that,” he recalled.
“Honestly speaking, I had absolutely no idea about the movie back then. I had watched The Legend of Suriyothai before, but didn’t know its follow-up was going to be this huge. I had no clue as to how a movie was produced, or how long it took to make a movie. I didn’t expect such a long period of filming either.
“In fact, I didn’t even know if Tan Mui’s name was actually ‘Chatrichalerm Yukol’ or ‘Chatri Chalermyukol,’ ” he said. “And I believe there are some people out there who probably got a bit confused about his name just like me,” he laughed.
When asked whether he ever wondered why he was chosen to portray King Naresuan — one of the greatest heroes of Siam’s history — Colonel Bird is still unsure.
“Tan Mui never told me exactly why he chose me to portray the role. However, he once said jokingly that people referred to King Naresuan as ‘The Black Prince’ for a reason, and that reason might be because he was extremely tanned,” said the 40-year-old lieutenant colonel, who has the perfect physique for the role, with piercing eyes and a well-built, muscular body, although he originally wasn’t tanned enough for the role.
“My original complexion wasn’t this tanned. Before filming, I had to stretch out under the sun like a fish being burned on the grill once or twice a week,” he laughed.
“The darker tone of complexion does intensify the muscle lines, so I needed to make sure I was sunbathing in the right position to yield the perfect result.”
For Colonel Bird, “the country comes first” is not just a catchphrase that floats around meaninglessly. There were times when filming and military affairs overlapped and he had to prioritise the latter.
He was able to spend time on set every day during the first years of shooting. Sometimes he even practised horse riding by galloping from the set to the camp.
Colonel Bird was successfully juggling the demands of his military career and actor’s life, except when duty called, for example, during the coup of 2006, when he needed to cast aside his costume of metal armour and rush back to his original duties in camouflage uniform.
Despite starring in each of the four blockbuster movies in the past decade, the colonel’s army role has never taken a back seat to film fame.
“I guess people view me more as a soldier rather than an actor. I love being a soldier. It’s what I love to do most after all,” he said. “But, believe it or not, the achievements I’ve earned in the military field are partly on account of the experiences in the entertainment industry.”
Being famous helps ease the gap between the military and civilians, he said.
“There are many benefits that accompany fame. These benefits include a high likelihood of responsiveness from people when I work in public service.
“For example, in 2011, I was sent to Si Sa Ket’s Kantharalak district — when there were shooting incidents at the border — to help evacuate the villagers.
“As the people recognised who I was, it was much easier to gain their trust and persuade them to cooperate with us. The same goes with the rescue efforts during the floods in the same year.”
The recognition he’s earned from his participation in the King Naresuan movie series opens up opportunities for Colonel Bird to promote service in the Royal Thai Army through the entertainment media.
Colonel Bird said, “I don’t have problem with balancing the two jobs. Everything just went naturally. Being a part of the entertainment industry opens the door for me to communicate with a new group of people, people who typically prefer entertainment-oriented content to military news.
“I can represent military affairs in a widened sphere and more people can get a better idea of what soldiers do thanks to this ‘celebrity’ status.”
He also admits that playing the role of an ancient warrior helped him realise the battlefield hardships his predecessors endured.
“I believe soldiers nowadays could not wage war like men in ancient times did. Manoeuvres today have everything from various items of technical equipment to modern transportation, while Ayutthaya’s soldiers had to march hundreds of kilometres and ensure they had adequate supplies for a long war.
“I’m not looking down on our modern-day troops, it’s just that we were born into a generation for which all facilities are provided.”
Colonel Bird shares with us his method of acting and how he thinks he has developed so far.
“I didn’t have any particular role model for my portrayal of King Naresuan. But I did learn some techniques from my fellow actors,” he said.
“I used to only lock my eyes on the camera and speak the dialogue in a single stretch. But lately my performance has become considerably less stiff. I was allowed to improvise in some of the scenes to make the acting come out more naturally,” he explained.
When asked whether acting or military training was more difficult, he replied, “I think both acting and military training require the same basis, which is self-discipline. I believe with self-discipline, you can perform well in any profession.
“Also, I think everyone has acting talent in their blood. I believe we all act during at least one point in our lives. For example, I may lie down casually on the couch watching TV at home, but as you’re interviewing me now I can’t simply do that, right? Or when teenagers beg their parents to buy them a new smartphone, they probably need to put on a pitiful look with imploring eyes and voice.
“Even when I did my job as a military trainer, sometimes I had to act heartless to get my subordinates in order. Acting can be seen everywhere; it’s just that we don’t usually notice it,” he added.
As the five-part historical epic — which has been a phenomenon in Thai cinema since the first film was released in 2007 — is going to reach its conclusion soon, Colonel Bird confessed he felt a sense of loss knowing there would be no more Naresuan movies coming out.
“It’s been 12 years since I first became involved with this project in 2002. It always felt at home when I was on set. Even though this is not my original line of work, I did spend a lot of quality time there with the cast and crew who have become like a family to me.”
He also opens up about his closeness with MC Chatrichalerm and proclaims his admiration for the director.
“Tan Mui is just like my second father. We spent time together almost 24/7. We had meals together and saw each other all the time. Even now he still calls me to go see movies with him from time to time.
“When he is sick, I go to visit him. On holidays or festivals, we go and make merit together. He’s family, a father and a teacher to the entire cast. Indeed, he’s a brilliant director. He believes anything is possible and never gives up.”
As much as he looks forward to seeing the highly anticipated elephant battle scene between the great King Naresuan of Ayutthaya and Crown Prince Minchit Sra of the Burmese empire, Colonel Bird reveals that the final film in the quintet also unveils dramatic sides of the lead characters that will leave the audience touched.
“The elephant duel is unarguably the highlight of the movie. However, there are also underlying dramatic scenes that highlight the relationships between the characters from many perspectives — from the relationship between the king and his inseparable commoner friend Rachamanu [Nopachai Jayanama], the emotional reconciliation of King Naresuan and his father King Mahathammaracha [Chatchai Plengpanich], Lurkin’s [Intira Jaroenpura] unconditional love for her beau Rachamanu, as well as interesting conflicts in the Burmese crown family.
“These are definitely no less exciting than the battle,” he said.
The biopic concentrates on showcasing a comprehensive look at the crucial events in Thai history and is recommended as one source of historical knowledge.
Still, Colonel Bird also hopes no one will take it so seriously that they overlook the fact that the film was essentially made as entertainment.
“My suggestion would be ‘don’t think too hard,’ ” said the colonel.
“We don’t want the audience to view Burma as an enemy, or determine our side as the absolute best. No, we don’t want that. Just relax and enjoy the movie as it is and if you’ll find certain episodes or passages useful in some way, it’s a plus.”
Colonel Bird assures that we still see his face after the King Naresuan series comes to an end. But this time he will move from the big screen to the small one.
“I’ve joined the cast of the drama Pantai Norrasingha, another classic Thai legend in which I play King Sua, another ruler of the Ayutthaya kingdom. However, unlike King Naresuan, this drama also shows the funny side of the king’s life, which is quite different from my previous role.”
He doesn’t worry if his career prospects may be affected by the possibility that the audience might not be able to imagine him in other roles.
“I’m not worried about it that much. I guess partly it’s because I’m used to a commanding kind of director, like Tan Mui. I believe that if I was chosen for a certain role then the director must be confident that he can transform me into the character convincingly.
“I’m willing to embrace all of the roles offered to me, as long as they don’t affect the image of the Royal Thai Army.”
But no role delights Colonel Bird as much as that of being a father. He and his wife Varinya Sirichoomsaeng welcomed a son — Wanwarin “Win” Sawasdee — into the world last year.
If anything, the constant updates on Instagram showing loving father-son activities may be enough to prove how crazy he is about his son.
“He’s such an unbelievably cute baby and a docile kid. Definitely not a cry-baby,” said the new father.
“Every day when I go to work or travel to places I’m happy just thinking about his smiling face. I love him to the point that my heart breaks when I think of any bad situation that could happen to me and him, like the capsized ferry in South Korea.
“I tried to think of what I would do if Win and I were in that situation, but I don’t think I could handle such a loss.”
As to his plans for the future, Colonel Bird proudly revealed that he will raise his son to be an emotionally solid boy, together with encouraging him to pursue a professional athletic career.
He said the aim is the Grand Slam courts.
“I hope one day my son will become a professional tennis player whose incredible skill is well-known globally. I think it would be great if my son could play well with both hands. It’s a way to get your body balanced, and not many tennis players can do that.”
Not only does he always help his wife with their son, but Colonel Bird also describes himself as a husband who is subservient to his wife.
“I’m always the one who gives in, and she knows it well. Normally, I don’t complain about trivial stuff. If she’s fine with anything, then I’m fine, too. She takes care of me really well, from cooking to helping me select an outfit.”
A flashy lifestyle has never been for him. When Colonel Bird is free from his army duties, and from managing the production house that he has started with his on-and-off-screen buddy Nopachai (who plays Rachamanu in the Naresuan films), he seeks simple pleasures at home.
Perhaps his favourite leisure activities may seem boring to enthusiastic party-goers, but why would he ask for any more when he doesn’t demand much to fill his days?
“I’m a homebody, and I’m happy just exercising and playing sport. Well, I like to amble around at home and furniture fairs once in a while to see if there’s any interesting stuff for my home as well.”
The well-organised soldier had some parting words for Brunch.
“Many of us are always aspiring to embark on new and challenging journeys. It’s good to be determined that someday you will achieve a goal, but don’t forget to be prepared for if the result isn’t what you expected.
“In order to overcome challenges and see dreams become reality, we have to find a way to turn our thoughts into a feasible path to success.
“Planning ahead is the key, but we must also be able to adapt.”
