Phanya Nirunkul
Phanya Nirunkul | |
|---|---|
| Born | March 24, 1955 Thailand |
| Occupation(s) | Actor, television host, entrepreneur |
| Known for | Co-founder and chairman of Workpoint Entertainment Public Company Limited |
Phanya Nirunkul (, born on 24 March 1955), commonly known by his nickname Ta (), is a prominent Thai actor, television host, and entrepreneur. He serves as the co-founder and chairman of Workpoint Entertainment Public Company Limited.
Early life
Phanya was born into a family of Thai-Chinese descent and was originally named Phanya Kitinirunkul before shortening it by removing "Kiti." His mother, Amphan Nirunkul, received recognition as the National Outstanding Mother in 2003. He earned his bachelor's degree from the Faculty of Architecture, Chulalongkorn University in 1977.
Family
He is married to Aew Wasana Nirunkul and together they have four children and five grandchildren. Interestingly, the number 23 for the Workpoint TV channel is inspired by his wife's birthdate.
Film and television drama
Phanya's entry into the entertainment sector began in 1978 with a minor role in the movie Sueb Yat Sai (). That same year, he landed his first starring role in the Channel 3 drama Sri-thanonchai (), directed by National Artist Phatrawadi Sritrairat. Over time, he appeared in numerous films and dramas, frequently acting alongside well-known actresses such as Orapan Watcharapol—who currently leads Polyplus Entertainment—and Penphisut Kongsamut.
Television programs
In 1984, Phanya became part of the original team behind Stress Killer (เพชฌฆาตความเครียด), a show produced by alumni of Chulalongkorn University's Architecture Faculty under the group Sumo Sam-ang on Channel 9, where he performed under the name Sumo Ta. He gained recognition hosting Pasa Thai Kham La Wan (ภาษาไทยคำละวัน), a comedic take on Prof. Kanchana Naksakul's Pasa Thai Wan La Kham. From 1984 through 1989, while working at JSL, he hosted several JSL productions including Phlik Lock (and its sequels) and Concert Contest, before departing to launch his own production firm.
Founding of Workpoint Entertainment
On 11 September 1989, Phanya collaborated with Prapas Cholsaranon—a junior from the Faculty of Architecture and former JSL TV producer—to establish Workpoint Entertainment Co., Ltd. The company started with a capital investment of 2 million baht, specializing in producing television programs and dramas.
Workpoint transitioned to a public limited company on 26 February 2004 and held its initial public offering between 20–22 September 2004. The firm commenced trading on the Stock Exchange of Thailand on 29 September 2004, marking its evolution into a leading publicly listed entertainment content provider.