Ken Theeradej Biography: Parents, Real Name, Movies, Awards, Net Worth, Ethnicity, Wife

Theeradej Wongpuapan, professionally known as Ken Theeradej or Kane, is a highly respected Thai actor, model, television presenter, director, and producer celebrated for his charismatic performances in lakorn dramas and films that have made him one of Thailand’s most enduring and popular male stars.

He has built a career spanning over four decades, starting as a child actor and rising to prominence with award-winning roles in series like Song Rao Nirun Dorn (2005), Sawan Biang (2008), and Sood Sanaeha (2009).

He holds a record four Golden Television Awards for Best Leading Actor, topped the Suan Dusit Poll as the Most Popular Thai Male Star for six consecutive years (2006–2011), and earned induction into the Most Popular Star Hall of Fame in 2012.

Profile

• Full Name: Theeradej Wongpuapan
• Stage Name: Ken Theeradej
• Born: 3 December 1977
• Age: 48 years old
• Birthplace: Bangkok, Thailand
• Nationality: Thai
• Occupation: Actor, Model, Television Presenter, Director, and Producer
• Height: 1.83m
• Parents: Weeraprawat Wongpuapan and Kanchana Wongpuapan
• Siblings: Nattanuch Wongpuapan
• Spouse: Butsakorn Wongpuapan (m. 2007)
• Children: Khunatum Wongpuapan and Thippatai Wongpuapan
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $5 million

Early Life and Education

Theeradej Wongpuapan was born on December 3, 1977, in Bangkok, Thailand.

He grew up as the youngest child in a family deeply rooted in the entertainment industry, with his father Weeraprawat Wongpuapan working as a director and actor, and his mother Kanchana Wongpuapan serving as a television drama writer under pen names like Worapan Rawee, Leelawadee, and Daeng Rawee.

He has one sibling, sister Nattanuch Wongpuapan. He completed high school in Bangkok and briefly pursued a bachelor’s degree at ABAC University (Assumption University) before studying photography at the Brooks Institute of Photography in California for two years.

He returned to Thailand due to the 1997 Asian financial crisis. His ethnicity is Thai, and his religion is unknown.

Career

Theeradej Wongpuapan began his career at age seven in 1985, appearing in the television drama The Six Siblings on Channel 3, directed by his father.

He took on minor roles in series like My Sweet Orange Tree during his childhood before pausing acting to focus on education.

He returned in the late 1990s as a model and actor, appearing in Super Luk Toong (1998) on Channel 9 and Queen of Luk Toong Pumpuang Duangjan (1999) on Channel 7.

A producer spotted him at a family wedding, sparking his modeling phase, which transitioned into leading roles.

His breakthrough came with strong performances in dramas like Ey Mah Lek (2002), earning him his first Golden Television Award for Best Leading Actor.

He achieved major acclaim in the mid-2000s with standout series such as Song Rao Nirun Dorn (2005), Oum Rak (2006), Sawan Biang (2008), and Sood Sanaeha (2009), winning multiple Best Actor awards including a record four Golden Television Awards.

He expanded into films with his debut in Go-Six (2000) and notable hits like Behind the Painting (2001), Bangkok Traffic Love Story (2009, the year’s highest-grossing Thai film at 145.5 million baht), and The Pool (2018).

He also ventured into directing and producing through his company Citizen Kane with his wife, and took on humanitarian roles as a UNICEF ambassador from 2008.

Recognition from polls and awards, including Suan Dusit Poll dominance and Hall of Fame induction, marked his peak popularity.

Theeradej Wongpuapan remains a leading figure in Thai entertainment, with recent projects including Ruk Nirun Juntra (2021) and the Netflix crime drama Everybody Loves Me When I’m Dead (2025).

He balances acting with family priorities, often limiting himself to select major roles while continuing philanthropy, production work, and occasional returns to television.

His lasting influence stems from versatile performances, strong audience connection, and contributions to Thai lakorn and film that span generations.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @kentheeradej
• Facebook Handle: Unknown
• Twitter Handle: Unknown

Personal Life

Theeradej Wongpuapan married actress Butsakorn Pornwannasiriwej (known as Noi) on October 25, 2007, in a ceremony attended by Queen Sirikit. The couple has two sons: Khunatum Wongpuapan (born August 17, 2008) and Thippatai Wongpuapan (born July 4, 2010).

They co-founded the production company Citizen Kane and maintain a close family focus, often prioritizing time together amid busy schedules.

He keeps a private lifestyle, enjoying hobbies like photography, short filmmaking, naturist traveling, and collecting antique watches and furniture.

Filmography

• The Six Siblings (1985)
• Behind the Painting (2001)
• Bangkok Traffic Love Story (2009)
• The Pool (2018)
• Heartbeat (2019)
• Everybody Loves Me When I’m Dead (2025)

Net Worth

Theeradej Wongpuapan has an estimated net worth of $5 million. He builds his wealth mainly from acting in high-profile TV dramas, films, and commercials across major Thai channels.

He draws further income from modeling, presenting, directing/producing through Citizen Kane, brand endorsements, and long-term popularity in the industry.