Pae Arak: From Indie Rock Star to Visionary Film Director in 2025

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Arak Amornsupasiri, widely recognized by his stage name, Pae Arak, has seamlessly navigated the realms of music, film, and directing. His work is imbued with an unmistakable indie spirit, a signature style that has become synonymous with his creative journey. Most recently, Pae has charmed audiences with his delightful portrayal in 2025’s romantic comedy Will You Marry Monk? alongside Orm Kornnaphat. This role marked a lighthearted departure from his spine-chilling performance as a villain in 2024’s In Youth We Trust. Adding to his versatile repertoire, Pae’s directorial debut, the riveting crime thriller The Stone (2025), showcased talents like Jaonaay Jinjett, Jaii TaitosmitH, and Aheye from 4EVE, raking in over 60 million baht and firmly establishing his prowess behind the camera.

Yet, before dominating the silver screen, Pae initially captured hearts on a different stage — that of music — emerging as an indie rock star.

The Indie Rock Star

Asked to sum himself up in a single word, Pae unhesitatingly chose “Indie.” In a revealing interview with THE PEOPLE, he elaborated, “I often sidestep the mainstream. If there’s something cherished by the few, I’ll amplify it. Once it reaches a crescendo, I move on.” Indeed, after graduating from Mahidol University, fate intervened. A friend with a mutual admiration for The Strokes invited him to a jam session, which serendipitously led to Pae joining the indie rock band Slur as their guitarist.

Under the Smallroom label, Slur quickly won over the youth of Thailand. Their infectious tunes and unique fashion sense earned them the moniker “Bangkok’s Rock ’n’ Roll Secret Weapon.” Hits like “Rock Shit” and “Se Lo Nang” became anthems of the indie scene. During this golden era, Pae’s signature wild hair and electrifying guitar solos embodied the very essence of indie rock.

The Indie Solo Artist

Pae’s foray into acting began in 2007 with a role in GTH’s cult horror sensation, Body 19. The momentum continued with standout performances in Slice (2009) and the drama Jaew Jai Rai Kub Khun Chai Taewada (2009), where he starred alongside the iconic Aum Patcharapa.

However, juggling an acting and music career proved challenging, leading to a difficult decision in 2011. Determined not to impede the band’s progress, Pae departed from Slur to pursue his own path. Yet, music always remained in his heart. Inspired by the legendary Bob Dylan, Pae transitioned from electric rock to an introspective folk-country style as a solo artist. Tracks like “Kai” and “Malaysia” introduced a distinctive talk-singing approach, initially polarizing audiences but eventually earning admiration for his daring innovation.

During a Pa Ted Talk, Pae articulated his philosophy, stating, “I strive not to echo what’s already been said. Even when discussing love, I aim to express it in a novel manner.”

The Indie Actor

Pae persevered in redefining both his musical and cinematic offerings. Signing with What The Duck in 2017, he diversified his sound to embrace funk, pop, and electronic elements, evident in tracks like “Dance Song” and “Hell,” alongside The Pisat Band.

His dedication to acting is no less fervent. Immersing himself in each role, Pae went to great lengths for his portrayal of the legendary outlaw, Suea Bai, in Khun Pan 2 and Khun Pan 3. His preparation involved studying historical documents, mastering horseback riding, and perfecting gun-spinning skills. Similarly, for his menacing role in In Youth We Trust, he delved into boxing and gleaned insights from interviews with real-life convicts, capturing the intricacies of their mindsets.

The Indie Director

In 2020, during an interview with The Cloud, Pae candidly shared his directorial aspirations. A mere five years later, he transformed that vision into reality with The Stone (2025).

Embodying his indie ethos, Pae explored the untapped realm of Thai amulet culture, a narrative largely overlooked by mainstream cinema. Through a nonconformist storytelling approach, The Stone stood apart from traditional cinematic fare, artfully weaving action, suspense, and astute social commentary. The film’s electrifying soundtracks by S.O.L.E and The Young Wolf further enriched its unique character.

Driven by authenticity, Pae dedicated five years to researching the Thai amulet market, reflecting his unwavering commitment to realism and his quest to illuminate underrepresented facets of Thai culture.

Across stages, screens, and now as a visionary director, Pae Arak embodies the quintessential indie soul — unraveling tales untold, infusing his music and films with a defiant, authentic flair that boldly traverses beyond the mainstream.