The Tolds and Untolds

Exclusive Investigative Coverage: Pond & Phuwin, the Stars and the Stories

The Discovery of Two Rising Stars

In the crowded world of Thai entertainment, it’s rare for two young actors to emerge and capture attention simultaneously, yet this is exactly what happened with Pond Naravit Lertratkosum and Phuwin Tangsakyuen. Pond, born February 1, 2001, with a background in Biomedical Engineering, appeared on the talent show “Go On Girl & Guy Star Search” in 2020, catching the eye of casting directors. Meanwhile, Phuwin, born July 5, 2003, had been acting since childhood, steadily building a repertoire of television roles that hinted at his future in BL projects.

Their paths crossed officially in 2021 with the casting of Fish Upon the Sky, a BL series that would define a new era for Thai BL entertainment. Observers note that both actors had complementary personas: Pond’s calculated charisma balanced by Phuwin’s natural warmth. Fans began tracking every interaction online, a digital frenzy that would only grow in magnitude over the years.

Rise to Fame: Crafting a Public Image

Following their first collaboration, Pond & Phuwin were catapulted into the spotlight. Social media metrics skyrocketed. Hashtags relating to their pairing dominated Twitter trends in Thailand, Instagram fan pages multiplied, and fan art flooded online communities. In interviews, both actors maintained a professional demeanor, carefully cultivating the image of a harmonious and dedicated pair.

Their BL projects were more than acting roles; they were cultural phenomena. Public appearances, magazine features, and live interviews reinforced their rising profile. By 2022, they had become synonymous with the modern Thai BL industry.

The BL Phenomenon: Fish Upon the Sky and Beyond

Fish Upon the Sky launched their BL pairing into viral territory, generating fervent online discussions and extensive fan engagement. Subsequent series, including Never Let Me Go and We Are, solidified their chemistry and fanbase. Each scene, from intimate dialogues to dramatic confrontations, was dissected by social media communities, creating an environment where fiction and real-life admiration intertwined.

Notably, their influence extends beyond the screen. Merchandise, collaborative fan art, and social media campaigns reinforce their presence as a brand, turning each BL appearance into a multi-platform event.

Fancon Frenzy: Rendezvous 2025

The Rendezvous Fancon held from October 31 to November 2, 2025, at Union Hall, Bangkok, marked a high point in their public exposure. The event sold out immediately, attracting fans not only from Thailand but also international viewers via livestream on TTM LIVE.

Organizers emphasized immersive experiences: stage performances, private and group photo opportunities, and “Hi-Bye” events that allowed fans close interaction. While minor delays occurred, the overall reception was overwhelmingly positive, showcasing how carefully curated fan experiences can amplify celebrity presence.

Global Reach: Crossing Borders

Beyond Thailand, both actors made waves internationally. Pond appeared at the Versace fragrance event in Manila in April 2025, drawing local media attention. Phuwin held fan meetings in Guangzhou, China, in July 2025. Each appearance was meticulously covered by local and regional media outlets, reinforcing their influence as cultural exports of Thai BL entertainment.

Pond’s viral “Killin’ It Girl” challenge in homage to BTS’s J-Hope further cemented cross-cultural recognition, demonstrating how social media virality complements traditional media appearances.

Controversies and Rumours: A Peek Behind the Curtain

With fame comes scrutiny. Rumours regarding contract negotiations, Phuwin’s potential shift to non-BL roles, and other fan speculations surfaced periodically. A serious legal matter involved Pond taking action against a stalker, highlighting the darker side of celebrity life. Social media, forums, and fan pages abounded with speculation, requiring careful navigation by both actors and management.

Despite occasional negative press, official statements from agencies and media coverage have consistently aimed to maintain transparency while protecting the artists’ privacy.

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