Returning to television after 4 years is former 90s leading actor Bee Sawit Petchwisesiri. He is set to star in the new drama "Mystery Sign" on Channel 7 again. Bee said working nowadays is very different from before and one must adapt to the changing times. Regarding his health, now in his 50s, he acknowledges aging naturally.
How many years has it been since your last appearance?
"It's been about 3-4 years since I left Channel 7. I'm happy to return to work at my old 'school,' to revisit my old home. My first project with Channel 7 was 'Kue Hattha Khrong Phiphop' by Daravideo, and now I’m back with 'Mystery Sign.' I've learned a lot and seen familiar faces, but some crew members are new."
"In the past, I worked with P'Louis (Siam Sangwaribut) who was quite strict and serious about work when I was younger. But the younger generation now is more relaxed, working with fun and less stress. The directing, storytelling, and filming styles are like big movies or series. I’m glad to be back and very thankful that they still recognize me and feel I fit the character chosen."
Has the working process changed much compared to before?
"It has changed quite a bit. Before, we filmed dramas while they were airing, everything was rushed. You had to be physically and mentally prepared because episodes aired almost live; sometimes the last episodes were still being filmed, as scripts were written based on current events."
"Nowadays, everything is pre-recorded, making work easier and more comfortable. Before, actors couldn’t just finish filming and then go to events—that was very difficult. Back then, work was serious and scheduled strictly. Today, things have changed along with the times."
Have you had to adapt a lot with these changes?
"It's much easier now, not difficult at all. I work very comfortably this way. Previously, there were more rules, but now things are more relaxed according to the era and generation. The entertainment industry has evolved; nowadays, vertical series for online platforms are common. We have to keep up with rapidly changing technology. In five years, who knows if we’ll still use phones or something else."
What did you do during the 3-4 year break?
"I invested in a sushi restaurant brand. But then COVID hit, and everything stopped because of the pandemic. I had to keep myself afloat. I have since withdrawn my investment. It was during the tough economic period of COVID, but the business response was okay, though there were some minor issues. (Are you running it yourself now?) Not yet, but I plan to open a restaurant, maybe something different."
Are you now fully returning to the entertainment industry?
"I have been working for a long time. This is like returning with new versions of work, which refreshes me. Sometimes when I go to markets or malls, people ask when I’ll have a new drama, saying they want to watch. Some watch my old works like 'Mia Jum Pen,' 'Ploy Lom Phet,' 'Dok Kaew' with Khun Kob Suwanan, 'Rai Diang Sa' with Chompoo, or 'Kae Uerm.'"
"People still remember and tell me they really liked my dramas. I’m surprised because the dramas are old, but they still like the songs and stories. I’m truly grateful they remember and think of me. It’s a great motivation to create new work."
Many say you haven’t changed and still look handsome?
"I'm getting older naturally, but now I focus on four health areas: heart, blood pressure, diabetes, and kidneys. At this age, you can't eat like before. Besides taking care of the body and exercising, I choose my food carefully and look after my mental health. Facing COVID, unemployment, economic downturns, and illness, we must keep our spirits up to live in society without depression."
"When people are depressed, they can do unexpected things, as we see in the news. So, maintaining physical health isn’t enough; we must also care for our minds. Being happy, aware, and mindful in everything we do is vital. I believe mindfulness leads us through many crises."
Do you currently have any illnesses among those four issues?
"Not yet. I just had a diabetes test, and my level was exactly 120. I used to love strong green tea, my favorite. Sometimes when exercising or going to events or concerts as a host, it became a habit. But when my numbers rose, I had to stop. Now I only take tea with 10% sweetness to keep some flavor, and I regularly monitor my health."
"I emphasize to everyone to get regular health check-ups. Many hosts, artists, and singers face strokes and cancer. P'Deh Dok Sadau had a stroke too. Recently, at the German Beer Garden concert, we helped artists and celebrities, and also flood victims in northern provinces like Nan, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and southern areas like Hat Yai by organizing concerts with artists such as P'Add Carabao, rock artists like P'Eed Fly, P'Pae Hi-Rock, and others."
"Simply put, people in the entertainment industry don’t abandon each other or the Thai people. We may not be on the front lines with life jackets on speedboats—that’s for professional rescue teams—but we support from behind by collecting supplies and funds. We help where we can in our community, gathering essentials like drinking water, dry food, clothes, and organizing events. It’s not just floods; when the military needed help, we organized concerts with Joey Kana at various markets, collected goods, and delivered them to the 2nd Army Region Commander."
"We also had opportunities to visit injured soldiers with amputations and blindness at Suranaree camp to encourage them. They were amazing. Seeing Joey and Mahasompong made them laugh, which helped relieve their stress. They endured losing limbs, and we thanked them for protecting Thailand from invasion. We entertainers do whatever we can."
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