From a gas station attendant to a leading actor in the spotlight. Mario Maurer. Mario Maurer reveals his life path and 11-year love story, explaining why he hasn't married yet. He shares his passion for his favorite vintage car and the secret behind going a week without showering. He also recounts amusing incidents, from running out of fuel and forgetting toll money to his partner having to push his car on the show "Berl AM".
What is your mixed heritage and how old are you?
Mario: I'm 37 years old. I'm half German and half Chinese because my mother is half Chinese and half Thai.
Do you have a Thai name as well?
Mario: My mother gave me one, but I never use it and no one calls me by it. Most people don’t even know it — Natthawut Suwanrat — because my family has southern roots, so we have the surname Suwanrat.
At what age did you enter the entertainment industry?
Mario: I started as a child. I was cast from a young age. My family owned a gas station, and while I was filling fuel, they called me to auditions. I looked quite plain but with a bit of a foreign look, so they said my appearance was acceptable. But when I went to auditions, I was shy since I’d never been on camera before. I didn’t know how to act because auditions involve cameras and such.
What kind of auditions did you attend?
Mario: They were for toothpaste commercials. At that time, I had cavities and some missing teeth, so I didn’t pass. Actually, I kept auditioning everywhere there was casting. I went to many commercial auditions until I started getting roles. Then, I began auditioning for films but didn’t succeed for a long time. Finally, my first film was 'Love of Siam' when I was 18 and in my final year of high school. I was still shy, but when they told me the pay was over 100,000 baht, my shyness disappeared. My life changed; people recognized me everywhere, and I felt awkward when reporters asked if I was excited or happy—I just gave very brief answers at first.
It used to be very hard to publicly show a relationship. What has changed so now you are more open about your romance?
Mario: Actually, I’m not a secretive person and have always been quite open. Lately, there have been many clips of me dancing with Janchi because she likes to dance. It’s her talent. When we’re together, she invites me to dance.
How long have you been together? Any plans to marry?
Mario: It’s been 11 years. We’ve talked about it, but for now, we’re focusing on our careers. We’ll decide together later when the time is right.
When did you develop your love for vintage style?
Mario: As a kid, I experimented with many styles, including punk, which was a mistake (laughs). I’ve liked vintage for over 10 years. It started with dressing in vintage fashion, then I realized the clothes looked old-fashioned but the cars I drove were new. Wearing boots but driving new cars felt out of place, so I started getting into vintage vehicles, like old Harley motorcycles and classic cars.
Does your partner complain about the heat and frequent breakdowns when riding vintage vehicles with you?
Mario: That’s true. Janchi often complains. Everything shuts down — the car stalls, the motorcycle stalls. We’ve faced many situations. Once, in Rama 9 tunnel, the car stalled. Motorcycles can be pushed, but the car stalled on an uphill stretch. Being a gentleman, I asked Janchi to get out and push because controlling the car was difficult. It was on a hill, so we had to push it quickly; otherwise, it would roll back and hit others.
Is it true you ever didn’t have money to pay a toll?
Mario: Yes, that was an embarrassing day. I was driving to work and forgot to bring money. The toll could be paid by card, but I forgot that too. I told the attendant honestly, “Sir, I have no money.” He said, “Mario, you have no money?” I confirmed I forgot. He said he’d record it so I could pay later or they’d send a bill home. I said I wouldn’t evade payment. He told me to pass the toll and settle it afterward.
Have you ever run out of fuel on the expressway?
Mario: I’ve run out many times, even several times a month. I call the highway patrol; they recognize my voice and say, "Is that you, Mario?" I tell them, “Yes, I’m out of fuel.” They know exactly where I am and what kind of fuel I need — diesel or gasoline. There are cameras everywhere on the highway, so they see when I run out.
Once, I was coming from Khlong Toei to Rama 9 and ran out of fuel right at the intersection where cars turn. I called and said, “My car’s out of fuel.” They replied, “Again, Mario? What do you need this time?” I said, “100 liters of gasoline.” They asked for my location and said, “Is it the green car?” They knew from the cameras. I didn’t refill because my fuel pump was broken. Sometimes I hoped it would last, but usually it didn’t. Later, I started carrying a fuel can.
How funny are you on a scale, and have you ever lost your temper or refused to talk?
Mario: I’m not the type to completely ignore someone, but I’m generally chill. Deep down, though, if something important doesn’t work out, I get impatient. Like with cars—when they break down or can’t be fixed and I can’t go home, I get frustrated, wondering why it can’t be solved.
Have you ever lost your temper with Janchi?
Mario: I’m kind-hearted, but sometimes we do clash. Everyone has flaws, and I can be impatient.
What has kept you in the hearts of fans for so long?
Mario: When I started young, I admired senior actors. I was lucky to be surrounded by great teachers and a loving family. I was a student of Mom Noi and had senior mentors like Ananda, Aof Pongpat, Kong Piya, and Chakrit. Being around them, they always gave me advice, which I remember and appreciate. Chakrit once told me, when meeting fans who love you, stop to take photos and give them your heart because they support you. Don’t forget to give back to them. This advice made me realize that even when busy, I should give fans a moment because they’re important to my career.
When you were a new actor, did you ever make wrong decisions?
Mario: Yes, but I was lucky to be around good people. Early on, I worked a lot, and friends said I had changed. These were school friends who hadn’t started working yet. Although I was their age, I had to work earlier. Maturity and responsibilities sometimes made my thinking different from theirs, so they didn’t always understand why I changed or was less available.
But I always remember advice from seniors in the industry: No matter how famous you get, stay humble. Sometimes working with very talented but unfriendly people is hard, while working with less talented but kind and helpful people is more enjoyable. People prefer to work with those they enjoy being around. So I always try to do my best and consider those around me.
When I was a kid working in modeling, there were many people of all ages—models and staff. Sometimes I didn’t greet them because I didn’t know them and felt shy. Then one senior pulled me aside and told me to greet everyone, from the first to the last person, before starting work. I was surprised because I thought adults wouldn’t greet me first, even if they knew me. But showing respect by greeting is a lovely Thai custom. After that, I got used to greeting everyone to show respect, even if I didn’t know them.
Who do you most want to work with in the entertainment industry?
Mario: P'Lek Hugo. I had the chance to interview him and have admired him for a long time. I recently met and got to know him. He’s very cool. We kept missing each other before.
Have you ever thought about growing a scruffy mustache?
Mario: Yes, but once I ate curry and got it messy, so I thought it didn’t suit me and would make eating difficult. So, I decided not to grow it (smiles). Also, I don’t like showering because vintage kids don’t shower.
Is that true? How long have you gone without showering?
Mario: Why shower? Showering too often dries my skin. I’ve gone a week without showering, but after a while, I start itching, so I have to shower (smiles).
Watch the clip.
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