Meet the warm new father role of "James Jirayu" in the program My Daddy James, which explores questions about parenting. This show features a nerdy dad curious about all things child-rearing, not to teach parenting but to inquire about common parental concerns through the perspective of a new father learning alongside his child. It reveals behind-the-scenes of raising a child without a nanny, sharing duties and encouraging each other daily, while also inviting experts and real experiences to find answers together. The first episode features beloved older brothers “Peck Premnath” an experienced father of one, and “Great Warintorn” gathering to discuss challenges all parents face and learning how to become the best version of a father together.
How do you see James Jirayu as a person?
Peck Premnath: Importantly, when he wants to do something, he focuses seriously. For example, if we discuss numbers or accounting or consult about where to find good people, he can quickly create Excel sheets to manage it all.
Great Warintorn: James is a man you can call a nerd. Many don't realize how detail-oriented he is about small things. For instance, when we talk, he might say, “Brother Great, I think it should be like this,” then pull out his iPad and carefully show with a stylus how it should be. He has great attention to detail and this is just his nature.
What is the origin of the name "Nong Phob Rak"?
James Jirayu: This name was given by his mother (Foam). Our family likes traditional Thai names; for example, our dogs are named Kid Tung, Waan Jai, and Saen Dee. We prefer Thai names with cute meanings. Foam had a name in mind since early in our relationship, for both boy and girl. We finally agreed on this name, with the official and nickname being the same: "Phob Rak." In the future, friends may call him "Phob" or "Rak," but we decided the official and nickname would be identical.
How did you feel when you learned James would become a father?
Great Warintorn: We were watching a stage play together when Foam set up a camera and announced she was pregnant. I wasn't shocked but stunned, thinking, "Wow! We're really going to have a child now, becoming a father." It felt like crossing from old life to a new chapter, like opening a new book as a dad. I was happy for him.
Peck Premnath: James’s life is more dramatic than people think. The reality behind the image of a leading actor is that life is tough. Having love is extremely difficult, yet he chose this woman to be his future wife. Their wedding was special, very selective, held at Suan Phueng. That moment showed the importance one man places on a woman in marriage. That's married life, and the next step is having a child.
What about planning for having a child?
James Jirayu: Actually, we had planned to have a child later, expecting a birth around 2026 or 2027 after traveling and enjoying life. But the baby came earlier than expected. We were initially worried if we were ready, about work, family, and our relationship. Foam said having a child would change our travel lifestyle forever.
How did you feel on the day the baby was born?
Peck Premnath: From my perspective, it starts with the couple. I've lived with my wife for over ten years through many experiences. That moment felt like the center of the world shifted, with a new gravity force hitting us. That impact brought tears. The day was chaotic but marked a life-changing point that made us want to live for the child. We want to be better role models because in the end, we are the blueprint for our child’s future. It’s a connection to our lineage. It was deeply moving and I ended up crying.
James Jirayu: I focused first on the mother. Foam fears needles and surgery, so I tried to comfort her. Honestly, I was excited but she said I was calm. We worried about safety and if the baby would reach full term. During the ultrasound consultation, everything looked good, and I felt the chances were high for safety.
But when I heard the baby's heartbeat for the first time, I was excited. It's a lifetime project that changes your life forever. You cannot abandon your duties as a parent. The wonder is, my love for the child grew gradually, not suddenly. After about a month, I realized I was more attentive and protective. Another special thing is looking at him and feeling content all day long. That moment is real.
Peck Premnath: Like I said, when a living being touches your face with their foot and you feel good, it's unique. If it was anyone else, it wouldn't feel the same. But with your child, it's gentle. There's nothing like it except with your own child. You want to smell and cuddle him. It's a full feeling. Feeding him, holding him, almost dropping him off the bed – you whisper, “Don’t wake up, don’t wake up,” and carefully lift him up. If I go downstairs to talk to my mom, I always watch if he’s moving left or right or might fall off the bed and check on him.
How do you see James Jirayu as a father?
Peck Premnath: Extremely good, nerdy, responsible, and focused. He studies everything about child-rearing. He won't let his wife feel lost or alone. He pampers and supports her, which is crucial. He is patient, calm, and farsighted. He stays composed in any situation because sometimes it’s not him who gets irritated but the wife experiencing mama blues. And is that really the case?
James Jirayu: I'll share a bit. Since Foam had the baby, she has become very soft-hearted. Before, she had a lot of problems from day one and would ask why things were so difficult. But after having the child, she reacts with more calmness, like "Oh, is that all?"
Do you see James as a good father?
Peck Premnath: I'm not saying anyone is a bad or good father, nor about myself. But doing your best every day to be the best version of yourself is key. You adjust and improve for your wife and child, allocating more time, caring, and prioritizing them. James combines nerdiness, foresight, and patience, which are qualities a father should have.
Great Warintorn: James always prepares and researches. I feel he already has the basic qualities of a good father. Whatever challenges come, I believe he will adapt well.
Peck Premnath: Another perspective is management. When we talk about good people, why do we talk with Great or James? James plans methodically, sequencing tasks. It's managing himself, his family, and discipline—waking up early to run and then care for the child. If he manages time well, everything flows smoothly.
What kind of father do you want to be?
James Jirayu: I want to be a very handsome dad, just kidding. But that has some truth. This show is called My Daddy, and when my wife got pregnant, I realized it's a turning point. At least, I should improve what I’m not good at, whether career, relationships, or family. To be the best version, I need more discipline and personal growth.
I want my child to be proud of me, and my wife to be proud of me like, "Whose child is this? This is My Daddy James." I want them to feel pride, whether in fitness, work, or other efforts. I don’t know if they will care about what I do, but setting that goal matters. If they say they’re proud to have me as a father or husband, that's my accomplishment. If not, I’ll keep trying until one day, maybe while playing, my child looks at me—that will complete my goal.
Since raising your child, which skills do you think you do well?
James Jirayu: None yet.
Peck Premnath: Honestly, I admit I’m no match for my wife in everything, even now. Mothers give energy, love, care, and attention in ways fathers can’t match. But I try to stay by her side, encourage her, and do my best in my own way.
James Jirayu: I can do everything now without hesitation—changing diapers, bathing, feeding, soothing. I’m comfortable with it all. I told my wife from the start: she can raise the child however she wants, and I’ll support her. If she wants to hold or feed him, she can do it. When she’s tired, she tells me, and I step in. I’m like her backup—an extra mother. I think if we interfere too much without knowing her mood or how she feels about the child, it could be bad. Helping at the right times improves the mood for mom, baby, and dad, making the whole family feel good. That’s my idea.
How do you divide duties between father and mother?
James Jirayu: We have no nanny; we raise the child ourselves. The mother mainly cares for the baby at night, though I sometimes get up to change diapers. She says that when the baby cries, I hardly get up. At night, when the baby cries, she tells me, “The baby is crying,” then she picks him up and says, “Dad, please change the diaper, he’s pooped.” I say okay, change it, then go back to sleep while she continues breastfeeding.
What has been the hardest thing about raising a child?
James Jirayu: It’s not very hard. Before, people advised us to hire a nanny because babies wake every three hours and parents don’t sleep much, so it’s exhausting. They asked if we could handle it. We talked, and my wife wanted to raise the baby herself. I think difficulty depends on each person's ability to adapt quickly; if you adjust fast, it may not be so hard.
Who dotes on the baby more?
James Jirayu: My wife does.
Foam (wife): James dotes more. He’s very gentle.
Great Warintorn: James gets excited but can control his emotions.
Any other worries?
James Jirayu: Yes, I’d only be disappointed in myself. If Foam feels bad, I feel I haven’t done well enough. If my child feels bad with me, I ask why I failed. But I don’t expect much from others. I just try to be my best and observe their reactions. I have a life equation: happiness equals expectations minus reality. Reducing expectations increases happiness.
Peck Premnath: The worries James might not realize yet are when the child gets sick—we haven’t encountered that yet, but that’s the biggest concern. There’s also uncertainty about the future. The best we can do is keep the child healthy and prepare for challenges.
Click to readEntertainment news. Additional