Previously, there was intense social media backlash when Tri Phoraphat Srikhajorndecha held his first solo fan meeting, but some fans criticized the actor's behavior for avoiding eye contact and lacking interaction during the event. Tri had already apologized to fans through the media.
Recently, Tri apologized again about this issue, saying
"First of all, I want to apologize once more. Since I'm here today, I sincerely apologize for everything that happened. Honestly, I feel truly sorry for what occurred. I might not have attended to everyone thoroughly, and I may have made mistakes. I genuinely apologize from my heart. My team and I are very regretful.
We really don't want such an incident to happen again. I'm speaking sincerely. I truly feel sorry, even sorry for myself for not giving my all, which led to this mistake. I sincerely apologize and promise it will not happen again."
So Tri read the feedback since Saturday?
"Yes, actually that day I finished work quite late. I saw the feedback the next morning."
How did you feel encountering this situation?
"Honestly, there were both positive and negative feelings. But as I always tell everyone, I want everyone to be happy. If at any point I feel unhappy, I think it's better to step back. I feel that way more than anything. I'm not disappearing; I'm just stepping back for a while."
Some said, "Oh, give Tri some sympathy; he's still new?"
"No, I think we have to understand both sides. Understand me—I was at fault. Honestly, if we had talked openly, we might have found a better solution. My team and I, and everyone involved, could have handled it better."
So Tri understands the situation?
"I understand. I understand what they came for. We apologize sincerely. I don't know where they came from—some came from far away and missed that moment. I really feel sorry about that incident. If it were me, I'd feel the same. I have nothing to say beyond a heartfelt apology."
Were you surprised by the feedback?
"A little, yes, but you have to weigh things carefully."
But there are two sides; others also gave support?
"Yes, I thank those who support me. I appreciate everyone who still loves and encourages me."
Besides this, many noticed your X account disappeared; where did it go?
"No, actually this has been like this for a while. I often delete photos and disappear, especially on X. This isn't the first time I’ve closed my X account—this is about the third or fourth time."
Is this related to the incident, or just a coincidence in timing?
"Honestly, as I said earlier, whenever I feel uneasy, I don't disappear. I just step back and then return. I still have other ways to communicate with fans beyond X, like Open Chat or Line groups where I can communicate with my fanbase."
So really, you didn't run away; you just stepped aside?
"Actually, I might have closed it by chance at that time, which was good. Then, just recently, I had the chance to apologize directly to my fan community. That was probably the day."
You said you wanted to come because you preferred to apologize in person?
"Yes, I felt several days had passed, so I wanted to apologize face-to-face. I feel that sharing my real feelings in person is better. Also, this is a matter involving my family—that is, my fan community. I wanted to apologize directly to them."
How was the conversation with the fans that day?
"It was great. I'm very thankful they understood all the reasons. They understood both sides. But as I said, the past can't be changed. I promise the future will be better."
But when you said you would focus on the group there, others outside wondered, "What about the rest?"
"No, that group is not just the people in front of me. I believe what I said will spread through the cameras to all fans. I don't mean only those right in front of me. The footage will communicate to everyone."
"It's not just focusing on that group. It's all of you who still love and support me and are ready to understand me. As you know, I always want everyone to be happy and experience only good things."
Is this a very new experience for you, Tri?
"Yes, very new (smiles)."
How do you feel after having spoken?
"I feel very relieved, really relieved. I intended to speak to them sincerely in person, and after doing so, I feel relieved, like I was able to communicate and clarify things with everyone."
Has this felt like a decade of learning for you?
"I feel I've grown up, understood more, become more mindful, and more mature. Also, my work has increased."
You seem challenged every time. How do you feel now?
"Now, I feel I've gone beyond just being an actor. I feel like someone always in the spotlight. As I often say, being in the spotlight means you must behave well and be a good role model. When incidents like this happen, I'm the one who suffers most because I feel I didn't do my best. I'm not angry at anyone; I feel I should have been more mindful and done better to prevent this."
After this, many expect you might retreat into introversion, disappear, go to the sea or mountains?
"Go to the sea? No comment (laughs). I think everyone likes going to the sea because it took a lot to get me out."
Can you promise your acting won't disappear?
"Oh no. As I always say, if there is an opportunity, I will not abandon it, no matter how difficult. I will give my best. I won't disappear. Also, I still have ways to talk with fans who want to reach me."
Now that your fanbase has grown, how do you manage?
"I've been like this since day one."
Yes, but now there are more fans?
"Just more, that's all. And we benefit more. When we receive more, it's give and take. When we receive, we give more."
If this happened 10 years ago, how would you have handled it?
"Wow, 10 years ago I was just 21. I can't imagine. I'd probably be very upset and shocked at 21."
What lesson did this teach you?
"I must be more mindful, understand and empathize with many sides—especially myself. I must be stronger, more mature, and ready to understand everyone better."
Have you applied this lesson to other work?
"I think I don't need to adjust anymore. As I always say, once we've learned and made a mistake, we won't repeat it. So I won't dare make the same mistake again."
Did you discuss this behind the scenes?
"Yes, I talked about it before coming out to talk to everyone. I still communicate with fans, not disappeared at all. I talk a lot in many groups."
Will you reopen your X account as before?
"I'll reopen it. There's a 30-day limit. If I don't reopen, the account will disappear. I'll reopen soon. This isn't the first time I've closed it."
Experienced people might wonder why you open and close repeatedly?
"I think it depends on moods, like in the past—just mood swings."
Do you think you're still a bit eccentric?
"I think we should distinguish. Being eccentric means being eccentric alone at home. But when outside, you can't be eccentric. Your duty is to bring happiness to everyone. I always say that everyone's happiness is important."
Are you happy now?
"I'm very happy now. I tell all my fans they worry about me. I tell them I'm okay. If I'm okay, everyone should be okay. Don't be sad. I'm okay, so everyone should be okay."
Many worry about your mental state, as even if you look okay physically, you've been criticized a lot?
"There are times, of course. Everyone experiences criticism or harsh words. We all have feelings, but it's about how we react and take care of our mental health."
People worry because you're sensitive, especially over the past 2-3 days. Did you shed any tears?
"No, not crying, but a little. I didn't tell anyone. I didn't know whom to tell. I believe I can handle this problem in one day and restore everything—meaning the problem inside."
You're naturally sensitive to others' feelings, right?
"Yes, but we have to move on quickly. Otherwise, we'd be alone; no one stays with us because no one truly understands our feelings but ourselves. I don't believe anyone else can understand unless they experience it themselves."
Does it take time or methods to get through this?
"I try to see it positively. If anyone criticizes or blames me and it makes them happy, then that's fine. If it brings happiness, I accept it. There's no point in arguing. If they are happy with their opinions or criticisms and I make them happy, I let them be. But my happiness comes from the good support of my fans."
So their happiness might be your suffering?
"If their suffering is happiness, I'll handle it. I'll take it on and sort it out myself."
You will surely succeed from now on, right?
"Let's hope so, thank you."
They say every superstar must face this as a rite of passage?
"I've never faced anything like this before. It's tough."
Many see a new side of Tri because you kissed fans and even a cat. What brought this change? Usually, you don't do such things?
"It's a mindset. When we choose to be in front of everyone, small things that make fans happy, I'm happy to do them."
Are you shy about these kisses? Like before?
"Yes, I was shy before, but if I do it often, I might not be so shy anymore."
How did it feel the first time you did it?
"I was very shy, especially the first time under the Grammy building. But now, as I always say, if I'm happy, I'll do everything because in the end, what remains in life are good memories."
Even if it's strange?
"It's not strange."
You mean it was requested?
"Yes, for example, recently there was a kiss with Stitch (a character)."
Finally, do you want to say anything to fans who have increased their love for you?
"I want to apologize once more to everyone affected, to those I failed to care for, to everyone involved in this incident. I sincerely apologize.
To those who support me, thank you very much. Your encouragement drives me in my work. I believe the most important thing is love, encouragement, and caring for each other. Positive energy drives us forward. I have nothing more to say except thank you for the support and apologies for the incident. Thank you."
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