< Previous484950515253 Photographer: KRITTEE PONGSEREE Asst.Photographer: NARENRIT YINGYONGKIJ, BANDIT SANGPARN, NATTANAN SITTHIRANGSINAN Stylist: UNSEENUP Asst Stylist: JANYAPHON PALA, JIRAPAN BUDDAWONG Make up : TASANAPONG SAWATDIPONG Hair Stylist: RATCHADA PUANGPUANG-NGAM Cloths: FENDI, PUCCI, ZEGNA, DOLCE & GABBANA Location: COURTYARD BANGKOK SUKHUMVIT 20 Address: 10, 10/3 Sukhumvit 20 Alley, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110 T: 02 127 590054TRAVELLING SLOW When it comes to travel it’s not about how many destinations Barry visits, but where he can spend meaningful time and truly learn about the place. “I have a globe marked with the places I’ve been to but have never counted them. I tend to revisit places more than go to new ones. I’d estimate I’ve been to around ten countries so far. I’m impressed by every place I visit; each one has its unique story and vibe. After just 2-3 days in a place, I start absorbing the local culture – the food, the way local people live. Every city has its energy and I try to match that, to vibe with the locals wherever I go.” Dressed in a smart navy suit, Barry leaned back casually on the sofa and flashed the smile we’ve come to adore. When asked about his favourite destination, he had to think for a moment. “It’s tough to choose! If I had to pick one, I’d say Capri, Italy. I love it there. There’s not much to do except walk, swim, relax on the beach, eat pasta and gain weight, which I need to lose when I get back (laughs)!” Although laidback destinations appeal to him, his bucket list remains long. “There are so many places to visit! I’m also drawn to adventurous destinations like South Africa, the Faroe Islands, Tibet. If there’s trekking involved, I’m in. I don’t spend much time in cities – shopping is fun, but one day is enough. I prefer exploring the countryside, places that are less touristy. I like to rent a car, drive a scenic route and stop along the way to take in the beauty.” 55 Text by Jeerawan Duangnam Herriot SHINING BEYOND THE HORIZON LIKE COUNTLESS GRAINS OF SAND REFLECTING SUNLIGHT AND MANIFESTING A GOLDEN DESERT, THE WORDS “INFINITE POSSIBILITIES” PERFECTLY DESCRIBES NADECH (BARRY) KUGIMIYA’S GLITTERING CAREER. LIFESTYLE+TRAVEL MAGAZINE SAT DOWN WITH HIM TO EXPLORE HIS JOURNEY, FROM HIS EVERYDAY LIFE TO ESCAPES TO DREAM DESTINATIONS WITH LOVED ONES, AND HIS PERSPECTIVE ON THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY IN WHICH HE CONTINUES TO SHINE. THE SPOTLIGHT NADECH KUGIMIYATRAVELLING OUT OF THE BOX For Barry, travel isn’t just about escape – it also shapes and inspires him both mentally and emotionally through new experiences in new places. “For me, it’s about stepping outside my usual context. It’s not that what we have here isn’t good, but travel offers physical and mental relaxation. When the environment changes so do your feelings; even the weather influences your mood – rain makes you sleepy, and cold weather makes you want to stay in bed. Travelling is like a reset, both mentally and emotionally. New experiences and sights refresh you and sometimes, when you’re stuck on something, a trip will clear your mind. Some people can take their work with them when they travel. When you live in a city with pollution, traffic and a dull routine, travelling feels like a breath of fresh air.” He added, “There’s a Barry behind Nadech, a part of me that’s separate to being an actor. When I travel with friends I am a kid again, doing silly things like jumping off bridges or throwing snowballs. Once, my girlfriend and I went trekking abroad for our first time and we got so excited, we climbed up rocks without realising how dangerous it could be – there could’ve been cliffs below! It was probably the most reckless thing I’ve done (laughs).” LOVE In June 2023 big news broke when Urassaya (Yaya) Sperbund, the renowned Thai actress, posted a photo announcing her “yes” to Barry’s proposal. Their honeymoon plans are highly speculated on by the public, though Barry is keeping the details under wraps. “Yes we have a plan (pauses and pretends to think), but I’m not telling you them yet (laughs)!” He gave the hint of a smile to my question about their honeymoon destination and just said: “It’s a cold place and rains almost all year round.” When asked where he’d prefer to be stranded with his loved one, he replied: “I love the sea, so I’d pick somewhere by the coast. Saint-Malo, on the Normandy coast. The beach isn’t the prettiest, but the seafood – oh my gosh, it’s amazing! I almost want to fly back now just to eat at this one restaurant again (laughs). I’m allergic to shrimp, so I eat crabs and shellfish instead – they’re so delicious, fresh from the sea.” A DAY IN HIS LIFE Despite being one of Thailand’s most famous actors, Barry remains a grounded person. His daily routine, apart from his busy work schedule, is simple and focused on health and relaxation. “I mostly exercise because for me, exercising is a form of relaxation. I like going to the gym, running, and lately I’ve been into ice baths. I alternate between the sauna and cold dips a couple of times.” “For example, today I woke up around 5.30 am, was in the gym by 7 and finished by 7:45 am. Then I did yoga for about an hour before coming for this shoot. Later today, if I’m not on the treadmill or watching a series I’ll go to the sauna, take an ice bath, or work out a different part of my body. Sometimes I read, but only for about 10 minutes. I’ll then put the book down, take a walk and then come back to it.” Earlier this year, photos of Barry in various places around Bangkok from roadside spots to BTS stations went viral with fans earnestly discussing why “Nadech is everywhere”. He laughed. “That could be it. I have a gym at my condo but sometimes I go to different classes outside, like yoga. And when I go out without my manager I use public transport like the BTS, motorcycle taxis or apps.” 56 THE SPOTLIGHT NADECH KUGIMIYATravelling is like a reset, both mentally and emotionally. New experiences and sights refresh you and sometimes, when you’re stuck on something, a trip will clear your mind. " " 57Next >