1. Early Life and Background
Apasiri Nitibhon's early life laid the foundation for her distinguished career in entertainment, marked by her education and initial training in traditional Thai dance.
1.1. Childhood and Education
Apasiri Nitibhon was born on September 14, 1971, in Thailand. She pursued her higher education at Bangkok University, where she studied at the Faculty of Humanities. In her youth, Nitibhon received training as a likay dancer, a traditional Thai folk theater art form. This early artistic foundation proved valuable later in her acting career; for her role as a beauty queen performing a likay dance in the 2006 film The Victim, she undertook a refresher course in Thai classical dance to accurately portray the character.
1.2. Family Relationships
Apasiri Nitibhon comes from a family with strong ties to the Thai entertainment industry. She is the younger sister of Amarin Nitibhon (อัมรินทร์ นิติพนThai), who is also a well-known Thai singer and actor. Her niece, Achiraya Nitibhon (อชิรญา นิติพนThai), has followed in their footsteps and is also active as a singer and actress, further highlighting the family's pervasive influence in Thai show business.
2. Career
Apasiri Nitibhon's career began with significant success in modeling, transitioning later into a prolific acting career that has spanned films, television series, and music videos.
2.1. Modeling Career
Apasiri Nitibhon commenced her career in the entertainment industry as a model at the age of 18, around 1989. Her entry into the modeling world followed her participation in the "Trend Setter" contest, which aimed to discover new models. After this, she gained early exposure through a photoshoot for Image magazine. She quickly rose to prominence and became a well-known figure in the Thai modeling scene throughout the 1990s, distinguished by her unique facial features and her impressive height of 68 in (173 cm). She has continued her modeling activities up to the present day.
2.2. Acting Career
Apasiri Nitibhon began her acting career at the age of 25, around 1996. Her debut film role was in Sunset at Chaophraya (1995), which brought her initial recognition. Following this, she took on roles periodically before fully committing to acting. Her first leading role in a television drama was in Mue Puen (มือปืนThai) in 1999, where she starred opposite Chatchai Plengpanich (ฉัตรชัย เปล่งพานิชThai) on Channel 3. Throughout her acting career, she has consistently delivered performances in various dramas, including Kuan Kammathep (2009), Ruk Sutrit (2013), Sam Bai Mai Thao (2014), Tawan Yor Saeng (2017), and Mia Luang (2017). Her portrayal of Nipha in the 2018 series In Family We Trust (เลือดข้นคนจางThai) received particular praise from The Standard, which noted her "less is more" approach and her ability to support and elevate the performance of Paris Intarakomalyasut (พาริส อินทรโกมาลย์สุตThai), helping him become a new and noteworthy star. In 2019, Nitibhon starred in the film Happy Old Year (ฮาวทูทิ้ง ทิ้งอย่างไรไม่ให้เหลือเธอThai), a role that earned her the Best Supporting Actress award at the 16th Kom Chad Luek Awards.
2.2.1. Filmography
Apasiri Nitibhon has an extensive filmography across various media.
2.2.2. Other Works
Beyond her regular film and television series roles, Apasiri Nitibhon has also participated in special format productions. She appeared in the royal tribute drama Muean Mae Khae Khrueang Nueng Ko Phueng Chai (เหมือนแม่แค่ครึ่งหนึ่งก็พึงใจThai) in 1999, portraying Phimdee Sanitphim. In 2014, she was part of Saeng Dao Thi Rue So (แสงดาวที่รือเสาะThai), playing Pa Yum Nuanchan. Additionally, she has featured in single-episode dramas, including Banthuek Kam (บันทึกกรรมThai) in 2012 in the episode "Inheritance", Miti Rak Phan Len (มิติรัก ผ่านเลนส์Thai) in 2016 in the episode "Roi Thao Khong Pulom", and Raeng Yok Ban (แรงยกบ้านThai) in 2019. She also took on the role of the protagonist's mother in the 2011 weekend movie Khun Pho Krabong Ban (คุณพ่อกระโปรงบานThai).
3. Personal Life
Apasiri Nitibhon is married to Banjong Jantharasamee (บรรจง จันทรัศมีThai). Their marriage began in 2009. Banjong Jantharasamee is known as a half-Thai, half-German car businessman. Following her marriage, Apasiri also uses her married surname, Apasiri Jantharasamee (อาภาศิริ จันทรัศมีThai).
4. Awards and Nominations
Apasiri Nitibhon has been recognized for her acting talents with several awards and nominations throughout her career.
In 2020, she received the Best Supporting Actress award at the 16th Kom Chad Luek Awards for her performance in the film Happy Old Year. Additionally, for the same role, she was honored with the Runner-up Best Supporting Actress award at the 10th Film Director's Association Award in Thailand.
She has also garnered nominations for her television work. In 2016, she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the 7th Nataraj Awards for her role in Club Friday The Series 6: Pid Tee... Ruk Kon Lok Luang. She received another nomination in the same category at the 10th Nataraj Awards in 2019 for her work in In Family We Trust. Furthermore, Apasiri Nitibhon was recognized with the "Goodwill Ambassador Sri Wisakha Bucha" (ทูตความดีศรีวิสาขบูชาThai) honorary award in the Artist, Actor category, an accolade presented by the Social Creative Council.
5. Public Image and Reception
Apasiri Nitibhon is highly regarded in the Thai entertainment industry for her distinctive appearance and professionalism. She achieved widespread recognition in the 1990s as a model due to her unique facial features and tall stature, qualities that set her apart in the industry. As an actress, she has consistently been praised for her strong performances and ability to embody diverse characters. Her portrayal of Nipha in In Family We Trust was particularly noted by The Standard for its subtlety and impact, showcasing her talent in supporting roles. Her continued presence in both modeling and acting, along with the numerous awards and nominations, underscores her enduring status as a respected and influential figure in Thai media.