Sinjai Plengpanich

2.1. Childhood and Education

Sinjai Hongtai was born on Thursday, January 21, 1965, in Bangkok, Thailand, where she also grew up. Her parents are Sawat and Sujin. She is the second of four children, with one older half-sister and two younger brothers. She completed her middle school education at Sri Ayutthaya School.

2.2. Debut and Early Career

Sinjai entered the entertainment industry in 1980. Her first public recognition came when she won the title of Miss Songkran on Channel 5. In the same year, she participated in the Miss Young International pageant in the Philippines, where she advanced to the top 15. With a height of 67 in ^{(170 cm)}, she also worked as a model for Thai Daimaru department store.

Her professional career officially began in 1981, primarily through modeling for various magazines. In 1982, at the age of 16, she made her film debut in Sai Sawat Yang Mai Sin, directed by Jazz Siam, starring alongside Chatchai Plengpanich and Pisarn. She then appeared in Katanyu Prakasit (1983) with Chow Yun-fat. Sinjai gained significant recognition for her role in Plerng Pitsawat (1984), for which she received the Best Supporting Actress award at the Royal Suphannahong Awards. In the same year, she also won Best Actress for her performance in Nuanchawee (1985), directed by Banjong and co-starring Apichat Halamjiak, a film that was well-received. Her first television drama was Ranad Ek in 1985, broadcast on Channel 7. In 1989, she published a collection of free verse poetry titled Kwam Ngam Saen Ngao under the pen name "Prang Sai." By 1990, she had ventured into the music industry, releasing her album Tor Fan with GMM Grammy.

3.1. Filmography

Sinjai Plengpanich has starred in numerous films, often taking on significant roles. Her film career began in 1982 and includes a diverse range of genres and character portrayals.

3.2. Television Dramas

Sinjai Plengpanich has had a prolific career in Thai television dramas, known for her compelling portrayals and ability to tackle challenging roles.

One of Sinjai's most challenging and impactful roles was Mathusorn in the 1994 drama Lah (ล่า_La^Thai; meaning "Hunt" or "Revenge"), broadcast on Channel 5. In this role, she portrayed a mother who, along with her daughter, suffers severe physical and psychological abuse, including being raped by seven criminals. When the legal system fails to deliver justice, Mathusorn takes matters into her own hands, becoming a vigilante who systematically murders the seven perpetrators. The drama was considered groundbreaking and intensely dark for its time, with its themes of stress and despair. Sinjai immersed herself so deeply in the character that she found it difficult to detach, reportedly seeking guidance from a nun to break free from the role's emotional toll. Her powerful performance earned her the Best Actress award at the Golden Television Awards that year, a moment met with a standing ovation from the audience and fellow nominees.

3.3. Theatre and Musical Productions

Sinjai has also graced the stage in numerous theatrical plays and musicals, showcasing her versatility as a live performer.

• Empress Dowager Cixi
• Philosophy of Life (1988-1990)
• Hamlet (May 4-10, 1995) at Thailand Cultural Centre
• Wiman Mueang (1997)
• Banlangmek: The Musical (2001-2002, 2007) as Panrung
• Nuea Koo 11 Chak Chak Wan Raek Thueng Wan La (2009-2010) as Aim
• Four Reigns: The Musical (2011, 2014, 2017, 2019) as Mae Ploi
• Lot Lai Mangkorn The Musical (2016) as Meiling
• 10 Years Muangthai Rachadalai The Musical Celebration (2017)
• Muangthai Rachadalai The Musical Show: Ladies of the Stage (2018) as Panrung
• Lakorn Watee Nai Suan Fan (May 26, 2019) as Khun Yai Thapthim
• The Life That Was (2024) as Phet

3.4. Voice Acting

Sinjai has lent her voice to animated films and other projects, demonstrating her range as a voice actress.

• Pocahontas (1995) as Pocahontas (Thai dubbing)
• Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World as Pocahontas (Thai dubbing)
• Atlantis: The Lost Empire as Helga (Thai dubbing)
• The Story of MAHAJANAKA as Phra Thewi
• Ralph Breaks the Internet as Pocahontas (Thai dubbing)
• 2475 Rung Arun Haeng Kan Patiwat (2018) as Queen Rambhai Barni (voice)

4.1. Music Career

Sinjai ventured into the music industry with the release of her album Tor Fan in 1990 under GMM Grammy. She has also contributed to various soundtracks and performed in concerts.

• Songs of Royal Tribute:
  • "Phleng Nai Luang Khong Phaendin" (The King of the Land)
  • "Sansoen Phra Barami" (Royal Anthem) (Version by Ruam Roi Jai Thai Foundation)
  • "Chak Luk Khong Phaendin" (From the Children of the Land)
• Soundtrack for Chang Mun Chun Mai Care:
  • "Sut Khop Sai Rung" (End of the Rainbow)
• Soundtrack for Chan Rak Phua Khao (1987):
  • "Chan Rak Phua Khao" (I Love Her Husband)
  • "Khuen Sut Thai" (Last Night)
  • "Khong Mi Sak Wan" (Perhaps One Day)
  • "Rin Chai Hai Thoe" (Pour My Heart to You)
• Album Tor Fan (1990):
  • "Ham Chai... Yang Ngai" (How to Control My Heart)
  • "Kot Mhon" (Hug the Pillow)
  • "Tor Fan" (Weave a Dream)
  • "Fa Ko Suan Fa" (Sky Is Sky)
  • "Phleng Nam Ta" (Song of Tears)
  • "Nok Pa" (Wild Bird)
  • "Kae Rak Ko Pho" (Just Love Is Enough)
  • "Khue Khwam Ching" (Is the Truth)
  • "Kamphaeng... Pratu... Hua Chai" (Wall... Door... Heart)
  • "Fon Nai Duang Ta" (Rain in the Eyes)
  • "Bot Song Thai" (Epilogue)
• Album Wiman Mueang (Musical Soundtrack):
  • "Khwam Song Cham Muea Wan Wan" (Memories of Yesterday)
• Album Banlangmek Original:
  • "Thoe Khon Doem" (The Same Person) (Duet with Panudej Wattanasuchart)
  • "Won Fa" (Begging the Sky)
  • "Diao Dai" (Loneliness)
  • "Dek Dee" (Good Child)
• Album The Musicals Selected:
  • "Diao Dai" (from Banlangmek: The Musical)
• Soundtrack for Khun Yay Sai Diew (2007):
  • "Plian Kan" (Exchange) (Duet with Rasri Balenciaga)
• Album Siang Phleng Saeng Tham:
  • "Duay Rak Chak Chai Mae" (With Love from a Mother's Heart) (Duet with Maleewan Jemina and Yanee Jongwisut)
• Album Musical on TV Kham Wela Ha Rak Vol. 1:
  • "Khwak Hua Chai" (Extract the Heart) (Duet with Sukrit Wisetkaew)
  • "Hua Chai Kho Ma" (My Heart Asks) (Duet with Sukrit Wisetkaew)
• Album Musical on TV Kham Wela Ha Rak Vol. 2:
  • "Medley Nam Tok" (Waterfall Medley) (Duet with Sukrit Wisetkaew)
  • "Ying Klai Ying Chep" (The Closer, the More Painful) (Duet with Sukrit Wisetkaew)

  Sinjai has also appeared in music videos:

  • "Ik Nan" (Alone But Not Lonely) by GENE KASIDIT (2015)
  • "Kid Tueng" (Missing) by Palmy

  She has been a guest performer in numerous concerts:

  • Guest at Carabao's "Pit Thong Lang Phra" Concert (May 25, 1996)
  • Concert on the Blue Moon Day
  • Guest at Exact 10th Anniversary Concert
  • Light, Sound, and Multimedia Performance "Wattanatham Thong Haeng Krung Rattanakosin 72 Phansa Chaloem La Chom Rachan"
  • Guest at Bie Love Attack Concert by Sukrit Wisetkaew
  • Guest at What Women Worth Concert
  • Guest at BOY STORY CONCERT
  • Guest at Bird Assasanook Concert
  • Guest at Love Mai Klua Klua Mai Love by Sukrit Wisetkaew
  • Guest at Charin In Concert No. 13 "Lok Nee Khue Lakhon" by Charin Nuntanakorn
  • Guest at Green Concert #18 The Lost Love Songs
  • Guest at 93 Years Chalee Inthrawichit: Film Songs for the Land Concert
  • "Phleng Rak Phleng Lakorn" Concert at Muangthai Rachadalai Theatre (February 26-28, 2016)
  • "40 Years Nok Sinjai The Celebration Show" Concert

4.2. Hosting and Television Presenting

Sinjai has taken on roles as a television host and presenter for various programs, showcasing her versatility beyond acting.

• Night Show on Channel 9
• Kru Som Bat on Channel 3 (1994-1996)
• Lok Bai Lek on Channel 3
• Ching Roi Ching Lan Sunshine Day on Channel 3 (Guest host with Panya Nirankul) (2013)
• The Diary on TITV
• @Women
• Sathani Khrop Khrua on Channel 7
• Tor Fa Pha Thai on Channel 9 (2012-2013)

4.3. Producer

Sinjai Plengpanich has also worked behind the scenes as a producer for several television dramas, demonstrating her influence in the industry.

6.1. Film Awards

She has been recognized with prestigious national awards for her film performances.

6.2. Television Awards

Her work in television dramas has also garnered significant recognition.

6.3. Theatre and Other Awards

Sinjai has also received special recognitions for her overall contributions to the arts.

• Nine Entertain Awards (1st) || Actress of the Year || For her overall work, including The Love of Siam || Won

7.1. Marriage and Family

Sinjai is married to fellow actor Chatchai Plengpanich. They share the same nickname, Nok (นก_Nok^Thai; meaning "bird"). The couple tied the knot on April 2, 1988. They have three children: two sons named Gun and Bom (also known as Sittichok and Peeradon, respectively), and a daughter named Dom (also known as Thitchakorn).

8.1. Critical Reception and Influence

Critically, Sinjai Plengpanich is lauded for her exceptional acting prowess and her ability to bring depth and nuance to a wide array of characters. Her performance in the 1994 drama Lah is frequently cited as a career highlight, demonstrating her commitment to challenging roles that tackle social issues. Her portrayal of Mathusorn, a victim turned vigilante, was not only critically acclaimed but also deeply affected her personally, highlighting her immersive acting style. This role, in particular, showcased her capacity to convey intense emotional complexity and social commentary, setting a high standard for dramatic performances in Thai television.

Her role as Sunee, Tong's mother, in the 2007 critically acclaimed film The Love of Siam, further solidified her reputation. This performance earned her multiple Best Actress awards from various film critics' associations, underscoring her ability to deliver powerful performances even in supporting roles. She is widely regarded as one of Thailand's most celebrated and influential entertainment figures, inspiring subsequent generations of actors with her dedication and talent.

8.2. Public Perception

Sinjai Plengpanich holds a revered position within Thai society and the entertainment industry. She is widely perceived as a highly respected and talented actress, known for her professionalism and the quality of her work. Her enduring career, marked by consistent strong performances and a willingness to take on diverse and often socially relevant roles, has earned her deep admiration from the public. Her personal life, particularly her long-standing marriage to Chatchai Plengpanich, also contributes to her positive public image as a stable and respected figure in the often tumultuous world of entertainment.