Jirayu La-ongmanee

Jirayu La-ongmanee, better known as Kao, is a Thai actor, singer, and model. Born on October 29, 1995, he has built a career that spans film, television, and music. He is currently the lead vocalist of the rock band Retrospect, while also maintaining a steady presence on screen with roles in films like Chiang Khan Story and series such as One Year.

Kao's appeal lies in his versatility. Whether he's playing a romantic lead in a drama or performing on stage with his band, he brings a grounded intensity that resonates with fans. His social media following, particularly on TikTok where he has over 630,000 followers, shows a strong connection with a younger audience. [edit]

Kao was born in Rayong, a coastal province in eastern Thailand, but his family relocated to Bangkok when he was just three months old. Growing up in the capital, he developed an early interest in performance. He started modeling as a teenager, which led to opportunities in commercials and eventually acting.

His first credited role came in 2009 with the horror anthology Phobia 2, a popular film series in Thailand. That early exposure helped him land more substantial parts. He studied acting and directing, which gave him a deeper understanding of the craft beyond just being in front of the camera. By his late teens, he had already appeared in several projects, building a foundation for a steady career. [edit]

Kao's breakthrough came in the early 2010s with a string of successful films. In 2013, he appeared in Last Summer, a teen drama that showcased his range. The following year, Chiang Khan Story became a box office hit and solidified his status as a leading man in Thai cinema.

He continued to diversify, taking on roles in ensemble projects like Seven Something and the music-themed Suckseed. On television, he starred in the 2019 series One Year and the 2022 drama Khem Sorn Plai. In 2024, he appeared in The Lady and Her Lovers.

Parallel to his acting work, Kao pursued music seriously. He joined the rock band Retrospect as lead singer, bringing his stage presence to live performances. This dual career has kept him busy and relevant in Thailand's entertainment industry. [edit]

Kao is seen as a multi-talented artist who doesn't fit neatly into one box. His work with Retrospect gives him an edge of rock credibility, while his acting roles often cast him as the sensitive, approachable type. This combination appeals to a broad fanbase.

On social media, he comes across as genuine and occasionally playful, sharing behind-the-scenes moments from filming and music sessions. Fans appreciate his dedication to his craft and his willingness to experiment across genres. His style, both on and off screen, tends toward casual cool, with a preference for simple, comfortable clothing that still looks polished. [edit]

Jirayu La-ongmanee commands a dedicated following in Thailand, though his audience operates without a formalized name or official designation. While he maintains a significant digital footprint with hundreds of thousands of followers on platforms like TikTok and an active presence on Facebook, the collective group of supporters has not adopted a specific moniker for their community, nor have there been documented instances of organized fan campaigns, charity drives, or viral rituals that define a distinct subculture around his career. His reputation rests primarily on the consistent delivery of work across acting and music rather than on legendary crowd disruptions or iconic moments where streets were shut down.

Despite the absence of a named fandom, his professional standing remains formidable within the regional entertainment landscape. Current assessments place him as the 62nd most famous person in Thai Drama, a position he holds steady from the previous cycle according to the iFANN Global Fame Rankings. This placement reflects a sustained trajectory of visibility that tracks global attention across media coverage, search activity, and consumption signals worldwide. The data indicates that his dual role as a lead vocalist and screen actor has generated a profile that resonates deeply within the industry, securing his status among the most recognized figures in the sector without relying on fleeting trends.[edit]

Kao, a common Thai diminutive used by family and friends since childhood, serves as his primary nickname throughout his career. Before establishing himself with Retrospect, he demonstrated musical versatility by playing guitar for a group known as Bad Baboon. His digital influence is substantial, with TikTok videos accumulating over 2.4 million likes despite a social media following of more than 630,000 users. Although he achieved early recognition through a widely popular commercial broadcast in Thailand, he maintains a notably private personal life, rarely discussing family details in interviews. He has successfully navigated various genres, appearing in films such as Chiang Khan Story and One Year while simultaneously fronting his rock band. No verified legends or extraordinary crowd incidents surround his public appearances; instead, his career is defined by a steady stream of roles and performances that have built a loyal, albeit unnamed, audience base over time.[edit]

Details about Kao's parents and siblings are scarce, as he tends to keep his family out of the spotlight. What is known is that his family moved from Rayong to Bangkok when he was an infant, a move that shaped his upbringing in the capital. He has not publicly shared information about his parents' occupations or whether he has brothers or sisters.

As of 2026, Kao is in a relationship with singer-songwriter Violette Wautier, though they have kept their personal life relatively low-key. [edit]

Kao has kept his romantic life mostly private, but a few relationships have come to light. In 2025, he was linked to Violette Wautier, a Thai-Belgian singer and actress. The two were photographed together at events, and a February 2025 feature in Her World hinted at a romantic connection, though neither has explicitly confirmed the nature of their relationship.

As of 2026, Kao and Violette appear to be dating, with fans spotting them at concerts and casual outings. Prior to this, there were no widely reported long-term relationships, suggesting he has been careful to shield his personal life from the tabloids. [edit]

Kao's financial portfolio reflects a diversified career spanning multiple creative sectors. Acting serves as a foundational income source, with fees for film and television roles derived from Thailand's competitive market. His musical endeavors with Retrospect contribute additional revenue through live performances, album sales, and streaming royalties. Endorsements and modeling contracts have also played a significant role in his earnings history, leveraging his status as a recognizable face in the industry. While specific deal terms remain undisclosed, his partnerships with various brands have consistently added value to his overall wealth. Per iFANN's editorial analysis, his net worth stands at $5 million as of 2026, a figure that has grown steadily since his early days in commercials. This valuation places him comfortably among successful Thai actors of his generation.[edit]