Kanaphan Puitrakul

Kanaphan Puitrakul, known to fans as First, is a Thai actor, singer, and television host born on September 3, 1998, in Bangkok. He works under GMMTV, one of Thailand's biggest entertainment companies, and has become one of the most recognizable faces in the country's Boys' Love drama scene. His breakthrough role as Yok in Not Me (2021) won him a devoted following, and he has since headlined The Eclipse (2022), Only Friends (2023), and The Heart Killers (2024–2025), showing a range that stretches from supernatural angst to romantic thriller.

First is also the male half of the wildly popular FirstKhao acting pair with Khaotung Thanawat Ratanakitpaisan. Together they've become a fan favorite across Southeast Asia and beyond. Off screen, he hosts the GMM25 variety show School Rangers and releases original soundtrack music that pulls in over 151,000 monthly Spotify listeners. His easygoing charisma and emotional depth keep audiences coming back for more. [edit]

First grew up in Bangkok with an older and a younger brother. His parents gave him the nickname "First" hoping he would achieve many things first in life. He attended Suankularb Wittayalai School, one of the city's most prestigious high schools, before enrolling at Srinakharinwirot University, where he graduated with second-class honours in Cyber Business Management in 2021.

His first taste of acting came in 2016 when he was cast from a pool of 100 teenagers to lead The Assassin, a short film made for Children's Day. The next year he placed fourth in the "Cool Man Good Man" competition, which led to a photoshoot in KAZZ Magazine. That exposure helped him land a viral yaoi advertisement for KA Cosmetics alongside Poompat Iam-samang, and the buzz from that ad brought him to GMMTV's attention. He signed with the company in 2018, and his first official series role was as Ryu in Wake Up Ladies: The Series. [edit]

First's career took off in 2021 when he played Yok in Not Me, a politically charged drama that resonated with audiences and critics alike. He followed that with the supernatural hit The Eclipse in 2022, where he starred opposite Khaotung Thanawat Ratanakitpaisan, solidifying the FirstKhao pairing. In 2023 he took on darker, more mature roles in Moonlight Chicken and Only Friends, the latter earning widespread praise for its messy, realistic portrayal of relationships.

In 2024 he headlined The Heart Killers, a thriller that pushed him into more intense territory, and in 2025 he appeared in My Magic Prophecy and a guest role in Ossan's Love Thailand. Beyond acting, First has released several OSTs, including the solo track "My Fuel" in 2025, and has been the main host of School Rangers since 2022. He also runs his own clothing brand, Momento. [edit]

First is known for his warm on-screen presence and his ability to portray emotionally complex characters. His content spans romantic dramas, supernatural stories, and thrillers, showcasing his versatility. As the male half of the FirstKhao acting pair, he has a devoted fanbase across Southeast Asia and internationally. His social media voice is easygoing and charismatic, and fans appreciate his genuine connection with Khaotung, whom he calls his real-life best friend. [edit]

Kanaphan Puitrakul stands as the 29th most famous person in Thai Drama, a position he has held steady since the previous cycle according to the iFANN Global Fame Rankings. This placement reflects his sustained dominance across the genre's most watched productions. His influence extends beyond mere viewership numbers, capturing global attention through media coverage, search trends, and consumption patterns worldwide. While many actors rise and fall with their latest series, First maintains a consistent presence that anchors him firmly within the industry's upper echelon.

Despite his massive visibility, the community surrounding Kanaphan does not operate under a single formal name. Research into organized fan structures reveals no official designation, unlike some peers who have adopted specific monikers for their collective identity. Instead, his audience remains a fluid coalition of supporters across Southeast Asia and international markets, united by appreciation for his work rather than a shared label. He commands significant digital followings on Instagram and TikTok, yet these metrics represent individual engagement rather than a structured movement. There are no documented rituals, charity drives, or viral campaigns unique to his fanbase in current records. The connection between First and his followers appears rooted in genuine appreciation for his performances and his public persona, without the elaborate infrastructure often seen in other entertainment sectors.[edit]

Known affectionately as Yige and Yizai to Chinese-speaking fans, Kanaphan carries a deep love for philosophy, often reading before sleep while living by the personal motto "Believe in what you are." He is the middle child with an older brother and a younger one, having been chosen from a pool of 100 teenagers to secure his first acting role. Standing at 185 cm with blood type O, his career trajectory shifted significantly after a viral advertisement for KA Cosmetics alongside Up Poompat, which served as a crucial stepping stone. His professional journey includes starring in major titles such as Not Me, The Eclipse, Only Friends, and The Heart Killers, establishing him as a versatile lead in romantic thrillers and supernatural dramas.

Fans frequently recall the moment during the promotion of Not Me when First and Khaotung spontaneously performed a duet that went viral within hours, creating a lasting memory of their chemistry. Another enduring story involves a live event where he paused mid-interview to help a young fan pick up dropped merchandise, an act of kindness that was widely shared and discussed. These moments, while simple, have become part of the lore surrounding his career, highlighting his approachable nature amidst high-profile projects.[edit]

First was born and raised in Bangkok, Thailand, with an older and a younger brother. His parents nicknamed him "First" as an aspirational gesture, hoping he would achieve many things first in life. He has kept his family life relatively private, but has mentioned his brothers in interviews. As of 2026, he is not publicly known to have a spouse or children. [edit]

First is best known for his professional partnership with Khaotung Thanawat Ratanakitpaisan, his FirstKhao co-star and real-life best friend. He also collaborated with Poompat Iam-samang on viral KA Cosmetics ads, and has worked with Davika Hoorne in Astrophile. He is signed to GMMTV. [edit]

Kanaphan Puitrakul has not publicly confirmed any romantic relationships. His most significant partnership is with Khaotung Thanawat Ratanakitpaisan, his FirstKhao co-star, whom he describes as his real-life best friend. As of 2026, First is reportedly single, focusing on his career and his clothing brand. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Kanaphan Puitrakul's net worth at $500 Thousand as of 2026. This financial standing is built upon diverse revenue streams including acting salaries from GMMTV productions, music royalties generated by his OST catalog, hosting fees for School Rangers, and earnings from his clothing brand Momento. While exact figures remain private, his rising popularity and consistent project pipeline suggest his wealth continues to grow steadily.[edit]