Metinee Kingpayome

Metinee Kingpayome, widely known as Lukkade, is an American-born Thai actress, model, television host, and producer. She first captured international attention in 1992 when she won Miss Thailand World and went on to represent Thailand at Miss World 1992 and Miss World Asia & Oceania 1992. Since then, she has built a multifaceted career spanning over three decades, appearing in films, television dramas, and reality shows while also working behind the scenes as a producer and co-founder of the Muse by Metinee academy.

Today, Kingpayome remains a familiar face on Thai screens, balancing acting roles with hosting gigs and her work mentoring aspiring models and performers. Her platform, Muse by Metinee, focuses on personality empowerment and runway coaching for individuals of all ages and gender identities, reflecting her commitment to nurturing new talent. Fans know her for her elegant presence, sharp wit, and ability to reinvent herself across different entertainment formats. [edit]

Born in Washington, D.C., to Thai immigrant parents, Metinee Kingpayome spent her early years in the United States before her family moved to Thailand. Growing up in a Thai household in America gave her a bicultural perspective that would later help her navigate both international and local entertainment scenes. She has a brother, Mark Kingpayom, who would eventually become her business partner.

In her early twenties, Kingpayome decided to enter the world of beauty pageants, a move that would change her life. In 1992, she competed in and won the Miss Thailand World title, a competition that selects the country's representative for the Miss World pageant. That same year, she traveled to Sun City, South Africa, to compete in Miss World 1992, where she also earned the Miss World Asia & Oceania title. These achievements put her name on the map and opened doors into the entertainment industry.

Before her breakthrough, Kingpayome had dabbled in modeling, but it was the pageant wins that gave her national recognition and a springboard into acting and hosting. She began appearing in Thai television programs and commercials, gradually building a resume that would lead to more substantial roles. [edit]

After her pageant success, Kingpayome transitioned into acting, landing her first notable film role in 2002 with Province 77. She followed this with a part in the superhero action film Mercury Man in 2006, which gained her wider exposure. Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, she appeared in a variety of Thai dramas and comedies, including The Headless Family in 2010 and the popular television series The Face Thailand in 2014, where she served as a mentor. She also appeared in The Face Men Thailand in 2017 and continued to take on diverse roles, such as in The War of Flowers in 2022 and Thicha in 2024. Her most recent project, Rak Salap Lai, came out in 2025.

Beyond acting, Kingpayome has made a significant mark as a television host and producer. She co-founded Muse by Metinee, an academy dedicated to personality development and runway coaching, with her brother Mark. The academy has become a respected institution in Thailand, helping aspiring models and performers of all backgrounds refine their skills. Kingpayome also runs Muse Models & Talent, a modeling agency that has launched numerous careers. Her work in front of and behind the camera has made her a versatile and enduring figure in Thai entertainment. [edit]

Metinee Kingpayome, or Lukkade, is known for her elegant and sophisticated style, both on and off the red carpet. She carries herself with a poise that comes from years of pageant training and modeling, yet she also brings a down-to-earth warmth that endears her to fans. On social media, she mixes glamorous photoshoots with casual, relatable moments, giving followers a glimpse into her daily life.

In the Thai entertainment industry, she is respected as a seasoned professional who has successfully navigated multiple roles: actress, host, producer, and mentor. Her work with Muse by Metinee has positioned her as a champion of inclusivity, welcoming individuals of all ages and gender identities to pursue careers in modeling. Fans appreciate her authenticity and her willingness to share her knowledge with the next generation. [edit]

Metinee Kingpayome commands a steady presence in Thai entertainment, anchored by decades of work that bridges pageantry, acting, and business. Her influence is quantified by the 73rd most famous person in Thai Drama, a standing confirmed in August 2026 that holds steady from the previous cycle. This placement within the iFANN Global Fame Rankings reflects her enduring relevance across film, television, and digital platforms without relying on fleeting viral spikes. While she maintains a substantial following on Instagram where she shares professional modeling shots and behind-the-scenes glimpses, her audience operates as a traditional fanbase rather than an organized movement. Unlike modern idol groups with named chapters and streaming campaigns, Metinee's supporters engage through her mentorship at Muse by Metinee and her long-running screen appearances. There is no formalized name for her fan community, nor are there documented rituals or charity drives orchestrated by fans to boost her metrics. Her legacy rests on verified milestones like winning Miss Thailand World in 1992 and starring in acclaimed films such as Thicha and The Headless Family. These achievements have built a reputation for consistency and elegance that resonates across generations, even if they lack the chaotic energy of street-shutdowns or mass fainting often associated with viral legends. The data tracks global attention across media coverage, search trends, and consumption signals worldwide, placing her firmly among the industry's respected veterans who sustain careers over thirty years.[edit]

Metinee Kingpayome is known by several names, including Metinee Washington Kingpayome, Metinee Kingpayome Sharples, and simply Lukkade. The nickname Lukkade has stuck with her throughout her career and is how most fans refer to her. Despite being born and raised in the U.S., she is fluent in Thai and has spent most of her career working in Thailand. Her brother Mark Kingpayom is not only her sibling but also her business partner in the Muse ventures. Kingpayome has a strong social media presence, particularly on Instagram where she shares behind-the-scenes glimpses of her projects, modeling shots, and personal moments. Her account has a substantial following, reflecting her ongoing popularity. In addition to her entertainment work, she has been involved in charitable activities, though specific details are not widely publicized. A pivotal moment in her life occurred when she moved from the U.S. to Thailand after winning Miss Thailand World in 1992, booking a one-way ticket and living with an aunt before entering the international pageant circuit. She later became a judge on The Face Thailand in 2014 and appeared in the 2024 film Thicha, cementing her status as a versatile actress who transitions seamlessly between drama and reality competition judging.[edit]

Metinee Kingpayome was born to Thai immigrant parents in Washington, D.C. She has a brother named Mark Kingpayom, who co-founded Muse by Metinee with her. The siblings work closely together, with Mark handling the business side of the academy and agency.

Details about her parents and any other family members are scarce, but it is known that the family moved to Thailand when she was young. Kingpayome has kept her personal life relatively private, rarely discussing her family in interviews. She has no publicly listed children, and her marital status is not confirmed, though her full name at times has included the surname Sharples, suggesting a possible marriage at some point. [edit]

Throughout her career, Kingpayome has worked with a wide range of Thai entertainment figures, including fellow actresses Marsha Wattanapanich, Namthip 'Bee' Jongrachatawiboon, and Sonia Couling, as well as actors Toni Rakkaen and Mew Suppasit Jongcheveevat. She has also collaborated with director and choreographer Polpat Asavaprapha and appeared alongside comedians Jaturong Mokjok and Kohtee Aramboy. Her work on The Face Thailand brought her into contact with mentors such as Bee Namthip and Cindy Sirinya Bishop. [edit]

Public information about Metinee Kingpayome's romantic life is extremely limited. She has never publicly discussed her dating history, and there are no confirmed reports of past or present relationships. Her full name has occasionally appeared as Metinee Kingpayome Sharples, leading to speculation that she was married to someone with the surname Sharples, but this has never been confirmed.

As of 2026, Kingpayome's relationship status is unknown. She has kept her personal life out of the spotlight, focusing instead on her career and business ventures. Fans respect her privacy, and she has not faced significant tabloid scrutiny regarding her love life. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Metinee Kingpayome's net worth at $10 Million as of 2026. Her wealth accumulates from acting salaries, modeling contracts, television hosting fees, and strategic business ventures. As a co-founder of Muse by Metinee, an academy offering personality and runway coaching, she generates revenue through course fees and workshops. She also manages Muse Models & Talent, a modeling agency that takes a percentage of its models' earnings. Over the years, Kingpayome has maintained a steady income stream through her consistent presence in Thai television and film. While she may not command the same fees as top Hollywood stars, her longevity and versatility have allowed her to accumulate a comfortable fortune. Her real estate investments, if any, have not been publicly disclosed, but her lifestyle suggests a level of financial stability.[edit]

Metinee Kingpayome's most notable achievement is winning Miss Thailand World in 1992, which led to her representing Thailand at Miss World 1992. She also won the Miss World Asia & Oceania title that year. While she has not received major acting awards, her pageant titles remain a significant highlight of her career. [edit]