Pete Thongchua

June 24, 1968 — California, USA

Pete Thongchua is a Thai actor and race driver. He was born in California, USA, and is the oldest child of Pinyo Thongchua, a famous Thai actor, who later left acting and entered the business world. Pete also has three younger siblings: Nam Poung (Honey), Nam Thansod, and Saifar who are also well known in Thailand. Puntakan P. Thongchua Jr. is the name in his birth certificate, “P” standing for Pete, from his dad’s nickname. Pete’s family moved back to Thailand when he was two years old. Pete got into show business at a young age. By the age of 8-9, he was already the co-host of the show “Pao-Ying-shoob." At the age of 14, he was sent back to the United States, to further his education. However, during his visits back to Thailand, he continued to work in the entertainment business occasionally, so as to not be forgotten by his fans. Besides acting, Pete also likes to race cars and is well known in the car racing circuit. Pete Thongchua has won the Mekhala award for Best Actor twice, in 1997 for the drama Sor Sam Sai and in 2000 for the drama Angkor.