James Ma

James Assarasakorn (, ; born July 3, 1993) known professionally as James Ma (, ), is a Thai actor. He made an acting debut in 2013 in Gentlemen of Jutathep Series as M.R. Ronapee Jutathep. He is currently working under Channel 3 (Thailand).

Early life and education Ma was born in Bangkok to a Thai Chinese father and a Hong Kong Teochew mother. He has one younger sister. Ma first attended NIST International School, but at the age of 8, his family moved to Hong Kong, where he resumed studying in Quarry Bay School. He then excelled 2 years past his usual studying year group and attended South Island School of Hong Kong. In late 2011, he was discovered by Supachai Srivijit, who then became his manager in the entertainment industry, and Ma returned to Thailand to study in Harrow International School, Bangkok. He received a bachelor's degree of Arts in Business English and a master's degree of Business Administration in Tourism and Hospitality Management from Assumption University. Before Ma decided to be an actor, he thought about being a pro golfer. He won a gold medal in the ISSFHK Golf Pairs Championship 2008 in Hong Kong and many other awards against other schools. In 2008, he auditioned for The Star (season 7), a Thai reality show and singing competition, but didn't pass through the final audition.

Career Ma made his acting debut at the age of 20 with a lead role in the period drama Gentlemen of Jutathep in 2013. This series was made to celebrate ThaiTV3's 43rd anniversary, which assigned five top producers to each make a period drama about the five Jutathep brothers: Khun Chai Taratorn, Khun Chai Pawornruj, Khun Chai Phuttipat, Khun Chai Rachanon and Khun Chai Ronapee. Ma's main series Khun Chai Ronapee was directed by Chatchai Plengpanich and he acted with female lead Chalida Vijitvongthong.

In 2014, Ma starred in the short film Thai Niyom: Prince Pom as Prince Pom. In the same year, Ma participated in a Give Me 5 Concert alongside Mario Maurer, Sukollawat Kanarot, Nadech Kugimiya and Phupoom Pongpanu. During the concert, he invited Tata Young and Boy Peacemaker as his special guests.

In 2015, Ma returned to TV screens with a romance action drama The King's Servant directed by Atthaporn Teemakorn. This story takes place in the era of Rama III, the third king of Siam under the House of Chakri. The story sets around the period when Britain (known as Wilat at that time) enters into a commercial partnership role with Siam. He was paired opposite Peranee Kongthai in the series.

In the same year, Ma was cast as a lead role in Just a Man, Not a Magician with Kimberley Anne Woltemas. This drama is a remake of 2001 Samee Ngern Phon, and was produced by Ann Thongprasom and directed by Kritsada Techanilobon.

In late 2015, Ma made his movie debut as a lead role alongside South Korean actress Hahm Eun-jung in a sci-fi romance movie Microlove. This movie was directed by Sathanapong Limwongthong. It revolves around an outgoing and wealthy Thai man, who works in a Korean software company that privately develops a software and catches the interest of the president's daughter

Personal life Before becoming an actor, Ma had dreams of becoming a golfer. While studying at South Island School in Hong Kong, he won gold medal pairing with Nicholas Woolcott-Brown in the ISSFHK Golf Pairs Championship competition in November 2008.

In 2023, Ma announced his relationship with actress Rinrada Kaewbuasai.

Filmography Film

Television series

Concerts Give Me 5 Concert with Mario Maurer, Sukollawat Kanarot, Nadech Kugimiya, Phupoom Pongpanu (2014) Channel 3 concert : Love is in the air (2017)

Awards and nominations Year Award Category Nominated work Result2013 Male Rising StarGentlemen of Jutathep Series Top 10 Stars Male Rising StarGentlemen of Jutathep Series 2014 Popular Actor of the Year Rising Male Star of the Year Fantasy Couple of the Year with Chalida Vijitvongthong Male Rising Star of the Year Popular Actor Award 2015 Best ActorThe King's Servant Most Popular Actor 2016 Best Drama Actor of the Year Top-Talk About Actor Outstanding Actor Best Actor Popular Actor Award Leading Actor of the Year Best Leading Actor Excellent Actor (Drama) Charming Star (Male) Female Heartthrob 2017 Best Drama Actor of the YearJust a Man, Not a Magician Cool Guy of the Year