Rattaphum Tokongsub At the peak of his popularity, Film’s face graced the cover of every magazine in town. Still babyfaced, the former teen heartthrob is now getting press for a different reason—as an ambassador for the NGO Habitat for Humanity. 

Society made Film Rattaphum. The love and support that everyone has given me, I appreciate it.

The big bosses from RS always tell me to give back to society, so I do just that.

Just thinking of giving can make you happy.

I wanted to set up an almshouse or build a temple. But it would take years.

I found a website with Brad Pitt’s photo, and then Jimmy Carter’s—and more! It was for Habitat for Humanity, and I also found out they have an office in Thailand.

I went to a construction site they had in Kaeha Romklao. A grandma ran to me crying and asked if I came to help her. Her home didn’t have a roof, or a bathroom. It was just bare walls. It really moved me.  

I think Habitat appointed me an ambassador because I never take family for granted. That and because I’m a teen idol and role model.

I worked all day and completed a wall. That made me happy. And I also thought about how much the owners would love their house when it was finished.

My job as an ambassador isn’t all about building walls. It involves more promotion and campaigning.

I’m very proud of my visit to their site in Argentina. The staff and volunteers were surprised because they never thought they would get help from someone Asian. They’re used to only getting help from Europeans.

In Thailand, there are a lot of homeless people. About 300,000 people are waiting for help. All I can say to those who are still without a home is to be patient. I will never neglect Thai people.

In Thailand, everybody loves one another. We don’t have hierarchy or things like that. We don’t only help Thais; we help everyone all over the world.

I wish everyone in Thailand, and all over the world, could have a home. That will make the world, you know, work.

I’m used to living in the spotlight. I never get tired of it.

Being a singer has always been my dream. The things I don’t like about this job I just try to get used to.

You know, people like to talk more about the bad things. Positive talk doesn’t make good conversation.

I don’t worry about what people write about me. I would start to worry if they didn’t write these things! As long as people write about me, it means they still love me.

I’m always in touch with my fans. They come from all over the country, but they are all Film’s family. Whenever I feel discouraged, I have them to give my support. 

My goal in life is to stay in the entertainment business.

I want to deliver quality work, I want people to talk about me and say my stuff is great.

Learn more about Habitat for Humanity at www.habitatthailand.org.