 |
| Cheng Lei’s Bangkok Visit Turns Into Fan Frenzy as Actor Hints at Future Thai Projects. (Credits: Weibo) |
Ryan Cheng Lei did not need a dramatic entrance to own the room in Bangkok. The Chinese actor arrived in Thailand for a public event as iQIYI’s new International Global Ambassador, and within minutes it was clear this was less a routine brand appearance and more a full-scale celebration. Fans packed the venue early, phones raised, voices ready, and the atmosphere quickly tipped into organised chaos of the happiest kind.
Thailand has become one of the strongest overseas markets for Cheng Lei, thanks largely to his growing drama profile. His turn in Legend of The Female General helped lift his name further across the region, while recent project How Dare You!? kept the momentum going nicely.
Some actors chase international fame with endless campaigns. Cheng Lei, meanwhile, appears to have wandered into it by simply showing up and being charming.
That connection with Thai supporters was obvious throughout the event. Local fans have even given him the affectionate nickname “P’Mongkol”, loosely meaning an older brother who brings good fortune.
It is the sort of title most celebrities would love to receive, and the sort that cannot be bought with marketing budgets. You either earn it or you do not.
The loudest moment of the day came when Cheng Lei spoke in Thai.
He sweetly told the crowd “Phum Rak Khun” — I love you — before adding that the fans were beautiful too. Sensible reaction might have been polite applause.
Instead, the venue erupted into cheers loud enough to test the building structure. A standard celebrity greeting became headline material in seconds.
During interviews afterwards, the actor admitted he had been nervous before stepping on stage and was sweating beforehand.
That honesty only added to the appeal. Fans often see polished final versions of stars, not the anxious few minutes before the spotlight hits.
He said the warm energy from the crowd quickly settled his nerves, proving once again that enthusiastic fans can be better than any confidence coach.
He also revealed he had prepared several Thai phrases in advance but forgot to use all of them once nerves kicked in.
 |
| Cheng Lei Says He Loves Thailand and Drops Hint Over Bangkok Acting Plans |
Quite relatable, really. Many people forget their own name under pressure, so misplacing a few rehearsed lines in a foreign language is hardly a scandal.
Cheng Lei said he hopes to return and speak Thai more fluently next time, which has already given supporters another thing to look forward to.
The actor also spoke warmly about Thailand itself. Although this was not his first visit, he said he hopes to spend more time in Bangkok in future and properly enjoy the city.
Rather than luxury clichés, he described liking relaxed travel, wandering into new places and trying local food spontaneously. A refreshingly normal answer in an industry where some people pretend room-service fruit counts as cultural exploration.
When asked about possible collaborations with Thai actors, Cheng Lei sounded genuinely interested. He said learning Thai seriously would be an important first step because language helps unlock culture.
It was a thoughtful response and a smart one too. Cross-border entertainment projects are growing fast, and actors who make the effort usually stand out.
Online reaction was lively and varied. Many fans praised his sincerity, calling him warm, funny and naturally likeable. Others said his attempt to speak Thai mattered more than polished pronunciation because it showed respect.
Some joked that Bangkok may now be his second home. A few more sceptical voices wondered whether a Thai acting project could really happen soon, though even they admitted the demand is clearly there.
For Cheng Lei, this visit looked less like a one-off promotional stop and more like proof that his popularity in Thailand is real, growing and commercially valuable.
If he returns with stronger Thai skills or a local collaboration, expect even bigger scenes next time. Would you watch Cheng Lei in a Thai drama or film?