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Laila Boonyasak (formerly Chermarn Boonyasak) | ไลลา บุญยศักดิ์

Nickname:

Ploy | พลอย

Date of Birth:

September 15, 1982

Height:

168 cm / 5’6”

Star Sign:

Virgo — intuitive, bold, and fiercely independent, much like the characters she brings to life.

Fandom Name:

Ploy's Clan

Education:

North-Chiang Mai University (Bachelor of Arts)

Laila "Ploy" Boonyasak stands as a definitive blueprint for the "Supernova" archetype within the Thai entertainment, an artist whose career longevity is matched only by her reputation for uncompromising authenticity. Beginning her career as a child actress in the mid-1990s, Ploy transitioned from a teen idol to a critically acclaimed powerhouse through a series of roles that redefined the "Nang Rai" (female antagonist) and "Nang Ek" (leading lady) boundaries. Her breakthrough into the international consciousness arrived with the 2003 cult classic Last Life in the Universe, directed by Pen-Ek Ratanaruang, which positioned her as a muse for the Thai New Wave cinema. However, it was her portrayal of June/Tang in the 2007 masterpiece The Love of Siam that secured her legacy, earning her the Suphannahong National Film Award (Thailand's equivalent of the Oscars) for Best Supporting Actress and establishing her as a foundational figure for the modern Thai actor in global cinema.


By 2026, Ploy has successfully pivoted from being a primetime "Lakorn" queen to a sovereign independent force in the digital and lifestyle sectors. After decades of dominating television ratings with hits like Ra-Raerng-Fai and Samee Tee Tra, she made a strategic shift toward streaming and high-concept independent projects. Her 2024-2025 return to the screen in the gritty thriller The Empress of the Night showcased a matured, "Suvarno-style" noir aesthetic that trended across Southeast Asian streaming platforms. In the fashion and beauty landscape, her influence remains potent and far reaching as she continues to be a perennial favorite for luxury domestic brands and has maintained a long-standing presence as a style icon at international events, often representing the "effortless Thai chic" that modern T-Pop idols cite as a primary inspiration.


Her 2026 persona is defined by her "Ploy-Candid" philosophy, a commitment to transparency regarding her personal life and career that has made her a social media pioneer in Thailand. This authenticity has allowed her to navigate the evolving industry landscape with a level of grace that many of her contemporaries struggle to maintain.


Beyond her on-screen work, she has expanded her influence as a mentor and creative consultant for burgeoning Thai BL/GL star talents, utilizing her decades of industry experience to guide the next generation. Her journey from the youngest sister of singer Sinitha Boonyasak to a singular, mono-named icon reflects the broader evolution of Thai entertainment: a movement that began with local television dramas and matured into a sophisticated, global cultural export.


2026 Career & Social Summary

  • Major Awards: Multiple Suphannahong National Film Awards (Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress); Nataraj Award for Best Actress; Nine Entertain Award for Actress of the Year.


  • Current Brand Roles (2026): Premium Face for various luxury wellness and anti-aging campaigns; Long-term Brand Partner for high-end Thai fashion houses.


  • Significant Projects: The Love of Siam (Legacy Hit); Last Life in the Universe; Samee Tee Tra; The Empress of the Night (Streaming Success).


  • Cultural Impact: Credited with pioneering the "Strong, Independent Female" archetype in Thai media; Frequent guest judge for top-tier Thai talent and modeling competitions.

FUN FACTS

Ploy has a deep passion for professional-grade photography and travel and her curated "Chermarn Travelogues" on social media are often cited as high-tier aesthetic inspiration. Fans also frequently discuss her "L Family" connection, this time referring to her beloved pets and her close-knit circle of industry "sisters," including the legendary actress Lada "Duckie" Duck. A major discussion point in 2026 is her relationship with Claudine Craig, with fans admiring the couple's openness and their role as prominent figures in the Thai LGBTQ+ community. Additionally, her 2026 "Vintage Cinema" project where she revisits and discusses her early 2000s films, has sparked a massive wave of nostalgia among millennial fans who grew up during the initial surge of the T-Wind era.

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