James Ma

James Assarasakorn (Thai: เจมส์ อัศรัสกร, born July 3, 1993), commonly known by his stage name James Ma, is a Thai actor and model of Hong Kong descent. He made an acting debut in 2013 in Gentlemen of Jutathep Series as M.R. Ronapee Jutathep. He is currently working under a popular Thai television channel, ThaiTV3/Channel 3.

James Ma was born on July 3, 1993, in Bangkok, Thailand. His father is Thai Chinese and his mother is a Hong Kong Chinese. He has one younger sister. James first attended NIST International School, but at the age of 8, his family moved to Hong Kong, where he resumed studying in Quarry Bay International School of Hong Kong. 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 James returned to Thailand to study in Harrow International School, Bangkok. He currently attends Assumption University majoring in business. Before James decided to be an actor, he thought about being a pro golfer. James won a gold medal in the ISSFHK Golf Pairs Championship 2008 in Hong Kong and many other awards against other schools. Before debuting, he was a model. In 2008, he auditioned for The Star (season 7), a Thai reality show and singing competition, but didn't pass through the final audition.

James made his acting debut at the age of 20 with a lead role in a special period drama Gentlemen of Jutathep Series in 2013. This special series 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. His main series which is Khun Chai Ronapee is directed by Chatchai Plengpanich and he was acted with Chalida Vijitvongthong as female lead. This period drama is an adaptation from the novel of the same name. Before the drama aired, James was harshly criticized by netizen, saying that he lacked the looks and talent but he proved to everyone his talent when the drama aired.

James then starred in the short film titled Thai Niyom: Prince Pom in 2014. He plays as Prince Pom. This was his first performance in short film after debuting. On the same year, James participated in Give Me 5 Concert alongside Mario Maurer, Sukollawat Kanarot, Nadech Kugimiya and Phupoom Pongpanu. During his concert, he invited Tata Young and Boy Peacemaker as his special guest.

After hasn't been on the small screen for almost two years, James returned with a romance action drama The King's Servant directed by Atthaporn Teemakorn in 2015. This drama takes place in the era of King Nang Klao, the third reign (after King Rama II). The story sets around the period when England (known as Wilat at the time) enters into a commercial partnership role with Thailand, and this historical fact plays as a backbone to the plot of this drama. James playing the role as Haym a good looking, well-mannered and bright boy, he is known as “Phor Haym Roop Thong” meaning “Phor Haym the Golden” (back then boys / men are referred to as ‘phor’). He acted alongside Peranee Kongthai.

In 2015, James was cast as a lead role in an upcoming drama Just a Man, Not a Magician with Kimberly Ann Voltemas. This drama is a remake of 2001 drama titled, Samee Ngern Phon and will be produced by actress, Ann Thongprasom and directed by Kritsada Techanilobon. It slated for release next year.

In late 2015, it has been revealed that James will make his big screen debut as the lead role alongside South Korea actress Ham Eun-jung in the sci-fi romance movie Microlove. This movie is directed by Sathanapong Limwongthong. It revolves around outgoing wealthy young Thai man, who works at a Korean software company that privately develops a software and catches the interest of the president’s daughter. This movie is set to be released next year.

• Give Me 5 Concert with Mario Maurer, Sukollawat Kanarot, Nadech Kugimiya, Phupoom Pongpanu (2014)