Sirinutt 'Sean' Cholvibool represents Thailand Through Dance

Representing Thailand through the performing arts

Sirinutt ‘Sean’ Cholvibool’s shoot for VMAN Southeast Asia flowed like a workout routine and a dance production in one. After warming up, he shifted between poses with slow and controlled movements, reminiscent of contemporary dance. At times, he transformed into a Muay Thai warrior, getting into battle stances and throwing punches and kicks. And when upbeat music played on set, he turned the studio into his own concert stage with complex K-pop choreography.

And throughout these sequences, not once did the Thai viral sensation lose his energy and enthusiasm. The performing arts flow naturally through Sean’s veins. He is a model, pageant winner, and a content creator—but dance has been the foundation of his career and lifestyle. He started at three years old, learning the motions of freestyle, hip-hop, ballet, and traditional Asian arts, among other genres as he grew up.

He started as a backup dancer for local celebrities and singers. Through skill and a bit of luck, he got selected to perform alongside one of Thailand’s most successful acts, Thongchai ‘Bird’ McIntyre. “He is really a superstar in our country. I cried a lot when I got to dance for him.”

For Sean, dance goes beyond movement. It is his means of self-expression, communicating beyond words to reach as many audiences as possible. He also credits dance for improving his confidence—he admits being quite shy and reluctant when he first started in the industry.

“If you know how to dance, your posture eventually improves. You’ll know how to pose better. Even the way you walk and carry yourself becomes different,” he notes. It was a welcome boost that he needed, especially in his early twenties, when he ventured—albeit nervously—into commercial and fashion modeling after much encouragement from his peers.

After working with several Thai brands, Sean found himself performing on an even bigger platform. Two years ago, he won a local pageant and represented Thailand on the global stage, winning third place in the competition. He grabbed the opportunity to showcase his heritage by presenting a Muay Thai-inspired routine for the talent segment.

“I chose Muay Thai because it is a powerful symbol associated with [our country] globally. I aim to promote it as a form of Thai soft power.”

“I always want to represent Thailand in what I do. There’s so much that we can share from our country, from our dances, clothing, to our cheerful personalities. But I also want to show everyone how to be happy—to be yourself and not care what others think. I always train myself to think positively, because when you do, good things will come to you,” he adds.

Pants **Kristine Ordinario** / Jewelry **J Makitalo**

It’s a mentally healthy approach that’s also necessary for the career and lifestyle that Sean has created for himself. Case in point: his workout sessions are intense, lasting three hours—two for cardio, one for weights. He admits it’s not always enjoyable, but his love for performing—and the body that allows him to move at his best—keep him driven.

These days, performance has taken on a greater meaning for Sean. Now that he’s into content creation, he’s taking more time thinking about what to film, how to edit his videos, when to post content, all while considering his audience in mind. It’s a bigger stage with a wider reach, but he’s navigating it with such carefree energy, it’s hard to believe that he used to be shy.

And looking ahead, Sean wants to go beyond himself. He wants to represent Thailand—and Asian culture, at large—in bigger, more substantial ways.

“Being a model, a dancer, a content creator, it’s not enough. I want to become a show director, to get as many performers for festivals, and to showcase Thai art in everything that we do.”