It’s the story that’s kept the Thai entertainment world abuzz in recent weeks: gossip that the high-profile couple – of actors Baifern Pimchanok and Nine Naphat – have parted ways following a well-documented trip to Europe.
The rumours proved to be true, after Nine confirmed he and Baifern have split – or in his words, “stepped back to being friends”.
At a packed press conference in Bangkok, the 28-year-old says the duo are doing so to “prioritise work”, admitting that he had failed to balance work commitments and being in a relationship. Still, he stopped short of blaming anyone else for the split.
Nine also confirms that there was no third party involved, and that the split was amicable. Says Nine, who broke down in tears after the press conference: “There is no animosity between us.”
Nine and Baifern officially announced their relationship in 2022, but had acted together in several movies and shows together, most famously the 2019 movie Friend Zone.
There were indications that something was not right with the couple in June, after they returned from a trip to Europe in May. An Instagram post from Baifern after the trip shows her at a show rehearsal where she is seen crying.
The 31-year-old actress also declined to answer questions about her relationship at several press events days later. According to Thai media reports, Baifern will respond to the news in a separate press conference on 11 July.
