Kem Hawsavee Jokingly Wonders If He’s Lost His Fame After Quiet Election Day
Thai actor Heem Hasawi playfully lamented a perceived lack of attention during Thailand’s recent election on , sparking amusement among fans. The actor, known for his popularity, expressed surprise at the absence of photographers and media coverage while casting his ballot.
Hasawi shared his experience while attending the “One Phenomenon Rocks the Screen” event, elaborating on the day’s events. “For the election, I was wondering if I wasn’t famous anymore, why wasn’t anyone taking pictures or leaking news?” he recounted. “I went to Khlong Tan district, seriously. It was the day Manchester United won and was election day. I woke up at 9 am. I went to the district to look at the ballot information – there was a lot of it, and I needed to choose from many options. I voted normally. Stars usually get their pictures taken during elections, right? I walked confidently, thinking the district chief would recognize me. I went alone, and it was silent. No one greeted me. I didn’t even see the cleaning staff. No one raised a camera to take a picture.”
He continued, describing his expectation of media presence. “I went early, around 9 am, expecting reporters to be waiting for me there. Reporters probably thought this was the center of activity. It’s in the city, not far away. I thought I should be news, that all the spotlights should be on me. But it was completely silent. I walked around confused. Then I saw my friends posting [on social media], and I forgot this point: I had to set up the cameras myself. It’s okay. Now they’ve finished recounting the votes, right? Am I being a little sensitive? No, I was just joking around,” he said with a smile.
Hasawi playfully questioned his star power. “I’m a Channel One actor, how could I not be famous? I’m still wondering why. I think going without makeup might have been a factor, but I don’t usually wear makeup anyway. I went in and out quickly. I was hoping people would say, ‘Hey, a star!’ like at other events. People would recognize my face, but not know what channel I’m on. I’d have to tell them my name again. I was hoping for that kind of reaction, but it was silent that day. I don’t know where everyone was. Where were the reporters? There are so many news channels, but I didn’t see anyone,” he added, smiling.
The incident highlights the sometimes-surreal disconnect between celebrity expectations and the realities of everyday life, even during significant civic events. Hasawi’s lighthearted self-deprecation resonated with fans, turning a moment of perceived snub into a charming anecdote. The actor’s comments offer a glimpse into the often-unseen dynamics between public figures and the media landscape in Thailand, where even a popular television star can experience a moment of anonymity.
The timing of the election, coinciding with a major Manchester United victory, may have contributed to the reduced media presence at the polling station. The focus of news coverage could have been diverted to sports reporting, leaving less room for celebrity sightings during the democratic process. This underscores the competitive nature of the news cycle and the factors that influence media attention.
Hasawi’s playful complaint also touches on the evolving relationship between celebrities and social media. His observation that friends had to set up their own cameras to document the event reflects a shift in control over image and narrative, as public figures increasingly rely on self-promotion and direct engagement with fans through platforms like Instagram and Facebook. The actor’s initial expectation of media coverage suggests a lingering reliance on traditional channels, but his friends’ actions demonstrate an adaptation to the new media landscape.
The incident is unlikely to have any significant impact on Hasawi’s career, but it serves as a reminder that even established stars can experience moments of unexpected obscurity. His ability to laugh at himself and share the anecdote with good humor further endears him to his fanbase, reinforcing his image as a relatable and down-to-earth personality. The story has generated buzz on social media, providing a lighthearted counterpoint to the more serious coverage of the election results.