Urassaya Sperbund entered the Thai entertainment industry at age 13 after a casting director spotted her in Chatuchak Park. Since her 2008 television debut, she has established a career spanning major television dramas and feature films, ultimately becoming the first Thai celebrity featured in Vogue and the first Thai actress named a Friend of Louis Vuitton.
Early Development and Education
Born on March 18, 1993, in Pattaya, Thailand, to a Norwegian father and Thai mother, Urassaya Sperbund initially balanced early modeling assignments with her schooling. She attended Regent's International School Pattaya and later transferred to the Bangkok Patana School. Her academic path culminated in 2015 when she graduated from the Faculty of Arts at Chulalongkorn University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in language and culture.
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Sperbund’s acting career launched with the 2008 Channel 3 sitcom Peun See Long Hon. She gained significant recognition following her role in the 2010 drama Duang Jai Akkanee, which secured her various rising star awards. Throughout the subsequent decade, she appeared in numerous high-profile series, including Game Rai Game Rak, Torranee Ni Nee Krai Krong, and The Crown Princess. In 2017, she earned the Best Actress award at the 32nd TV Gold Awards for her performance in the romantic drama Khluen Chiwit.
Film Success and International Recognition
The actress expanded her portfolio into cinema, securing critical and commercial acclaim for her role in the 2018 film Brother of the Year. Her work in this project and the 2022 comedy Fast and Feel Love earned her Suphannahong National Film Awards for Best Actress. Beyond these features, she appeared in the fantasy thriller Nakee 2 and the 2022 Netflix production Thai Cave Rescue, which depicted the 2018 cave incident involving a youth soccer team.
Personal Life
Sperbund maintains a public association with actor Nadech Kugimiya, whom she first met while working on the set of Duang Jai Akkanee in 2010. After years of media speculation, the couple confirmed their relationship timeline, noting their connection grew during their collaboration on Torranee Ni Nee Krai Krong. They became engaged in June 2023 and married on April 17, 2026, in a traditional Isan-themed ceremony held in Khon Kaen.
Fast facts
- Born: 18 March 1993, Pattaya, Thailand
- Education: Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok Patana School
- Occupation: Actor, model
- Religion: Buddhism
- Languages: English, Thai
- Marriage: Nadech Kugimiya (married 2026)
- Debut: 2008
Questions readers ask
What is Urassaya Sperbund's nickname?
Her nickname is Yaya.
Which major awards has she won for acting?
She has won Suphannahong National Film Awards, a TV Gold Award, a Nataraj Award, and several Mekhala Awards.