Key Information
- Name: Pruk Panich
- Nickname: Zee
- Born: Chiang Rai, Thailand
- Birth date: Sept 10, 1992
- Height: 182 centimetrers
- Known for: Actor, singer and entrepreneur
- Instagram: @zeepruk
Pruk “Zee” Panich and his path to stardom has captured the attention of fans across Asia, inspiring the devoted fanbase known as Zunshine. With an inherent gift for performing, coupled with charisma like no other, Zee’s rapid rise in the industry was inevitable.
In his latest project, The Next Prince (2025), he stars trusted co-star NuNew, continuing a dynamic partnership that has won the hearts of audiences. From rising star to regional icon, Zee’s rise to fame reflects both his undeniable talent and his determined pursuit of success.
Lost in the city lights
Growing up, Zee always dreamed of becoming an actor, envisioning himself on the big screen someday. Taking up modelling and small-scaled music projects years before fame, he steadily built the foundation for a career that would eventually become one of Thailand’s most celebrated.
During his studies in communication arts at Bangkok University, Zee became a head cheerleader for his faculty. In an interview with GQ Thailand, Zee reflected on his youth:
“In college, I was just an ordinary kid. I was actually really shy back then.”
People usually assumed he was stuck-up, but in reality, Zee was simply not the extroverted type.
Moving to Bangkok from Chiang Rai, Zee’s life changed dramatically as a freshman living alone for the first time. The thrill of city life and new social circles led to reckless spending, but there was a silver lining. Through his friend Max Kornthas, Zee joined an upcoming show that would later mark his ascent to stardom.
Stepping into the spotlight
Zee began gaining recognition after joining the DoMunDi Youtube program in 2018, known for its lifestyle-based content featuring a group of young boys. It was during this time that Zee met his co-star NuNew, marking the beginning of a long-term collaboration.
Feeling the natural chemistry between the pair, fans urged producers to create a Boys' Love (BL) series for the couple to star in. This emerged the Cutie Pie (2022) series, which won Zee countless awards, such as the “Best Actor of the Year” title for Kazz Awards 2023. The actor also appeared in multiple leading roles of other famed BL series such as Why R U? (2020), played alongside Saint Suppapong, and One Night Stand, a suspenseful romance series that gained popularity in 2023.
In 2025, portraying the royal guard “Charan” in the currently broadcasting series The Next Prince, Zee stars alongside NuNew, who plays the role of the secret prince “Khanin.” With a blend of royal intrigue and magnetic connection between the leads, The Next Prince is a must-watch for fans of slow-burn romance and captivating storytelling.
Their popularity has taken them across multiple nations in the East through the "ZeeNuNew Asia Tour," with sold-out venues. Moreover, the pair have co-endorsed numerous brands, including DHC, GrabFood and Cathy Doll.
Vocal performance
Zee came out with his debut single Blank as a collaborative work with Pete Pol in 2021. His discography grew substantially from then, with hits like Always You and Love is Love. The latter is one of the many singles he worked on with NuNew as a soundtrack for their series.
Initially doubting his own abilities, Zee felt that his singing and dancing skills had quite a lot of room for improvement.
However, through self-persistence and support from fans and friends during difficult times, his performance skills improved remarkably. This progess led him to host successful concerts both in Thai venues and abroad. Zee’s latest single, Super Secret, became a fan favourite instantly upon the music video release, which showcased the more dynamic side of him through artistic storytelling and choreography.
"I believe that everyone makes mistakes, myself included. What matters is how much we learn from them and use those lessons to improve ourselves in the present," Zee said.
Business sector
Branching out beyond acting, Zee entered the business world by launching his first two brands, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and creative versatility beyond the screen.
Zeefruit, founded in 2022, was the first project that marked Zee’s venture into brand creation. The premium freeze-dried fruit products came in four variations: mango, monthong durian, strawberry and banana. Reflecting his dedication towards his supporters, the snack frequently features limited-edition photocards, aprons and had themed packaging that made Zeefruit distinguishable amongst other brands in the market.
Launched on August 8, 2023, Zee’s fashion brand SUPER SUN gained international traction from his fanbase across Asia. The initial launch was met with enormous support; all clothing items sold out within minutes of release. Expanding their prominence internationally, SUPER SUN hosted a pop-up store in Tokyo’s SHIBUYA 109 mall in July 2024, giving fans from around the world the opportunity to purchase the prized goods.
Chasing sunshines
The breakout actor’s unwavering ambition has propelled him to become one of the most notable figures in the Thai BL genre. As he continues to take on new roles and expand his presence beyond borders, Pruk "Zee" Panich demonstrates the capabilities and potential Thai actors hold, paving the way for future generations. Once a young boy from the northern province of Chiang Rai, lost and struggling to adapt to city life, he now walks confidently beneath the glow of his own sunshine.
