Nine by Nine Thai was never meant to last. That was the whole point, actually. When 4NOLOGUE CEO Anuwat "Wutt" Wichiennarat first pitched the idea of a "special project" boy group, people were skeptical. Why invest so much money into nine guys who were only going to be together for about a year? It seemed like a massive gamble in a Thai music industry that, back in 2018, was still finding its footing against the global juggernaut of K-pop.
But it worked.
The group—consisting of Tor Thanapob, JJ Kritsanapoom, James Teeradon, Captain Chonlathorn, Third Lapat, Jackrin Kungwankiatichai, Porsche Sivakorn, Ice Paris, and Ryu Vachirawit—didn't just release a few songs. They basically rewrote the blueprint for how Thai idols could be marketed. It wasn't just about the music. It was a massive, multi-platform experiment involving acting, high-fashion modeling, and intensive idol training.
The Anatomy of the Nine by Nine Thai Experiment
Honestly, you've got to look at the lineup to understand why this was such a big deal. Most boy bands start with "trainees" nobody knows. 4NOLOGUE did the opposite. They took established actors, some of whom were already massive stars because of shows like Hormones: The Series, and told them they had to learn how to dance like professionals in just a few months.
Tor Thanapob was already an award-winning actor. Putting him in a dance studio for twelve hours a day was a risk. If he looked bad, it would hurt his reputation. If he looked good, he’d become a "superstar" in the truest sense of the word.
The training wasn't a joke. They weren't just "acting" like a boy band. They traveled to South Korea to train. They worked with vocal coaches who didn't care that they had millions of Instagram followers. They had to earn it. This wasn't some half-baked promotional gimmick for a soft drink; it was a grueling boot camp designed to see if Thailand could produce a group that didn't look like a "budget" version of something else.
Into the Great Somewhere: The Discography
When "Night Light" dropped in late 2018, the production value shocked people. It didn't look like a typical T-pop video from five years prior. The lighting was moody. The choreography was tight. More importantly, the song was actually good. It felt modern.
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Then came "Hypnotize." It was smoother, more R&B-focused. They weren't just leaning on their visuals; they were developing a specific sound. But the real kicker was how they integrated the music into their acting careers.
In Family We Trust (Lueat Khon Khon Chang) is perhaps the best example of this synergy. The drama was a national phenomenon in Thailand. It was a dark, gritty whodunnit about a wealthy Chinese-Thai family. Almost all the members of Nine by Nine were in it. By the time the show reached its climax, the audience wasn't just watching a boy band; they were watching a group of talented young men who had spent months living, breathing, and working together. The line between their "idol" personas and their "acting" roles blurred in a way that kept fans absolutely obsessed.
Why the "Special Project" Model Actually Succeeded
Most labels want a group to last ten years. Nine by Nine Thai only wanted one.
Because there was an expiration date, there was a sense of urgency. Fans knew that every concert could be the last one. Every photo book was a limited edition. This created a "FOMO" (fear of missing out) culture that drove sales through the roof.
It was a smart business move. 4NOLOGUE didn't have to worry about the long-term "decline" of a group or members wanting to go solo three years down the line. The solo careers were already planned. The group was the launchpad—or in Tor’s case, the evolution.
The "En Route" finale concert was an emotional wreck for the fans (the Night). People were genuinely devastated, even though they knew the end was coming from day one. It proved that you don't need a decade-long career to leave a permanent mark on the charts.
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The Ripple Effect on T-Pop
If you look at the Thai entertainment scene today, you see the fingerprints of Nine by Nine everywhere. Before them, T-pop was often seen as something strictly for local consumption. Nine by Nine proved that Thai idols could have international appeal, especially across Southeast Asia and China.
They paved the way for groups like TRINITY (which absorbed members Porsche, Third, and Jackie) and even the solo success of someone like Billkin or PP Krit. They showed that the "T-Pop" label wasn't something to be embarrassed about—it was a brand.
It also changed how Thai agencies approach "multi-hyphenate" talent. Nowadays, it’s standard for an idol to lead a BL (Boys' Love) drama while simultaneously topping the Spotify Thailand charts. Nine by Nine were the pioneers of doing both at a high, high level. They weren't "idols who can act a little" or "actors who can sing a bit." They were legitimately good at both.
The Reality of Post-Disbandment
Life after Nine by Nine has been fascinating to watch.
- TRINITY: Porsche, Third, and Jackie stayed with 4NOLOGUE and formed TRINITY. They leaned much harder into the "performer" aspect, focusing on high-octane choreography and a more aggressive, electronic sound.
- The Acting Powerhouses: Tor Thanapob and JJ Kritsanapoom went right back to being the biggest names in Thai cinema and television. But they returned with a much larger, more diverse fan base.
- The Soloists: Ice Paris became a household name with "Rak Tid Siren" (the song was everywhere—honestly, you couldn't escape it in 2019). James Teeradon continued to push boundaries in both fashion and film, notably appearing in the international production Thirteen Lives.
The group didn't "die"; it just subdivided into the various pillars of Thai entertainment.
Common Misconceptions About Nine by Nine Thai
A lot of people think the group broke up because of internal drama. That’s just not true. It was a contractually obligated end. They signed up for a one-year project, and they finished it.
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Another misconception is that the group was just a vehicle for In Family We Trust. While the show helped, the group's "The 5th Phase" tour sold out venues that had nothing to do with the drama's plot. They were a legitimate musical act, not a promotional street team.
How to Experience the Nine by Nine Legacy Today
If you’re new to the world of T-pop and want to understand why your Thai friends still get misty-eyed over a group that disbanded years ago, here is how you catch up.
Start with the In Family We Trust series. It’s arguably one of the best pieces of Thai television ever made, regardless of the idol connection. The mystery is genuinely compelling, and the acting—especially from Tor and JJ—is top-tier.
Then, watch the music video for "Night Light" followed by their documentary series, The Journey of 9x9. It shows the sweat and the tears. It shows how Ryu, who was a national-level table tennis player, had to basically learn how to move his body in a completely new way.
Actionable Insights for T-Pop Fans and Creators
For those looking to understand the mechanics of the Thai entertainment industry, Nine by Nine offers a few key lessons:
- Collaboration is King: The partnership between 4NOLOGUE, Nadao Bangkok (rest in peace), and GMM One was what made this possible. It was a rare moment of industry giants playing nice for a greater goal.
- Quality Over Longevity: You don't need to stay together forever to change the industry. A high-impact, short-term project can be more effective than a stagnant long-term one.
- Versatility is Non-Negotiable: In the modern Thai market, being "just" a singer is rarely enough. The Nine by Nine boys were taught to be "Total Artistes," a trend that has only accelerated since.
The Nine by Nine Thai project was a lightning-in-a-bottle moment. It was the right people at the right time with the right budget. While many have tried to replicate the "temporary supergroup" model since, few have managed to capture the same cultural gravity. They weren't just a boy band; they were the proof of concept that T-pop could, and would, become a global force.