Probably one of the significant reasons why Thai actor Mario Maurer easily became close to Filipinos is because he is reportedly dating one.
The 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love' star has been in a relationship with Filipino-Thai actress Junji Junpitakchai for seven years.
They may have never directly confirmed their relationship but photos of them circulating online can tell that there's a romantic affair between the two.
Years ago, Mario and Junji were photographed in a mall showing Mario holding Junji's waist in public. Mario seemed not to be bothered with the leaked photo because he said he was just being a gentleman to Junji. He also shared that he always goes out with the former Gai-A member, saying it's "normal."
Mario and Junji want to keep their relationship private as much as possible because Junji has "anti-fans" who are allegedly against her relationship with the actor.
However, it didn't stop her from expressing her love to Mario on her Instagram account whenever he celebrates his birthday each year.
Get to know Junji, the Pinay who stole the heart of Mario, in this gallery.
Junji Junpitakchai was born on March 29, 1991 to a Filipino mother, Editha Davantes, and a Thai father. She has an older sister named Juntra and a younger sister named Emerald.
Junji Junpitakchai proved she is proud of her Filipino roots by learning the Filipino language. In a video, she is seen saying "po" and asking her mom to say "magandang umaga."
Junji Junpitakchai has developed a special bond with her Filipina mom.
According to her Instagram Story, Junji Junpitakchai said she inherited her mouth shape from her Filipino grandpa whom she calls "Tatay."
Junji Junpitakchai is a former member of quintet girl group Gai-A. The group debuted in 2013 and, unfortunately, disbanded in 2016, according to reports.
Just like other celebrities, Junji Junpitakchai enjoys dancing in the trendy short-form video app TikTok.
Junji Junpitakchai and Mario Maurer have reportedly been dating since 2013.
Junji Junpitakchai wrote a sweet birthday message for Mario when he turned 32 last December 4, 2020. saying she's "delighted and very happy every day with you."
It seemed that Junji Junpitakchai's mom, Editha Davantes, gave her stamp of approval to her daughter's boyfriend, Mario Maurer, when she posed for a photo with the actor together with her children.
According to a report by thaiupdate.info, Mario Maurer and Junji Junpitakchai haven't talked about settling down yet. For now, they are happy supporting and taking care of each other.