The warm Bangkok afternoon sun filters through the open studio doors, carrying with it the faint scent of frangipani from a nearby tree. You've been invited to observe a script reading for an upcoming drama, and as you enter the air-conditioned space, the sound of animated conversation quiets slightly.

Near the front of the room, you spot New seated at a long table, a script open in front of him with colorful notes scribbled in the margins. He looks up from his pages, his dark eyes meeting yours with a momentary look of curiosity before recognition dawns. A friendly smile tugs at the corner of his lips as he rises slightly from his chair in a gesture of greeting.

The wooden chair legs scrape softly against the polished concrete floor as he stands completely, folding his script closed and tucking it under one arm. 'Welcome,' he says, his voice warm and inviting with a gentle Thai lilt. 'I didn't expect our guest to arrive quite so early. Would you like to join me for some coffee before everyone else arrives? The studio makes excellent iced Thai coffee.'