Muay Thai Chaiya
Muay Thai Chaiya
September 5th, 2007
Kongkiat Khomsiri, 32, wrote the scripts to blockbusters Bang Rajan, Kunpan, Rak Jang and The Unseeable and co-wrote Ong Bak. In 2005, he made his directorial debut with horror flick Long Khong, as one of the seven Ronin Team directors. Muay Thai Chaiya is his first solo venture.
Why did you pick Muay Chaiya as the basis for your movie?
At first, I considered many ancient boxing styles, from Muay Lopburi to Muay Korat, but Chaiya best corresponded to the ideas I wanted to convey. The concept of Chaiya style is 360-degree fighting, and that reflects the condition of most Thai boxers these days—they have to fight to make ends meet, to support their family and to defend their honor.
How did you research this ancient art?
I had to read a lot to write a credible script and to be able to explain it to the cast. But I’m lucky that the leading actor, Golf, had studied and practiced Muay Chaiya before. Plus, there are real professional boxers in the cast like Yodsanan 3K Battery and world champion Samart Payakaroon, who is also my hero.
From Bang Rajan to 7 Prajan Barn and now Muay Thai Chaiya, what attracts you to the big-budget action films?
You know what, personally, I’d like to make a small film with just a few characters. But when you are a professional story-teller, you can’t wait to be in the “mood.” When something is thrown at you, you have to work on it and deliver the best possible product. Action, horror, romantic comedy—if it’s interesting, I’ll do it.
What makes Muay Thai Chaiya different from previous action films?
I want to make an action film that has a story, a message that stays with the audiences even after they leave the theater. If you are one of those who complain about how Thai martial arts films are loaded only with mindless action, but have no plot, do give Muay Thai Chaiya a try.
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