Mitt Chaibuncha and Bruce Lee started my obsession with action movies. They are both such an inspiration to me.
I tried to ape the martial arts moves in their movies but it didn’t seem right. So I entered Maha Sarakham College of Physical Education to learn the theory behind the action. I learnt the right posture and right movement for different martial arts.
I learnt so much, I started to create my own moves.
I’ve been involved in the action business for 27 years. I made my name being a kung fu coach to movie stars. ML Sureewan Suriyong was my first student. Sometimes I also worked as a stuntman but I never got to talk onscreen.
My first film was Kerd Ma Lui (Born to Fight) in 1979. I was a director and also a stuntman. After the film was released, my stunt team was constantly being hired to work on countless movies. Then I became an action choreographer and co-director.
Being a professional stuntman must start with passion. You have to love what you do. It takes lots of training to get you both physically and mentally strong. Being brave is not enough if your body is not ready.
Getting injured is commonplace. I’ve suffered everything from dislocated shoulders to concussion. But you know, all the injuries just encourage me to not slip up again. Check every process and system over and over to prevent mistakes.
Tony Jaa is my all time best student. He is talented and he has stamina. They’re the reasons why he’s a big name now.
I’m not really a personal mentor these days. I have a team of instructors who use a martial arts curriculum I designed. It’s like a normal school, students need to attend the course, practice and get through the exams.
It’s pretty hard to have a big hit with an action movie in Thailand. Every single fight sequence needs something unfamiliar and challenging. People aren’t going to buy tickets for a baan baan action movie anymore.
I have a picture in mind for my next film. It’s about a guy who can escape from a life-threatening situation through his talent as a fist fighter. My upcoming film will be full of creativity and advanced action moves. It’s going to be a mix of international fight routines that I adore.
You need to invest in plenty of training if the movie’s star has no action experience. But if we hire a no name stuntman or someone with martial arts training, you take a risk on whether they are right for the role.
I never thought of myself in any other business. I love everything related to making movies. Sadly I’m too old to perform. But I can still have a good time directing movies.
I always remind myself I can do it. Giving up is like killing your soul.
There was only one TV in my sub-district when I was a kid. I was addicted to Ultraman and memorized all the fight routines and acted them out with friends. I wrote action scripts and directed my friends to fight against another team. That’s how a little fight club happened. It was such a precious time for me.
Neighbors started to notice that no one else could do what I could. No one could jump as high or mimic my actions. That’s when my parents started to see something in me.
I love the sense of battle in Bangkok. People contend and compete to get themselves to a higher level. Bangkok is a place to work, learn and, crucially, make connections.
The biggest problem I faced in the movie industry was learning the language. Movie people speak differently compared to other businesses! It took me a while to get adjusted.
My eldest child could do well in martial arts but has more of a passion for working behind the scenes, directing and writing.
People can see me as a role model, as someone who made it from an absolute nobody to someone.
I am so glad many foreigners have a chance to watch Thai movies. These movies represent Thailand.
Whenever I get some free time, I go on a road trip to somewhere green.
I started from nothing. So I frankly feel it’s an honor that I’ve got to know people from another class.
I want people to remember me for showing the world the ancient style of Muay Thai, as the action choreographer for Ong-Bak.
