Jaa Goes AWOL

Tony Jaa had spent nearly three years shooting Ong-bak 2, his first attempt at directing, when he disappeared in June 2008, going over-budget in the process.   At the time of his disappearance, Jaa had spent 200 million baht (£3million) without finishing the film.

At the press conference held in Bangkok, Somsak Techaratanaprasert, the president of Sahamongkol, insisted the film would be ready for its scheduled 5^th December release date and said, ‘I guarantee that this is not a case of financial fraud, and I have no intention of pursuing any legal action against him.   We're running behind schedule, and some of our international contracts have been cancelled because of that. I know he loves this film very much, so I just want him to finish the film because there's only a little work left.’

Jaa’s family said he had suffered a huge amount of stress during the making of the film and had gone to the jungle to meditate.

Prachya Pinkaew, director of the first Ong-bak, confirmed that he would edit the film and may complete direction of the film.   He said, ‘Jaa has little experience directing.   He's spent nearly $7.8 million. The film is almost finished, so I'll try to see what I can do with the footage that he's shot.’ [ADD]

2008

Thailand: 2008