Films
Thai Pride in Global Entertainment: Passion, Talent and Impact
Thai entertainment has long thrived within Asia, and now, steadily and powerfully, ...
Thai entertainment has long thrived within Asia, and now, steadily and powerfully, it’s making waves on the global stage.
Thai talent is breaking barriers, sharing our gifts with the world. As the spotlight turns our way, let’s take a moment to celebrate these strides in global entertainment and cinema, and the rich culture we’re showcasing for all to see in 2024.
Lisa Manoban in The White Lotus Season 3 (2025)
Lisa’s journey has been a hard-fought one, starting with competing in dance competitions and breaking into one of Korea’s top entertainment companies. Since her debut in 2016, she has gone from conquering the music world as a member of the phenomenally successful BLACKPINK to going solo and establishing her own label.
On top of that, Lisa is now adding another string to her bow: her acting debut in HBO’s critically acclaimed The White Lotus – a murder mystery series known for its sharp critiques of wealth and power. With a narrative steeped in murder, power plays and self-discovery, the series unravels the complex dynamics of inequality in global systems.
With its third season set on Thai soil, the latest teaser offers intriguing glimpses of what’s to come. Lisa takes on the role of a hotel staff member, bringing her undeniable charisma to the small screen. The teaser also showcases her in traditional Thai attire, sparking curiosity about how her character’s story will unfold. This acting debut highlights Lisa’s artistic versatility, proving she is much more than just a global pop sensation.
The season features an impressive ensemble cast, including Walton Goggins, Michelle Monaghan, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Leslie Bibb and Aimee Lou Wood, alongside celebrated Thai actors such as Dom Hetrakul, veteran Patravadi Mechudhon and senior actress Taew Usha Seamkhun, renowned for her iconic role in Lhanma. Seeing Lisa and other Thai talents shine alongside Hollywood figures marks a significant milestone for the Thai entertainment industry.
With her debut in The White Lotus, Lisa brings her story full circle, celebrating her Thai heritage on a global stage while captivating audiences with her evolving artistic dimension.
Billkin Putthipong and Taew Usha Seamkhun in Lhan Ma (2024)
Lhan Ma, or its English title How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies, has made it to the shortlist of 15 films in the International Feature Film category at the upcoming 97th Academy Awards. As the only Asian film on the list, we celebrate this as a significant achievement for Thai and Asian cinema, as well as for all those who have helped push the art of cinema to greater heights.
The film stars Billkin Putthipong Assaratanakul as a university dropout caring for his terminally ill grandmother, who is battling cancer in a Thai-Chinese setting, with universal themes of love, family and inevitable loss. Billkin’s portrayal of a young man caught between ambition and a turbulent reality resonates deeply on a global scale, proving that Thai films can transcend their borders.
Alongside Billkin, the film features a tear-jerking performance by Thai actress Taew Usha Seamkhun. Affectionately known as Grandma Taew by Thais, she shaved her head to take on the role of the grandmother, a central figure whose legacy and relationship with her grandson form the heart of the story. Her all-in performance had us watching tearfully as the credits rolled, taking in lessons in warmth, wisdom and vulnerability, anchoring the narrative in the context of a Thai-Chinese extended family. This might be the portrayal that stands as an unforgettable highlight of the film’s success.
Earning over $78 million globally, Lhan Ma has become the highest-grossing Thai film of 2024, breaking box office records across Asia. Its inclusion on the Oscars shortlist marks a historic moment for Thai cinema, signalling its growing recognition on the world stage. The final nominees will be announced on 17 January 2025, but regardless of the outcome, Lhan Ma is a work of art that has already solidified its place in cinematic history.
Oakbab Chutimon Chuengcharoensukying in HUNGER (2023)
HUNGER is a riveting 2023 drama that takes a deep dive into Thailand’s high-stakes culinary world, where the heat of the kitchen is matched only by the fierce ambition of those within it. With a rare focus on the intense, often unseen emotional journey behind the culinary process, this film stood out in Thai cinema. Upon its Netflix release, it captivated global audiences, rising to number one on the Global Top 10 Non-English Films chart during the week of 10-16 April 2023.
At the core of HUNGER‘s success is Oakbab, whose portrayal of Aoy, a young chef caught between ambition and morality, captivated audiences with its raw intensity. Aoy’s journey from street-side noodle vendor to the upper echelons of haute cuisine struck a powerful chord, earning Oakbab the title of Best Performance by an Actress at the 52nd International Emmy Awards in 2024.
In her moving acceptance speech, Oakbab thanked her team, director Sitisiri Mongkolsiri, and Netflix Thailand for believing in her. With HUNGER, the film crew carved out more space alongside other Asian pioneers like Parasite (Korea) and Drive My Car (Japan) in recent years, further elevating Thai film culture onto the world stage.This marks Thailand’s historic win and we thank our first Thai actress for bringing this achievement home, upholding the spirit of Thai filmmakers and Asian filmmakers as a whole. Also to be congratulated are the talented cast and crew of HUNGER, including producers Soros Sukhum and all those who worked tirelessly to bring this remarkable story to life.
Win Methawin in Under Parallel Skies (2024)
Another Thai star is putting Thailand on the map, standing shoulder to shoulder with the powerhouses of Asian cinema. Win Methawin Opas-iamkajorn’s lead role in the international co-production Under Parallel Skies (2024) marks another defining moment in Thai-global entertainment collaborations.
Set against the backdrop of Hong Kong, Under Parallel Skies follows Parin (Win Methawin), a Thai bachelor who embarks on a quest to uncover the whereabouts of his missing mother. Weaving together Thai, English and Mandarin dialogue amidst the city’s neon glow, Parin meets Iris (Janella Salvador), a Filipino hotel employee. Together, they navigate the urban labyrinth, forging a bond that explores the tangled threads of love, identity, healing and the universal quest for belonging in a world where cultures collide and converge.
This ambitious project underscores the power of global collaborations between Asian countries, all with a shared determination to push Asian cinema forward. Win’s portrayal has been praised for its emotional depth and authenticity, and the project was notably mentioned at the 2024 Asian Film Awards, where both Win Methawin and Janella Salvador were recognised. This elevates the genre and reinforces the idea that stories transcending cultural boundaries are more relevant than ever. With this, Win is helping to position Thailand as a prominent player in the global entertainment industry, paving the way for more Thai talent to collaborate in such international ventures.
As the film world becomes ever more interconnected, Under Parallel Skies serves as a tangible reminder that the voices of Thai artists are ready to be heard and celebrated beyond Thailand.
These successes prove that Thai entertainment is no longer confined to regional appeal—it has firmly established its place on the global map, all while celebrating its unique cultural identity. With these determined trailblazers leading the way, 2024 is poised to be a defining year for Thai entertainment, with even greater achievements on the horizon. We stand ready to recognise and celebrate this monumental step forward, alongside fellow Asian filmmakers, as they continue to shape the future of global cinema.
