Jaa: A simple Thai guy!

Thailand, elephants and Ong Bak 2: Tony Jaa could ask for nothing more

In an email interview, Thai martial arts superstar Tony Jaa talks about himself and a film that's close to his heart Ong Bak 2 a film he directed after a successful debut as an actor in 2003 with Ong Bak.



In Thailand, you're known as Jaa Panom. Who gave you the name that Hollywood knows you by: Tony Jaa?
The name Tony was given by Prachya Pinkaew (he directed the first Ong Bak movie), so it's easy for the international audience to recognise the name. In Thailand, I am known as Ja Panom. Tony sounds good.
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What place do elephants have in your life?
I practically grew up with the elephants. Our family raises elephants and we love them.u00a0 For me, they are like my brothers and sisters. I grew up in the elephant capital of Thailand.

You missed out on Rush Hour 3 despite Jackie Chan pushing for you. You turned it down?
I was very busy with Ong Bak 2 during that time. It's a difficult decision to make then, but an opportunity to direct and act in your own project is a dream come true that is too hard to pass by.

Hollywood is steadily taking notice of you. Would you be willing to leave your beloved Thailand?
Working abroad sounds very exciting, but leaving Thailand for good, no.
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A lot of our recent films have been shot in your country. Are your aware of these films or our actors?
I did not realise that there are that many Indian movies being shot in Thailand.
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Do you know anyone from Bollywood?
Not personally.

Ong Bak 2 airs tomorrow on PIX at 9 pm