Twilight show Part 1 and 2

February 2005

Thanks Goddessy for the translation


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Host: You've been all around the world. Has this change your life in any way?
TJ: The best change out of all this was I was able to give back to my parents. I had a home built for parents, as well as money for them.
Host: Where was it built?
TJ: In Surin.
Host: Are your parents very happy with what you have accomplished?
TJ: Yes, very happy and proud.
Host: What did your father say? He used to hold you back, now his chest is about to explode! [in a good way]
TJ: [laughs] To see my father happy, makes me happy as well.
Host: And how about your mother?
TJ: She's happy too. It makes me happy to see my whole family happy.
Host: People who know your parents would say: "You have a famous son now. What are you going to do next?" He gave a great answer: "What am I going to do next? -- farm."
TJ: Yes. I'm very pleased with his answer.
Host: Your father said he's a farmer; therefore I must continue farming. But now I can farm with happiness.
Host: Your father is a great man.
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Host: Do you remember when you first began the production of Ong Bak, you had to borrow money from your younger sister?
TJ: Yes. 50,000 baht.. She was studying to be a nurse.
Host: You needed it to compose a video to present to Mr. Prachya Pinkaew, is that right?
TJ: Yes.
Host : And that 50,000 baht., you can say that was all your sister's life savings.
Have you paid her back?
TJ: Yes I have. And I even opened up a pharmacy for her.
Host:: Ah, I see. Your brother! What about your brother?
TJ: Well, my brother plants, raises fishes, and takes care of the elephants.
Host : Ah yes. You have a really special bond with your elephants.
TJ: Yes.
Host : So the change is, everything's better, everyone's well off. You have a nice home and money for them now. They can do anything and be happy.
Are you glad that you've come this far?
TJ: Yes very glad. It's been so worth it to be alive during this lifetime. I've always enjoyed my success here in Thailand. But I was able to share the art of Muay Thai with the world including Asia, Europe, and even America. This lifetime has been very valuable to me.
Host : After Ong Bak premiered in Thailand, Sia Jiang of Sahamongkol Film thought about how to make this film known throughout the world. So he had to show it to various countries. It started in Asia and gradually worked it's way to the West. This was the road to success for Panom Yeerum. This film was exposed to the rest of the world. What was the first country you visited?
TJ: We first went to Singapore.
Host : You went to promote the movie and demonstrate the art of Muay Thai live.
TJ: They've seen the movie. But we want to emphasize that there was no use of stunt doubles, no computer graphics, and wires. We really wanted to show that we didn't need none of that..
Host: : When you were there, how were you feeling? Were you afraid of how well you would be welcomed, anything like that?
TJ: I felt really excited because it was the first country we visited. When I stepped off the plane, we headed straight to the soccer stadium.
Host : So that means you had to go to this stadium and show what you've done in Ong Bak. Was there a lot of people?
TJ: Actually, there weren't that many people. I was a bit shocked. I was thinking, they probably weren't too into this kind of film. But when I got on stage, the host announced that the Ong Bak team was here. So, it was then people started slowly gathering. The music started and I did the stunt where I step over people's shoulders -- that's when the audiences started cheering and clapping. So even more people started coming in.
Host: : All that that cheering. How did you feel?
TJ: Oh wow! I gave it my all!
Host : Yes, so that was in Singapore. Where did you go next?
TJ: Next was Korea.
Host : So how was it in Korea?
TJ: Well, it was hard because for them to accept something like this...
Host : Ah yes, people there are of pretty high education.
TJ: Yes. And they also have their own form of martial arts -- Tae Kwon Do.
Host : Yeah. It's like all of a sudden you show up and say you're a Muay Thai artist. They probably must have felt a little pressure.
TJ: Yes. It was quite amazing when I first arrived. They took me straight to a temple.
Host : Why is that?
TJ: They probably wanted to rinse me in Holy water or something. [laughs]
Host : So they took you straight to a temple? So...why?
TJ: They said that the priests there saw Ong Bak, and they really liked it.
Host : Oh really?
TJ: So I walked in, and my hair just stood up. [They're Buddhists too, but just a different type of Buddhism.] I saw the poster of Ong Bak hanging right in the temple.
Host : Right inside the temple?!
TJ: Yes. And then these little children novice monks started running towards me. They grabbed my hands and lead me inside for some tea with the priest. The priest gave me words of blessing and said that the movie presented Buddhism very well.
Host : Oh, yes because in the movie you had to battle the people who stole Ong Bak. The movie was like a way to give understanding to Buddhism.
TJ: Yes.
Host : That's what you experienced in the temple. That must've made you happy.
TJ: Yes, and very statisfying because I got the blessing of a lifetime there. And he gave me this bracelet called "tanju" [sorry if i misspell this]
Host : After the temple, then where did you go?
TJ: After that, I went on a TV program, to an interview, and a performance at a movie theater.
Host : At the movie theater? Like how? Is it like, Ong Bak is playing and you're performing?
TJ: When the premiere of Ong Bak is over, then we showcase.
Host : Oh I see.
TJ: This way, we can show them that what I'm doing is real.
Host : What was the reaction of the people in the theater?
TJ: They announced my name. They said, "Tony Jaa is here!" Everyone started clapping like crazy. They were whistling, screaming, things like that. So we just started performing -- walking on shoulders and so on. They clapped and clapped. It's like YES! I did it! They really gave me a chance. They weren't excluding other forms of martial arts. Even though they have Tae Kwon Do and I came with Muay Thai -- it's the fact that we shared the same love for martial arts.
Host : Ah yes. I understand. Your love for Muay Thai and how you presented it -- they can accept that. That's why they welcomed and clapped for you. So your trip to Korea was also a success. How long did you stay?
TJ: I believe it was 10 days. There was one incident where we went out to eat - food was very delicious.
Host : Ah yes. I've had some before. I couldn't get enough of it!
TJ: So when we were there, we had to take off our shoes. So the stunt team lined up all their smelly shoes -- [both laugh] so we sat down. There was another table next to us. There was a girl and a gentleman -- a Korean couple. They were arguing very loudly. My translator told us they were arguing about the girl having an affair.
Host : Ooooohhhh...an affair! OK OK, then what?
TJ: So they were arguing and the gentleman was very drunk. He was drinking pretty heavily. He was heading out and paid for his food.
Host : Did the young woman follow?
TJ: No, she was just crying and bawling.
Host : Uh huh, uh huh.
TJ: It was very sad. Then there was another man outside who walked in. He saw me and he was kind of suspecting whether I was Tony Jaa or not. So he came up and asked me. It turns out, he saw my movie --
Host : [imitates the fan] Hey it's Tony Jaa! It's Tony Jaa!
TJ: Yes! Yes! So I gave him my autograph. And then, the girl that was crying turned around and was like, "HUH?! TONY JAA!" She just ran and asked for my autograph. The stunt team started backing off. They were like, "I'm not involved. Leave me out of it!"
Host : Was she still crying?
TJ: Yes she was. She was wiping her tears.
Host : But still asked for your autograph? [imitates female fan by pretending to wipe tears and reaches his palm out to let Tony Jaa sign it]
TJ: I was looking for her boyfriend and thinking : Am I gonna start some problems here?
Host : Oh yeah. Her boyfriend might come back and beat you up.
TJ: When I signed my autograph for her, she took my hand and kissed it! I was afraid there was gonna be a problem but I survived.
Host : As you can see, even though she was crying and having an affair, she was going to continue having another affair with Tony Jaa. [TJ laughs] So they really admire you. A fan crying, asking for your autograph, and even kissing your hand. That moment in Korea really touched your heart. So the promotion was over. Then you headed to another country.
TJ: We headed to Hong Kong. This put major pressure on me.
Host : Oh most definitely! Hong Kong movies are not ordinary.
TJ: Yes. Kings of martial arts films. Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Jet Li and many others. All respected masters.
Host : A lot of pressure?
TJ: A lot of pressure. There was a lot of people at the premiere. It was in Mongkok. I was dressed in my Muay Thai wear -- shirtless, Muay Thai shorts, and ropes representing "Katcheuak". I was sitting upon this carriage, carried by my stuntmen.
Host : 4 people carrying you?
TJ: Yes. 4 people.
Host : And 3 people cheering? NO! I'm just playing!
TJ: [laughs] Nah, I had my Thais to cheer me on.
Host : OK, so they're carrying you down...
TJ: It was like in the middle of a market. so there was a whole bunch of people. "TONY JAA, COMING!" It was very loud --
Host : Wait! Hold up! The movie hasn't even premiered yet, correct?
TJ: No, not yet.
Host : So just from viewing the trailer, already they're screaming your name. Alright. Then what?
TJ: They carried me next to the stage and there was a short interview. Then I just did a flip off the carriage --
Host : You did a flip?!
TJ: The audience was like OOoohhh...
Host : Oh...I get it now. If you were some other normal star, like Hollywood stars for instance, they would just properly walk off. But not if you're TONY JAA. You see all these people, you've got to do something! You've got to take a risk. [TJ laughs] Ahhh...that's your persona!
TJ: They interviewed me. Then I gave them a performance before the movie premiered. I was demonstrating Muay Thai...People were like OOH! AH! OH!
Host : AY YA!
TJ: Like in Kung Fu films.
Host : So basically, you took your stunt team, demonstrated various Muay Thai moves, Jorake faht hahng -- things of that sort.
TJ: Then I walked on my stuntmen's shoulders...They were like WAAaaa....[both: AY YAAA!]
Host : Something like that...[to audience] You probably remember the scene where Jaa runs over the shoulders of the guys who were going to fight him -- he couldn't find a way to escape so he just walked over their shoulders. Everyone in the world believed that there was the use of wires.
TJ: Yes.
Host : But when they saw the real thing -- CRAZY!
TJ: Yes, there was a time --
Host : [interrupts] And by crazy, they meant you were CRAZY. [TJ laughs] They were like,"How'd you do that?!" They were really confused.
TJ: There was one time -- we didn't inform the audience that we would sneak in and observe.
Host : So after you performed, you snuck in.
TJ: Yes, that's right. And so...I went in and the movie was dubbed in some type of Chinese dialect. And oh wow, my voice!
Host : Oh, what was it like?
TJ: [imitates Chinese]
Host : [laughs] Oh man, I think I'm gonna go rent that. Oh and imagine how Mum Jokmok must've sounded like. [imitates Chinese] [TJ laughs] That was pretty good, right? OK OK, so you didn't understand anything but you knew what was going on.
TJ: Yes, and it was nice to enjoy it in a different flavor. After the movie ended -- [the theater was darka nd the lights were very dimmed] The host came out and announced, "TONY JAA IS HERE WITH YOU!" People just
started screaming,"AAaaahhhh...!" and clapped. Then...I got up from my seat and the people behind me were like...WHOAaa!!
Host : Oh! I see! You were sitting in the rows with them. But it wasn't until you stood up...AY YAAA!!! You were there all along!
TJ: The camera followed and my translator ran after me. I felt sorry for her [I'm assuming it's a female because he didn't say] because her feet was hurting that day. I stood in front of the audience and I greeted them,"Sawatdee krap!" And I had this Chinese phrase,"Ni man hao!" They clapped and they wanted me to perform for them.
Host : They wanted more.
TJ: Yeah, and so...it was very dark. I told my stuntmen to line up. I didn't even get a chance to warm up, I wasn't prepared at all. So I just started praying and meditating and after that, I just ran up. Everyone started cheering so loud.
Host : There were at least a thousand people in the theater. But the thing that your Hong Kong fans really admired about you was your interview. You gave them such a great interview that they just fell in love with you.
TJ: Yes, it doesn't matter where I go -- whether it's Korea, Singapore, or Hong Kong, I would always thank the people who have inspired me. And they would be, Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Jet Li. If these 3 people never existed, Tony Jaa wouldn't be here today.
Host : Yes...and this wasn't scripted or anything. It wasn't planned. Even when he first came on the show, he said that he grew up with those movies. So when you said that, they immediately accepted that there's only ONE Bruce Lee, ONE Jackie Chan, ONE Jet Li, and ONE Tony Jaa.
TJ: Yes. I felt really proud and honored because it was the one country that I felt the most pressure.
Host : And what about the girls? Do they scream and call for you? [Flirtatiously] "Hi, Tony Jaa!"
TJ: They come in all ranges. From little kids, teens, and adults.
Host : Even the old ones.
TJ: They would ask for my autograph and they said they would cherish it like one of their prized possessions. That's something that -- oh wow...
Host : I'm so happy that it came out this way...And you went to another country -- the most hi-tech and modern country in the world. That is Japan. So how was Japan?
TJ: Japan -- this was one of the countries I wanted to visit. And I went on a game show. They only allowed us 1 minute.
Host : Many of Japan's programs are very popular. They would invite many interesting people from around the world and put them on their show. But in this one program, they only gave you 1 minute.
TJ: We can do whatever we want within that 1 minute. There was a live audience. I warmed up in this really narrow room. Ok, so I had 1 minute. They called me out. We did the stunt where, one stuntman would stand on two stuntmen and I would kick a paddle off the stuntman at the top using a move from the Thai sport, "takraw". They called,"Tony Jaa!" I ran out, jumped, and just kicked. People were stunned! They said,"More! More!" So I just continued showing more stunts and moves. They interviewed me more, promoted the movie more -- all of it was 5 minutes.
Host : Hey...they said 1 minute. But when they saw you in action, even if they told you to stop you probably wouldn't. All you heard was more, more! Oh, the happiness.
TJ: Yes, I was so happy. And what I was most happy about was I was able to take the Thai language with me. Wherever I went, I always say,"Sawatdee krap! Kawp koon krap!" And all my fans would come up to me say,"Sawatdee krap!" And they're not even Thai!
Host : And it's not just the Thai language. You also took with you your Thai ways. So, how long did you stay in Japan?
TJ: Ah...about 10 days.
Host : You brought some souvenirs with you. [digs into bag] You have something from Japan. [TJ hands him nunchucks] This is like what we see in the movies. [starts twirling nunchucks]
TJ: I also brought back some clothes and things.
Host : [continues twirling] I'm pretty good, aren't I?
TJ: Yes. [starts backing off]
Host : Pretty good, huh?
TJ: Yes.
Host : You see, everyone? There could be a new hero in town. Anyways...the things you got aren't what's important, it's the welcome that you received. And while you were on these tours, you were also filming a movie. Another of Mr. Prachya's films. And that is...
TJ: Tom Yum Goong.
Host : You were in and out of filming. The success just started building up. This was in Asia. But this movie wasn't just shown in Asia, it continued. Next you went to?
TJ: Europe. In France.
Host : Have you've gone to France before?
TJ: NEVER.
Host : It's not just France. Laos is even hard to get to. Getting on a plane, is something you've never even dreamed of. But the world has opened itself to you, you must go. How was it in France?
TJ: This movie got to Europe with the help of Luc Besson, who is a director/producer.
Host : So he contacted Sahamongkol film and wanted to bring this movie to France. Luc Besson does a lot of action movies in particular. So, then what?
TJ: I sat on a plane to France, very long flight. -- over 10 hours.
Host : How many people went with you?
TJ: We went to France twice. The first time, it was my assistant [I think he means his translator], the director, and me. When we got there we met up with Luc Besson and he helped us promote the movie. Again, we performed in a movie theater. Luc Besson announced that I was there. Everyone cheered and clapped. So I stepped out. It didn't feel right if I didn't show or demonstrate anything.
Host : Yes, because that wouldn't be you if you just stood there and let them interview you. And you didn't want them to accuse you of using wires or something.
TJ: Yeah. But I didn't bring any of my stunt team. So Mr. Luc Besson volunteered to help me. I ran towards him, stepped on his chest, and flipped backwards.
Host : You let him stand still, you ran up to him, stepped and his chest, and flipped backwards??? Wait, did Luc Besson fly and end up in a different country now? [TJ laughs] Why would he let you do that?
TJ: Well, it seems as though he really liked this movie. It's a different movie, presenting a new type of martial arts to the world, so he was willing to do it for this movie.
Host : So he would stand on stage -- excuse me. [gestures TJ to stand up and walk to the front of the stage] Ok, so he stands like this. Then what do you do? [at this point the audiences begin to stir up and TJ begins to laugh] Ladies and gentleman, what you are about to see........................IS NOT WHAT YOU THINK! I've seen you in action. I'm not Luc Besson. I'm just explaining to them that Luc Besson was standing here and...??
TJ: OK, so he stands there [does his Muay Thai move] then I run up, kick him in the chest, and flip. I try to do it as gentle as possible so he wouldn't get hurt.
Host : You kick him in the chest and then you flip backwards. I don't care if you're kidding or not but when someone receives impact they fly off to a different country. Luc Besson could really stand still?
TJ: Yes.
Host : Really?
TJ: Yes. --
Host : I was actually wondering whether I should let you do that to me or not...Ladies and gentleman....I assure you....it's not gonna happen.

After that, the host thanks him for coming on the show and says he will return with Mr. Prachya Pinkaew and Mr. Panna Rittikrai.

Twilight Show Part 2 :
Thanks Goddessy for the translation


Host : Sia Jiang couldn't be here today. He had some business to take care of. He really wanted to be here though. But we have a clip of what he has to say about Panom Yeerum.

Sia Jiang : I've seen many of Jackie Chan's films. But he battled his adversaries using Kung Fu. So I wanted to make it different by having Tony Jaa use Muay Thai Boran. He is skilled in many martial arts and is a very loving person. He is very determined. He will train and do anything to make it come out right. And for his first movie, he refuses to use a stunt double, wires, or CG. He wanted to show the Thai audience the true Muay Thai Boran. I wanted people to feel that he's not just making recognition for Thailand, but be happy for his skills in martial arts. He has trained for so long -- he has sacrificed his whole being to be where he is today. I want every Thai to feel love for Jaa Panom. And I want Jaa Panom to continue doing things that would make the Thai people proud.

Host : And that was from Sia Jiang to Tony Jaa. And thanks to the two gentlemen who are able to join us here today. And the first gentleman sitting next to Jaa is the director of the movie, Mr. Prachya Pinkaew. Many people have heard of your name but never knew what you looked like. [jokingly] At first he wanted to star in an action movie himself but he took a good himself and realized it's not going to happen because after going up 3 steps he's already exhausted.

Prachya: [laughs]

Host : And another gentleman we may know very well for he has been on our show before. And that is, Mr. Panna Rittikrai. [To TJ] If you had to compare Mr. Panna to someone, who would it be?

TJ: A teacher, a master, a brother, and even a father. He has always looked out for me and taught me many things.

Host : In the early days, you watched his films and you were intrigued by this action hero.

TJ: Yes.

Host : And after admiring him so much, you ended up working with the man himself. And as for Mr. Panna, were you pleased with your student?

Panna: Bruce Lee had always been my hero. He was also an inspiration of mine. But once he was gone, I've had this thought : someday Jackie Chan won't be here, Jet Li won't be here...I was waiting for someone who can continue making movies [that's done for real] for me to enjoy. And he happens to be right around the corner.

Host : Now let's go to Mr. Prachya. Do you remember when they presented those videos that they made to show you? What was your reaction, how did you feel?

Prachya: At first, I wasn't interested. I was like Panna, why'd you do that. That was a waste of money, who's going to pay for this? But when I started watching it, I was like,"He can fly!" So, yeah. I was pretty stunned.

Host : That was the beginning of Ong Bak. Then it got into : Who is this kid?

Prachya: Yes.

Host : When he was on the tour, usually Prachya and Panna would go with him. But they might alternate every once and a while.
But Mr. Prachya, you went with him almost every time?

Prachya: Yes.

Host : Were you there with him when he stepped on Luc Besson's chest?

Prachya: Yes, I was there.

Host : Can he really step on someone's chest and flip backwards?

Prachya: Well, he can already do the flip --

Host : No, no, no...can he really do it???

Prachya: Yes, he can.

Host : Can you stand and let him do it to you then? [Panna and TJ laughs] The viewers were wondering why I didn't let him step on my chest.

Prachya: It's a matter of deception -- it's not like he really kicks you with all his might. It's more like a tap on the chest.

Host : Ohhh...I see. Did you get that from Panna.

TJ: Yes. One time, we were going to do that to a reporter. I first demonstrated it with one of my stuntmen. I did that move and the stunt man slid pretty far. The reporter saw it and got really scared.

Host : Like,"Am I gonna go that far too?!"

TJ: Yeah. But no, really it's not like that.

Host : So there's a special technique for it. If you had told me that last time I would have let you do it to me.

Panna: But it's not that easy. It's a personal skill that he has.

[shows magazines from France again]

Host : After France, you went back to shoot Tom Yum Goong again. But Sia Jiang called you up again. This time, you're going to..?

TJ: America.

Host : When hear America, what's going through your mind?

TJ: It wasn't something we expected or thought could happen. I was really honored when I heard that.

Host : What did you do there?

TJ: We first went to L.A. to a basketball game. I had no idea the stadium was so big.

Host : Mr. Prachya, how did you feel?

Prachya: I was stunned by what they prepared for us. It was during halftime and they would have all these acts and things.

TJ: They gave us 3 minutes. I couldn't make an mistakes. I was carrying Thailand on my back! There were so many people. And my feet was hurting that day. Then I thought a little bit : They flew me in free, gave us a place to stay for free, and brought the art of Muay Thai to show for free. So I had to do it and do it right. Then they announced, "Welcome Tony Jaa, from Thailand!"

Host : Did anyone there know who you were?

Prachya : Some people fairly knew who he was.

Host : They've seen posters of the movie around L.A. and knew that a movie from Thailand was going to be coming soon. So they knew you were the star of this movie. Ok, they called your name...

TJ: I walked out and the noise was unbelievable. I looked only at my 5 stuntmen. I wasn't concentrating on the things around me. The only thing on my mind was God, our Majesty the King, and my mother and father. I decided to yell and go for it, walking on their shoulders. I felt like I was flying. I didn't even look at their shoulders, I just flew. I could only hear the screams,"Amazing! Oh my God!" They cheered and I continued to demonstrate more. At the last stunt where I kick the paddle, my mouth just went dry and I was tired. I started clapping and everyone in the audience clapped along with me. I let out a yell, flipped, and kicked. People yelled and cheered. It was amazing. And they were screaming more! more!

Host : I'm sure you two [Prachya and Panna] were excited and nervous as well! And you [Panna] know what it's like when your feet is hurting. And as for you [Prachya] you're thinking : My movie! How is my movie going to turn out if he starts falling! You would be like : Get on out of here.

Prachya:[laughs] I knew he was tired that day and his feet was hurting. The one stunt that really made me nervous was the last stunt. We usually use a paddle but this time, we replaced it with a basketball; therefore, it's higher than usual. I was afraid he might not make it.

Host : What about you [Panna]?

Panna: Some people still didn't know him, so they would walk to the bathroom. So I told Jaa to hurry up and make sure he can nail it. And when Jaa began to run over the stuntmen's shoulders, the people heading to the bathroom started turning around and looking. They stopped and they didn't go to the bathroom. They just started cheering.

Host : They just stood there and peed. [imitates urinating sound and all laugh] They clapped over and over again. And stood up. In English, it's called a "standing ovation". Generally, when they show respect they just clap. But when they stand up, it's the ultimate respect. -- Did you see your posters?

TJ: Yes. There was one where it was right next to the poster of Jennifer Lopez. I was like,"Hey! It's so close to her!"

Host : Oh wow, Jaa! You were that happy just to see her poster next to yours?? What if they ask her to star in your new movie next time?!

TJ: Wow...

Host : Next you went to Dallas.

TJ: Yes, much more confident this time. Yes I've won!

Host : You won? What do you mean by that?

TJ: I've won the hearts of the viewers.

Host : When you were there, you had a translator. And the translator with you was so happy for you, she just cried.

TJ: She had never seen a Thai person who has been so welcomed.

Prachya: She lives there.

Host : Oh, so she knows what people are like there. Next?

TJ: We continued to go and promote the movie. I performed in movie theaters again. They took me on elevator. And when the elevator opened to the 2nd or 3rd floor, I was greeted by Shaolin monks. About 30 monks. And they've also seen Ong Bak. They commented that the movie displayed martial arts in the most truest, clearest way.

Host : They gave you something too. [takes out beaded bracelets, necklace, and a shirt and pants signed by one of the monks.] Before you went to America, did you think this movie would do well, Mr. Prachya? Were you afraid?

Prachya: Making it to America, is a dream for many Thai movies -- to be in the box office. Just to be the 100th would be good. We got to 40. At first they told us it would play in about 200 theatres.

Host : 200 theatres, do you consider that a lot?

Prachya: Yes, for a Thai movie it is because a Thai movie has never gotten more than 10 theatres.

Host : First Ong Bak went to 250 theatres. After a few days, it went up to...

TJ: 387 theatres.

Host : It was the 40th on the box office, but then it went up to the 17th.

Prachya: Yes.

Host : During the tour in America, you did your usual thing. Showing up at the premiere, things like that. How was the reaction?

TJ: Oh wow. They were really into it. It's not like how we would watch a movie.

Prachya: It was like they were watching a concert.

TJ: They were like Ya! Oh! [kicks and punches]

Host : The whole theatre?? How were you feeling?

TJ: I've never seen anything like it.

Prachya: Even the comedy that we didn't think they'd laugh at, they actually did. Like when the woman walks by Mum selling knives.

Host : What about when you flipped between the glass, or when you did a split under the car?

TJ: Yeah, they reacted to it [imitates audience's reactions]

Host : Let's talk about your new movie. And that is?

Prachya: Tom Yum Goong.

Host : Did it put any kind of pressure on you?

Prachya: Yes. The more I see how much people like Ong Bak, the harder it became.

Host : Yes, of course.

Prachya: Panna, Tony Jaa, and I came together and we decided, there's no need to hold back anymore. Let's just put our all into the new movie.

Host : Panna is still the choreographer for the fight scenes in the new movie.

Prachya: Yes.

Host : Is there anything special or new about the fight scenes in this new movie?

Panna: Because of the reactions around the world, I had to go back and watch Ong Bak again. So, what do we do next? So I thought with Jaa. In the end, we found a way out. Let's present another form of Muay Thai that hasn't been seen before. And present more of the Thai culture.

Host : How much of this movie has been filmed?

Prachya: Over 80%

Host : And are you satisfied with the 80% so far?

Prachya: I was relieved. What I was relieved with wasn't the actions scenes, but more of the way of the elephants. And Jaa raises elephants.

Host : Yes, this movie will deal with the bond between elephants and humans. And now, Jaa has improved his acting skills.

Prachya: Yes.

Host : He's not the same Panom Yeerum who's going to come and just start beating up people. This time, he will have emotion -- all the elements of movie. And so, this is what you were satisfied with.

Prachya: Yes.

Host : When will the Thai people get to see this?

Prachya: In August.

Host : [To TJ] Are you satisfied with the work you've done?

TJ: Yes. And very glad that I was born on the grounds of Thailand and to be able to share the art of Muay Thai with the rest of the world.

Host : And Mr. Prachya, you're not just making a Thai movie now, right? It's not just within Thailand now. The whole world is seeing this.

Prachya: In the internet, you can see people from around the world, following news of Tom Yum Goong, and everything about us. Even this show, I'm sure will end up on the internet.

Host : Huh?! Really? How do you do?![to us] -- while you were promoting Ong Bak. There were many rumors about you. Such as?
TJ: There were rumors that I accepted a role in Die Hard 4 with Bruce Wilis.

Host : Second rumor?

TJ: Next was Drunken Master 3 with Jackie Chan.

Host : And there was something about Tom Cruise.

Prachya: That wasn't a rumor.

TJ: That was true. Tom Cruise asked for a copy of the film to watch at home.

Host : Huh? He's gonna ask you to marry him? [laughs] People may wonder why they entitled this new movie, Tom Yum Goong. This is because, when people hear it, they'll know it's Thai.

Prachya: Yes.

Host : Currently, and this point and time, who is TONY JAA?

TJ: The same usual guy.

Host : Any changes in personality, speech? Anything? Let's ask Mr. Panna.

Panna: His personality and ways are still the same.

TJ: Yaay!!

Host : What's not the same?

Panna: He had to adapt to new surroundings and a different society, which he has done very well.

Host : Do you remember when he first came on the show? When he first came in he was looking around. They said you had to talk to me and you just sat shaking and trembling, yes?

TJ: [laughing] yes.

Host : You shook my hand [trembles] You were shaking like crazy. But now that's not a problem. [to Prachya] Has he changed?

TJ: At first, he didn't really know how to prepare. He would start off by meditating, praying in temples. Before we could even begin shooting, we'd have to wait for him for half an hour. He would go around bowing to monks in temples, things of his nature.

Host : Aw, how nice.

TJ: Yes, the power is from within.

Host : What do you want from the future?

TJ: I just want to be able to give back to my family. I want to do my duty and return to nature.

Host : You said the greatest victory is winning your own heart, and not anyone else's.

TJ: I got that from all the martial arts that I learned. Martial arts teaches you that we, as humans should love one another and be friends. The only reason you learn martial arts is to win over your own heart.

Host : Besides your friends and family, the two that could be here today are one of the most important people in you life. One is your master, who taught you everything about martial arts. And Prachya Pinkaew who gave you life on screen. As for Sia Jiang who couldn't be here today, also gave a whole lot to you. -- You now have the highest life insurance in Thailand. So this means you're really afraid he's going to die. [all laugh] -- Wherever your determination is, that's also where success is. Good concentration, intention, and conscience, is the result of this man, Panom Yeerum or Tony Jaa.

TJ: Thank you.

[at the end]

Host : I don't know what to give you that would be better than this. Ladies and Gentlemen, please give a round of applause for Tony Jaa!

[the audience gives a standing ovation]