Complete Synopsis of Tom Yum Goong (2005)

 

As a young boy, Kham had only his father and their elephants for family. Kham treated 'Por Yai' the bull elephant like a surrogate father and 'Korn' the calf like his own brother. The four of them lead a simple but happy village life, living from day to day. Por Yai is a majestic animal, big and powerful yet tender and loving. Kham's father would often say it would be a dream come true if he could one day present Por Yai to his Majesty the King of Thailand as a token of his esteemed devotion. Kham learned much from his father, who taught him they way of the Jaturungkabart, which his ancestors had followed for hundreds of years. A Jaturungkabart was one of the most revered soldiers in the Thai Army; they would stand proudly at the legs of each of the royal elephants guarding them from cowardly attacks by enemy soldiers. Sat upon these proud elephants would be the reigning king, if any of the legs were struck by enemy soldiers the life of the king would most definitely be in great danger. The Jaturungkabart were masters of weaponry and Muay Thai. From his earliest memory, Kham can recall watching his father and practicing the ancient moves of his ancestors.

Kham's father had become quite excited in the days before the Thai water festival, Songkran. He was so certain his beloved elephant was majestic enough to enter the royal gardens that he went to the village headman, Sia Suthep, to ask for his opinion. Unbeknownst to Kham's father, Sia Suthep was heavily involved with organised crime, and particularly with smuggling endangered animals overseas. Sia Suthep manages to convince Kham's aging father that, though the elephant may be fine enough to present to the king, it must first be thoroughly checked to see if it matches all the right criteria. Sia Suthep uses this as a ploy to get Kham's father and the elephant to an area where he could eventually steal the elephant, even if it costs the old man his life.

Kham learns of this treachery and burning with rage, eventually discovers the location of Sia Suthep's Bangkok hideout. Kham tears through the place like a man possessed. A battle ensues in which Kham eventually discovers the intended destination of his beloved elephants¡K.. Australia.

Kham travels to the unfamiliar surrounding of Sydney in search of the elephants, which are now in the possession of Madame Rose, a ruthless mafia boss with a fetish for rare and endangered creatures. Kham comes into contact with a Thai police officer, Mark, and an unfortunate Thai working girl, Pla. Kham enlists the aid of Mark to help rescue his elephants and bring down the mafia figures who stole them. Pla learns that the thugs who stole Kham's elephants are the same ones who forced her into prostitution. Now Kham is her only hope in her bid to once again lead a normal life.

On his search for Por Yai and Korn, Kham is confronted by numerous thugs, hooligans, henchmen and even corrupt police officers. He has to fight his way through a horde of extreme sports enthusiasts, multitudes of martial arts experts, a giant Australian fighter and even, in a single 4 minute shot, a brothel full of clients.

Finally Kham reaches Madame Rose, the mastermind behind the theft of his animals and the slavery of hundreds of young Thai girls. Once more he is blocked by the burly Australian T.K. but this time T.K. has brought help. In the final scene, Kham is surrounded by Madame Rose's best bodyguards and henchmen. Though already exhausted, Kham is forced to draw on the strength of his Jaturungkabarn ancestors. His refusal to give in, despite the odds, leads to an epic, brutal battle.

Source : TYG production notes