My name is Khem.
Luang Poo finds my getting up late acceptable.
He understands a night owl like me.
I know he doesn't want a temple boy to work nightly.
Anyway, I know what my job and my responsibility are.
I've lived with Luang Poo for nine years.
He might permit my stay, for he took pity on me
after my father's death.
I've been of help for those who give me shelter.
But I don't rely on the temple only.
My friends and I learn our living by being diving guides for tourists.
Our job is like the country's receptionist.
It's tough, for we have to take care of our nature
and to impress our customers,
Everyday customers bring different kinds of problems.
Our clients come from the guy with a mustache named Guide.
What are you doing?
These two girls are sisters.
The one who looks older is Duen; the one with a tiny waist, Dow.
Bring it here.
- Is it that heavy? - Doesn't it look heavy?
Give me a break!
The most talkative one is the guy with big muscles.
His name is Chai.
Though customers don't get what he says
his excellent service impresses them all.
- Those tourists are bloody fussy. - The guy with a baby face is Aey.
They want to see all things from sharks to clams.
I should have
- shown them only cockles. - Aey is a hot-tempered,
young guy who wants to be like us.
We have different takes when talking care of customers.
We hope they will recommend our good service.
Here's a loaf of bread.
- Why? - That can cause me cancer.
- Just eat it. That won't kill you. - Quiet, please!
You are driving my fish away.
You moron!
You take them away. They are about to hook my bait!
Those foreign tourists!
Take care of them, for god's sake!
Those tourists praised you.
See you at the bar tonight.
See you there. As usual.
Dow, go open the bar now.
Make it quick or Dad will be pissed off.
Straighten it up!
Do it for me, OK?
Just do it and make it quick!
I'm going to work out!
After our customers come ashore, another job begins.
We must be ready for crowds of tourists at night
on this sleepless island.
It's a countdown time for extreme tourists.
Likewise, we each have to finish up our own errands
before seeing them at our next place of work,
which is a ring for the brave only.
Welcome all distinguished guests to our Chok Dee Bar.
A relaxing, tourist-friendly place.
Anyone who steps up here to challenge
the Thai boxer tonight
will be privileged to get our special gift.
Now, not to waste any more of your time,
I'd like to present
the special fight
between a baby-faced, lovely boxer,
Chai Andaman Boy,
Do you want a fight?
And a hard-punch boxer from the blue corner,
Frank from England.
Anybody wants to fight?
We've got one.
Step right up here.
Believe me. Take it easy
He's a piece of cake.
Stop showing off? Please step up here. Ready?
Ready?
Don't hit below the belt. OK?
Box!
Are you all right? OK?
You OK?
Aren't you bored with this daily boxing routine?
If I am, what should I do?
How about shooting or stabbing them instead tonight?
Hey, you trying to be the tough guy now, are you?
They flew across the oceans to have fun here.
If all our customers leave, you're dead meat.
Roger that, Duen.
Are you OK? Stand up.
Box!
Oh, evasive move! Move! Oh!
Don't kick below the belt. Bad thing.
It's not good at all!
OK? Ready? Go!
Box!
You're dead meat!
Come on.
Now my deadly trick for you!
To make customers happy, Chai can do anything.
TKO Frank Wins
You hurt him bad. Please give him a tip.
He needs to go to the hospital. Tip for hospital.
OK. Are you OK?
Here's your tip. So you can go to the hospital.
Thank you.
Go get some ice for that table.
Go ahead. Make it quick.
Anyone? Anyone? Who wants to step up?
Anyone stepping up here?
Sometimes I ask myself how long my patience lasts.
Since Thai boxing is comes second to none.
Anyone? Anyone?
We've got an opponent for Frank.
Come on. Come together now.
Let's touch hands first.
Box!
That move was called 'King Rama walks the jungle'.
You can't touch me.
Box!
All right?
You know he's our regular customers.
Don't give him all you've got.
Box!
That was 'Flying Knee Strike'
Get up. Are you OK?
Box!
TKO Frank wins.
Oh, he knocks him out.
Every night we have to fix our fights in exchange
- for our customers' tip. - Give me my share, Chai.
Make it quick! Aey and I are going out to eat.
We divide our daily income systematically.
Divide what? It's only me who was kicked!
So why do I have to share my tip?
Don't you forget I was a referee?
Don't be stingy.
Who suggested a tip for you?
What about you?
That guy is my customer. I dragged him here.
We have our own customer recruiting manager.
OK. All right.
We also have an information database manager.
And you?
He was my customer yesterday.
Just give it to me.
- And you? - I'm the youngest one here.
We are like brothers and sisters. Who all grew up together
What the hell are we arguing for?
It's not our money, anyway.
- Just give us money. - Stop penny-pinching!
Don't be so stingy?
You're lucky enough I don't charge you.
You're doing business in our bar.
Right, Dow? Right.
This has nothing to do with tip at all.
The owner of the bar is Uncle Prao. He's the father of Dow and Duen
- and who has provided us for jobs. - When you're all finished
help close the bar.
He's also like a second father to us.
Including me, too, Dad?
Leave it to me.
Here you are. You want many banknotes.
See? I've got only one.
And why do I get only this one? Hey!!
OK. All is done.
- This island keeps us - Uncle Prao is an ex-boxer.
- Far away from the police. - Uncle Prao is an ex-boxer.
- So initial self-protection - Uncle Prao felt guilty
- in any dangerous scenario - for unable to save my father
- enabling you to escape - from a bad tourist.
- Is something you should learn. - But be worried about us all.
When there is a growing number of tourists.
Since then, he finds any opportunity to force us to learn Thai boxing
- I'll teach you as much as I know - despite some of us
- the Chaiya style of Thai boxing - being bored by his lesson.
So you can protect yourselves
- and help each other. - I believe that uncle Prao is deeply
- But I forbid you - happy being with his daughters
- to use it to harm others. - And especially their female friends.
Chaiya boxing is an ancient fighting art form used in war.
I have learned by heart what Uncle Prao has taught us.
- When a sword - While some of us
- drops from your hand, - try to understand.
- Your arms and feet become - some others don't try enough.
- Weapons of sword-like power. - Some others don't try enough.
Once you are trained to mastery, your body becomes a weapon.
When will he stop training us?
These two girls are not afraid of any trouble
because they don't like making trouble.
But if they happen to run into trouble,
running is the best option for them.
Controlling this weapon is a matter of presence of mind.
Checkmate!
When the hell did you checkmate?
Are you going to cheat me?
Please have the presence of mind to not cheat me.
Since childhood, Uncle Prao has not only trained us to box
but also encouraged us to maintain this fighting discipline
so that it doesn't become forgotten and make use of boxing properly.
However, I hope that what Uncle Prao has taught me
I can use to protect us all.
Although no one knows what future will bring,
here on this island, no matter who we are or where we are from
we all can be equally happy.
With Uncle Prao's guidance
and strict teachings to keep us on our toes
we are trained to be ready, and not to be careless.
But what does he expect from people of our age?
So we will skip his training if any way possible.
No matter how much Luang Poo preaches to me,
there's still one simple thing I've never understood.
I don't understand why.
When we love someone or have deep affection for someone,
Why do we have to always prepare ourselves
in having to lose them?
Dow, let's go play.
Make it quick. Push it!
You push it. You are not pushing hard enough.
No! Uncle Art!
Let go of Dow! Uncle Art!
What are you doing to her?
Luang Poo asked me to bring you some food.
You better eat something or you'll follow in your father's footsteps.
Go! Khem!
Dad, watch out!
Khem! Don't go!
Dad!
Wake up! Dad!
Life brings both good and bad things.
But my dad was a good man.
We cannot escape,
whether we are good, bad, white, black, alive or dead.
If only I could have saved him,
things wouldn't be like this.
Every man has his own karma, son.
Those men committed karma!
He stabbed my dad!
You! Mark my words!
I'll get even with you one day!
Karma will linger in their minds,
waiting for the right time to bring upon them their own consequences.
Luang Poo, how long will that take
until the karma will bring upon them their own consequences?
Ladies and gentlemen. Lady boys, lipstick lesbians and dykes.
I hope you'll enjoy Muay Thai fighting bar.
Are you tired?
Yes, indeed.
Not at all.
I'm willing to be even more tired for you ladies.
I didn't ask you. Go away!
What are you laughing at?
Let me see your necklace.
Didn't you say it was sure to protect you?
It couldn't protect you from girls' sharp tongues! They told off!
So what's it any good for?
To protect me from a dog's yapping mouth like yours!
Oh, his lover's jealous! I knew it!
With a six-pack stomach like that, he's gay for sure! Eaw!
Wenches! I should have given it to them good!
Mind your mouth!
Have you seen Dao?
You come over here and you cry for the moon, huh?
You trying to be princess's pauper?
Chai!
Hey, I think you made a hit and run!
Bloody hell!
Hi, Khem.
You're grown so much.
You almost hit it!
Just teasing!
Not a big deal.
Oh!
What?
Whew! You're breath still stinks like before!
Miss Pearl. What?
Did you change your surname?
Which surname?
To Harbor. So you are now Miss Pearl Harbor!
Bad-mouther! Do you prefer to eat dry dog food or canned?
That question was just for him only, right?
Why do you have to taunt me?
Have a drink with me.
Drink what?
Whiskey of course.
On one condition.
What condition?
Whoever gets drunk first will be play a wife role.
That's enough! What the hell? Every time!
Are you scared?
No way!
Oh, a knight on horseback!
Hello Uncle.
Uh... yeah hey.
Just in time.
Come over here and be a witness
since people around here like to cheat!
Checkmate!
Duen, come on. Give your father a break.
It's like you're playing yourself!
I'm your bloody father!
Come on, dad!
You tip the board over every time you lose!
Khem, can you tell who's cheating?
Honey, what can I do for you?
I'm not 7-Eleven, but I give 24-7 delivery.
Um... I need to ask my hubby first.
All right, then.
What about you? Would you like some more love?
I don't like men!
I don't like you, either!
You!
What's with you now?
Do you want any 'big bite'?
You call that big? No thanks!
You bitch!
Dad and Duen play chess
and end up fighting everyday.
Dad tips the board over every time he lose!
You asked about me. What's the matter?
Luang Poo hasn't been well lately.
You don't dare ask Duen to take leave, right?
Dao, take an order at Table 5.
Got it.
Khem, if you want to take day off, I'll tell dad for you.
But promise me.
If there's anything I can do to help, please let me know.
Thank a lot. Going back to work now.
OK.
Dow! Find something for your sister to eat.
She's getting too moody and won't play the game!
OK, dad.
Here comes the next fight.
Go get it.
OK.
Khem, ready?
Don't hit below belt.
Ready. Box!
Are you all right? OK?
Why don't you fight?
Box!
He's our customer, OK?
Hey, are you OK?
Sit down. Sit down.
How much does Thai boxing hurt?
Well, not at all.
Because I have a suit of armour.
She asked him, not you.
I spoke for him. He's too far.
Do you want to ask him any question?
Could you teach our husbands Thai boxing?
Oh, that's clear.
Oh, no! Domo arigato.
I'm leaving. See you later.
Table 7 asked for a bill ages ago!
Hello.
Luang Poo, you look better now.
You need to take your medicine to get better.
Khem.
Please bring Master Prang a glass of water.
Yes sir.
Pong, bring Luang Poo some rice soup.
Use the same recipe.
Thank you.
This is a traditional Thai massage.
Poor customers!
Chai.
What?
Go and tell them we're closing.
You tell them yourself.
Or you want to clean the whole bar?
Are you envious of my good look?
How narcissistic!
Excuse me. We're closing.
But we're not finished yet. Any problem?
We still want to drink.
Sorry, we're closed.
Chai! Again?
Khem, go stop them.
Let go of me!
I warned you.
Hey, hey. Who's trying to act tough around here?
Get lost before I blast your heads off!
Calm down, dad.
Leave it to Khem and Chai.
We're not finished with you yet!
I'll be here!
Are you finished yet?
I've been waiting to hear music for ages!
Nearly, nearly.
Today, I saw a broker here with foreign businessmen.
They want to buy a plot of land to set up a boxing camp.
Do you know about this?
Sort of. Some villagers came to talk to Luang Poo.
Why do you ask?
Nothing. Just worried.
If there's a foreign boxing camp, everyone will go there to learn.
Then you'll get hurt even more when fighting your matches.
You worries about me?
Well...
Your father has taught us boxing every week.
And we fight every night so we're used to getting hurt.
It's not you I worried about.
I worry that there'll be no boxer working for my bar.
So you thought wrong!
How selfish!
So what? This is what you get!
That's what I'm talking about!
If any problem, don't hurt me, OK?
Dow! Nun! Come here.
What?
They are the ones who want to buy land from my mum.
And they offered a good price, too.
So you'll be rich then.
Are you crazy? This is the only land we own.
It's the one we built our house on.
We will never sell it!
So did they manage to buy any land in the end?
No idea. But someone said they're staying with Master Mued,
the owner of a boxing camp in the city.
Then why don't they run a business there instead?
I don't know, but I if you want to know,
I'll go ask them for you, OK?
My mum said those Thais with them told her
there are a lot of tourists on our island which they must like.
Just great! Then the foreigners hire Thais to teach Thai boxing crap!
They put up English signs and charge a fortune.
They box like shit!
Then call it international Thai boxing!
The Rambo man just won by TKO!
Are you sure?
Yes, I want to.
He's so big! Are you sure?
Hey, Frank.
Come and take him away. Take him.
He asked you who owns this place?
My boss wants to buy this bar.
He'll reopen it as a boxing camp.
Play on, Duen. I'm winning!
Didn't you hear what David asked you?
Stupid foreigner! This is a bar!
We sell only alcohol and entertainment.
There's nothing else for sale!
If I sell to foreigners like you,
what the hell will we Thai people do for our living?
Don't pretend to be patriotic!
This is a bar,
not a temple!
Calm down, dad.
If you want anything, just let the waiters know
and make yourselves at home. I'm busy!
Even if you won't sell,
when you die, You can't take this bar with you, can you?
My dad just told you. He's not selling it!
Duen, go get some beer.
Go! Go!
Dad!
Khem! Help him!
Leave it to me.
How can you bully an old man?
You are not a real man! You sissy!
Dao, get your dad and Duen inside.
I'm not going!
Be careful Chai. OK.
Follow the rules! Box!
Chai, are you all right?
Sweetheart, you start to love me when I'm nearly dying?
Khem, he's yours!
Stay still!
They all left!
So we can let go of him.
They left.
Go check how they are.
Go. Go.
There's sand all over you!
Are you OK?
Khem, are you OK?
Oh, I'm badly hurt.
Where do you get hurt?
Here.
Where are you hurt?
I'm hurt, too. I'm hurt, too.
Calm down, David. What's eating you?
Any basic element of Thai boxing
can be developed into hundreds of techniques.
Calm down.
I was away for only a while.
And our training camp has international so fast
Where did you get out of jail?
Who do you say was so sure of himself?
Your problem is like a house on fire.
There is no single solution.
Water, wind or sand can put out fire.
If you had the presence of mind, you'd have found a way out.
But if Khem didn't do what he did,
the people at the bar would have been in big trouble.
If you beat Khem, you have to beat me, too.
Khem saved my family and others at the bar.
You can beat me, too.
If you thought our solution was the wrong thing.
Sometimes what you think is a solution
may lead to another problem.
What do you think? Master Prang?
Destiny must have brought him to see us again this life.
Khem is of good basics. He has a clean heart.
I hope it will lead him to solution.
Thai boxing does not require postures and styles
or violent force.
When forced to fight,
the winner is the one with the better fighting skills.
Yet fighting skills are second to the art of fighting.
But what is most important regarding the discipline of fighting
is the fighter's heart.
And when do we decide to fight?
Boxing is used to defend us and help those in trouble.
It requires force to some extent,
but with accuracy your opponent can be stopped.
When you train hard in darkness
amid the sounds of waves and wind.
You'll gain concentration and special senses.
Besides expertise,
special senses will help you survive danger.
What is the most difficult element of Thai boxing?
Seeing our opponent.
So unless we are blind, there'll be no problem, right?
It's not about seeing with our eyes.
I already got a deposit from that foreigner.
But that damn old man insists he won't sell.
Leave it to me.
Luang Poo. Here you are.
Thank you very much, Khem.
Tomorrow, I plan to go out and receive food offerings myself.
You must be bored of looking after me, right?
Help!
There's nothing serious. Come back, please.
Now it's your turn, dad.
Where the hell is the owner?
Here. But not available.
Fine.
So I won't waste my time with you.
Just sell it
and keep the money as your retirement pension!
When foreigners talk shit, that's still OK.
But when a traitor to his country talks shit,
it's bloody annoying.
How annoying! You beat it!
Just move your arse out of here
before I change my mind to bury you at the back of this island!
Please don't hurt my father.
Freeze!
This is a real gun.
Dow! Duen! Take your dad go now!
I'll take care of everything here
So you think you can bully ladies?
Please take care of it, bros.
I have a customer to take care of, too!
Do you think they'll sell when I've done this?
Why did you have to beat him?
What about you, B Boy?
Right here!
You choose between this bar
and your daughter.
Which one do you want to keep?
Dad, I'm fine.
All right, I give up.
This is yours
and the rest is mine for all my sweat!
Oh, Uncle Prao. Good morning.
Bear in mind.
Don't let your wrath blind you.
Have the presence of mind in whatever you do.
While you are working on solution,
you may stay here.
Nobleness is to refrain from desire;
To abstain from the world deeply defiled
Until no enemy exists in body nor mind;
Then one is purified from things maligned.
I know Luang Poo was trying to
teach us about sufficiency in all respects.
Khem, we've put you through a lot of trouble.
I don't know how to return my gratitude.
I'm so worried about you.
I don't want to put you through any more trouble.
Let go of Dow! Uncle Art!
What are you doing to her?
No! Uncle Art!
Let go of me! Uncle Art!
Don't hurt her! Uncle Art!
Khem! Don't go!
Let it go as Luang Poo told you.
Promise me you will, okay?
What Uncle Prao has most worried about has finally occurred.
Along with development are money and problems.
I think perhaps having problems
can keep us together.
We never know what tomorrow can bring.
But I want to make the most out of today and just be happy, Khem.
The boxer from the bar is here!
What do you want?
I'm here to ask of you.
I have nothing to give!
Go get me the contract of this bar.
You have money.
Why don't you find somewhere better?
Are you deaf or what?
You want to join?
Come on!
You want this? Come and get it.
Is he out of his mind?
Khem you're crazy! You think you can have fun without me?
I don't want to put anybody in to trouble.
But this problem is not yours only.
Watch out!
I got you!
Pong, you don't have to be here, please.
So I'll take care of the girls.
Khem, your new friend is such a gentleman!
I'll take care of the girls.
Leave it on me.
Khem, I've got him by his neck!
I got him! I told you, right?
Is that you, Khem?
Go! Khem!
Dad!
I'll help you to be with your father soon.
Don't hurt my sister!
Let go of me!
Where are you taking my sister?
Let her go, you bastard!
Let go of me!
Hand me the gun! Off the way!
Leave the girl with me!
You take these foreigners to the boat. Go!
Go!
Go to the boat.
Duen, watch out!
Why did you run into me?
What are you going to do about it?!
Well... I can get out of your way. Just ask nicely.
What the hell you going to do?!
What the hell are you standing around for?
Get lost!
Off my way! Off my way!
Is that all you've got?
If you're brave enough,
Leave the girl alone.
Dow!
I told you to watch those foreigners, are you deaf?
Damn it! Let go of me!
I told you when Thai fight, we fight to the death!
I warned you!
You sleight his fucking money.
Make it quick! You screwed it all!
Dow!
Khem! Stop!
Khem.
I'm going this way.
You go from the back.
Go! Let's go!
Khem.
Let go of me! You bastard!
Make it quick! Quick!
Move your ass!
Come on.
Let go of me!
Dow! Watch out!
Dow, get behind me.
Do you think you're the best?
I don't need any gun to kill you.
Get out of the way, Dow!
Khem
Don't worry about me.
Finish your last words before I send you to hell!
Go! Leave Dow! Go!
Go and take care of her!
Quiet! Dow!
Go get them!
The real hero!
No! No! No! It's me. It's me.
Let's go! Go!
Go!
Pong, beat him!
Here's the bag! Hey, you!
Let go of me! Here's the bag.
Pong, save the girls first!
Come here.
Quick! This way!
Wait!
Guide, make it quick!
Wait for me!
They're coming!
Guide, make it quick!
Wait
Hurry up, Go Go!
Stop complaining and just go!
Quick! They are coming!
It's the right way. Just go!
What are you arguing about?
Stop arguing will you?
Don't even dare!
Be careful, Dow!
Don't even think about it!
Chai is here!
Pong, it's all you man!
I'll take care of the girls.
You go first! I'll follow you!
I'll follow you!
Hey. Hey.
You killed my bro!
Quiet or they'll hear us.
Come on! Bring it!
Come right over here. So I can go!
What the hell are you standing for?
There he goes!
You can't get away!
Come on! My big bro is here!
You're dead meat!
You think you're all that, huh?
Please! I beg you!
Hey! Wait!
He sounds like Chai.
Impossible.
It's me
Enough! Duen! Stop or he'll die.
Is he dead yet?
Let go of me! Ouch!
Chai!
Come on! Get up!
I got it!
Who just beat me?
No idea.
Hey you're the best! Bloody great.
See? Who's the man?
Chai, you're the best Bravo!
Come on. I'll teach you how to box!
Who killed your dad?
He stabbed my dad!
You! Mark my words!
I'll get even with you one day!
You sent me to jail!
Because of you, I went to jail!
Come. I'll teach you how to box!
When you're about to die nearly die,
you and your father look exactly the same!
Dad! Dad! Dad!
Wake up, dad!
Every man has his own karma.
We cannot escape, whether we are good, bad,
white, black, alive or dead.
Don't let your wrath blind you.
Have the presence of mind in whatever you do.
Karma will linger in their minds
waiting for the right time to bring upon them its consequences.
Don't let it exist in your heart.
What is the most difficult element of Thai boxing?
Seeing our opponent.
It's not about seeing with our eyes.
If our mind sees what's on an opponent's mind.
It means we see what the opponent will do.
Thanks. Dow.
No, I should thank you.
What do you find most valuable?
My old man!
What does he have to do with it?
No idea. Let's just say he is.
Money? Right Guide?
A lot of money?
I think responsibility is most valuable to me.
How heroic!
Khem, what do you find most valuable?
Besides my teachers,
friends and this island that I live on,
I find Dow most valuable to me.