One Day (2016)
Photograph: IMDB
Photograph: IMDB

Thai movies on streaming

Here’s a curated list of Thai films on streaming that you won’t want to miss.

Tita Petchnamnung
Advertising

Today, Thai filmmakers are pushing boundaries, addressing thought-provoking social issues and creating universally relatable stories, all while preserving their distinctive cultural voice. From the vibrant streets of Bangkok to the tranquil shores of Pattaya, these films offer a lens into Thailand’s multifaceted identity, blending the local with the global in ways that feel both personal and accessible. 

Whether you’re a long-time fan of Asian film or just beginning to explore beyond Western staples, Thai cinema offers a captivating entry into a world where age-old traditions meet modern aspirations, and storytelling takes on bold, new forms. 

Here’s a curated list of Thai films on streaming that you won’t want to miss.

The Paradise of Thorns (2024) - streaming on Netflix

In this drama, love blossoms between Thongkam (Jeff Satur) and Sek (Pongsakorn Mettarikanon), an unmarried gay couple building a humble life together in their durian orchard– only for it to be shattered by Sek’s sudden death. Without legal protections for same-sex partnerships, Thongkam faces profound grief and a bitter legal battle against Sek’s family: his disabled mother, Saeng (Srida Puapimol), and adopted sister, Mo (Engfa Waraha). Amid this conflict, Mo finds herself torn between the expectations of daughterhood and the challenges of defining her own path as a woman.

Why it’s one of the best: The Paradise of Thorns is thought-provoking, socially conscious and deeply engaging, offering a sharp critique of Thailand’s marriage equality laws. Jeff Satur’s portrayal of Thongkam is riveting, capturing a delicate balance between victimhood and strategic survival. The film also exposes society’s tendency to value legal status over true devotion, while exploring universal themes of love, loss and the fight to preserve one’s legacy.

How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies (2024) - streaming on Netflix

This award-winning dark comedy cuts through family dynamics with unapologetic honesty. When struggling millennial M finds himself facing mounting debt and career failures, his grandmother Mengju's terminal diagnosis presents an uncomfortable opportunity. Driven by a mix of genuine love and financial desperation, M takes on the role of her caregiver– all while eyeing her life’s fortune. As grandma’s death looms, the film peels back layers of M's complex motivations and the dynamics of other family members in an extended Thai-Chinese family.

Why it’s one of the best: The film transforms a seemingly straightforward inheritance story into a complex examination of morality, love, duty, and self-interest. In other words, we’re forced to confront an uncomfortable moral ambiguity. The ending will have you shedding a tear or two. It’s that rare thing – a viewing experiences that’s both intellectually stimulating and emotionally raw.

Advertising

Pattaya Heat (2024) - streaming on Netflix

It’s a high-stakes, action-packed film set against the neon-lit backdrop of Thailand’s famous resort city. The story centres on Tot, who finds himself caught in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse with a mafia organisation. Pattaya’s bustling tourist hubs are transformed into battlegrounds.

Why it’s one of the best: This film leverages its star-studded Thai cast and well-known Pattaya locations to create a heart-pounding exploration of the town’s dual nature as a tourist paradise and criminal underbelly. Each location becomes a character in its own right, from the claustrophobic energy of Walking Street to the deceptively peaceful beachfront. The action sequences benefit from real-world settings, giving us immediacy and authenticity in the chase scenes that studio sets simply can't match.

Khun Pan 3 (2023) - streaming on HBO

In this third instalment of Thailand's supernatural crime saga, the legendary sorcerer-detective Khun Pan returns to the fray. Dragged from retirement into a web of corruption, he pursues two elusive bandits whose trail reveals a conspiracy that strikes at the heart of his beliefs. As both cop and mystic, Khun Pan navigates a world where black magic and law enforcement collide, forcing him to question the very institutions he has sworn to protect.

Why it’s one of the best: Traditional Thai mysticism and hardboiled police drama – a unique genre fusion that respects cultural roots by exploring loyalty, corruption and justice through a protagonist torn between the rational and mystical worlds. It features action sequences that blend martial arts with mystical combat – the visual representation of Thai magical practices pushes creative boundaries, making it a rare, culturally rich, and innovative entry in the Thai supernatural action genre.

Advertising

Congrats My Ex! (2023) - streaming on Amazon Prime Video

A cross-cultural collaboration between the Thai film industry and Bollywood, this movie dives into the chaos of wedding season jitters. In this romantic comedy, Risa (Bella Ranee Campen) takes on the challenge of organising an Indian wedding, only to discover the groom is none other than her ex, Arun (Mahir Pandhi). As if that weren’t complication enough, she has to hire her other ex, Tim (Bright Vachirawit), as the photographer. Old flames always bring awkward encounters, and Risa’s already overwhelming task quickly spirals into a hilarious rollercoaster of love, rivalry and unexpected second chances.

Why it’s one of the best: This film is a heartwarming, laugh-out-loud rom-com that delves into digital-age relationships with sharp humour and heartfelt sincerity. It’s the kind of story you’ll want to revisit time and again. Blending classic wedding movie tropes with genuine emotional depth, it provides hilarity and authenticity, all while offering an insightful glimpse of the meeting of two vibrant cultures.

RedLife (2023) - streaming on Netflix

This film follows a group of teenagers swept up in the darker currents of Bangkok. It paints a raw portrait of youth living on society’s edges, seeking real connection in the city’s underground world. As their lives intersect, their stories unfold, exposing both the brutal realities of street life and the enduring human longing for love amidst it all.

Why it’s one of the best: Raw directorial vision transforms Bangkok’s after-dark landscape into a character in its own right, with every rain-slicked street and neon sign telling its own story. The film stands out for its unflinching yet empathetic portrayal of marginalised Thai youth, avoiding both glamourisation and condemnation of their circumstances.

Advertising

The Con-Heartist (2020) - streaming on Netflix

This film has a refreshingly unpredictable plot, centred around Tower (Nadech Kugimiya), a charmingly slick con artist, whose path collides with Ina (Pimchanok Luevisadpaibul), a no-nonsense bank officer buried in debt after her ex-boyfriend’s betrayal. Desperate for cash, Ina teams up with Tower to swindle her ex through an elaborate scheme. What begins as a con job transforms into an unexpected romance – though neither can be sure if the other's feelings are genuine or just another carefully orchestrated deception.

Why it’s one of the best: For one, it’s not a cookie-cutter romantic comedy. The Con-Heartist flips traditional rom-com tropes by building its central romance around mutual deception. The film plays with viewers’ expectations through its clever misdirects, making the audience question whether they, too, are being conned. Its pacing is sure to keep you guessing until the final act, and the Thai humour in it offers a few memorable lines you might pick up to use in real life. 

One Day (2016) - streaming on Apple TV

In this Thai romance, Denchai (Chantavit Dhanasevi), a shy IT worker, harbours a secret crush on his colleague Nui (Nittha Jirayungyurn). When Nui suffers from temporary amnesia, Denchai, in a moment of moral weakness, seizes the chance to pretend they are already a couple. During a company trip, his simple wish for just one perfect day with her mysteriously comes true, leading to a bittersweet exploration of love, truth and the ephemeral nature of happiness. As his feelings deepen, he faces the delicate line between fantasy and reality.

Why it’s one of the best: Built on a fantastical premise, the film adds depth to Denchai, transforming his gentle deception into an act driven by desperate love rather than manipulation. This makes us question but sympathise with his actions, blurring the line between right and wrong. It weaves together a narrative of love and manipulation, leaving us touched by the vulnerability of Denchai’s devotion.

Advertising

Noodle Boxer (2006) - streaming on VIU

The story centres on Sanit, a noodle chef with a determined goal of stepping into the boxing ring. While pursuing his dream, Sanit must also contend with his girlfriend’s deteriorating health and fight for acceptance of her disapproving father. For the noodle seller, victory in the ring takes on a deeper meaning.

Why it’s one of the best: Noodle Boxer may not be widely recognised on the global stage, but it holds a special place as a cult favourite in Thailand’s comedy genre. The cast features respected members from Thailand’s renowned stand-up comedy circles, many of whom have become fan favourites for their roles in other films of the same comedic genre, drawing eager anticipation from Thai audiences.

My Girl (2003) - streaming on Netflix

This rom-com takes you on a nostalgic journey as Jeab returns to his hometown for the wedding of his childhood crush, NoiNaa. Through a series of flashbacks, the film captures the innocence of his youth, the cherished memories with his group of friends, and his tender bond with NoiNaa.

Why it’s one of the best: My Girl is a long-standing, beloved classic for Thais. The premise resonates with people from all walks of life through its portrayal of universal childhood experiences. It captures the innocent, sweet nostalgia and the bittersweet realisation of just how simple and pure love can be in those carefree days of youth.

Recommended
    You may also like
    You may also like
    Advertising