The Paradise of Thorns

Movie Details:

Cast & Characters:

• Jeff Satur as Thongkam
• Engfa Waraha as Mo
• Pongsakorn Mettarikanon
• Harit Buayoi
• Srida Puapimol

Storyline:

‘Thongkam’ and ‘Sek’, a devoted gay couple, have worked tirelessly to build a life together, including owning a house and a durian orchard in Mae Hong Son. Tragedy strikes when Sek dies suddenly in an accident, revealing that they were never legally married in Thailand, leaving Thongkam with no rights to their assets. The house and orchard now belong to Sek’s mother, who moves in with her adopted daughter ‘Mo’ and gardener ‘Jingna’. Thongkam must now fight to reclaim the fruits of his love and labor. —GDH

About The Paradise of Thorns Movie:

The Paradise of Thorns (วิมานหนาม) is a Thai thriller film directed by debutant director Boss Naruebet Kuno. The film was inspired by the inequality in Thai society and the issue of same-sex marriage, which was recently approved by the Thai parliament on June 18, 2024.

The film was announced by GDH at its 2023 press conference under the title Project D and was initially scheduled for release towards the end of that year.

GDH initially cast Krit Amnuaydechkorn in the role of Thongkam. However, Krit withdrew because his acting skills at the time didn’t allow him to fully portray the role, and his work schedule conflicted with the filming timeline. As a result, GDH postponed the entire plan and later recast the role, with Worakamol Charter, better known as Jeff Satur, taking on the lead.

Director Boss Naruebet Kuno spoke about his work on the film, stating: “Creating this movie was a very challenging task because we had to tell a story that is complex and full of emotions. We wanted the audience to feel the authenticity of the characters.”

The film has been selected for its International Premiere at the 49th Toronto International Film Festival 2024 (TIFF), taking place from September 5 to 15 in Toronto, Canada. It has also been chosen for screening in the Discovery Films category, which highlights outstanding first or second films from new directors worldwide.

The Paradise of Thorns is was released in cinemas in Thailand on August 22, 2024.