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Spooky Thai Drama ‘The Legend of Nang Nak’ Sets Regional Broadcasts

Patrick Frater
2 min read
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Thailand’s skill with ghostly drama series gets another showing in “The Legend of Nang Nak,” which releases widely across Asia next week.

Directed by Taweewat Wantha and scripted by Sorarat Jirabovornwisut, the pair behind “Death Whisperer 1 and 2,” the 30-part series portrays a ghostly love story that defies the barriers between life and death.

The series hails from production firm Minds@Work and Thai terrestrial broadcast group BEC World. International sales are handled by I.E. Entertainment.

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It will begin airing from Oct. 14 in Thailand on Channel 3 and on Netflix in Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and Myanmar. Viewers in Indonesia able to stream on the Vidio and Viu platforms.

Starring the duo of Yiwha Preeyakarn and Job Thuchapon, the early 19th century-set story sees Nak, promised to Lord Sanpimarn. But she discovers love in Mak and escapes to his village, Bang Phra Khanong. Challenged by Mak’s mother and a jealous acquaintance, their love endures. When Mak is called to war, Nak tragically dies in childbirth, leaving her spirit to await Mak’s return. As villagers attempt to thwart her ghostly presence, Nak’s wrath and enduring love become forces to reckon with.

Nak and Mak’s intertwined destinies unfold amidst a backdrop of societal tension and supernatural conflict.

“The love story of ‘Nang Nak’ is a timeless and well-known Thai classic, comparable to Western tales such as ‘Dracula’ or ‘Romeo and Juliet.’ My version offers a full spectrum of emotions reflecting Thai traditions—love, drama, comedy, and horror. We’ve enriched the story with historical details and new characters, exploring the lives of Nak and Mak before they met,” said Narit (Pap) Yuvaboon, producer and managing director of Minds@Work.

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Yuvaboon was previously part of Film Bangkok where he played a key role in bringing acclaimed Thai films such as “Fah Talai Jone,” (aka”Tears of the Black Tiger”), Bang Rajan” and “Bangkok Dangerous” to festivals and commercial success.

He started his own company in 2016 and started with non-scripted shows including game show “Thai Mung,” variety talk show “Roo Jing Pa,” and the singing contest “Cloning Singing Contest,” before expanding into drama series production, with supernatural romance drama “Spirits of the Mekong River,” the rom-com “My Sweet Assassin,” the adventure fantasy “World of Himmapan,” and the fantasy actioner “The Blaze of Naga.”

More recently he was responsible for last year’s hit movie “Tee Yod” (aka “Death Whisperer”).” Its sequel will release in Thai theaters this week.

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