Top 5 grossing Thai films of 2009
Yea, yea, Ken Theeradeth is reigning supreme once again, this time in the big screen. Ken’s latest film venture, “A Bangkok Traffic Love Story or I rode a skytrain to see you”, which made 145.4 million baht (4.35 million USD) in theaters, is Thailand’s top grossing film for 2009.
Who would have thought a romance film would be the top grossing film for 2009, said the article. On its first day out, the film made 15.1 million baht ($452,231 USD), a record for the highest grossing first day earnings for a film in Thai box office history, the record was previously set by “5 Praeng (5 Phobias or 5 Junctions)” in September with 15 million baht.
“A Bangkok Traffic Love story” exceeded everyone’s expectations and more, the average first day earnings for a Thai romance film usually falls in 5-6 million baht range, the film tripled that amount. The film also did wonders for Cris Horwang (the leading actress for the film)’s career. Before she was just an actress, now she’s a recognizable Thai celebrity.
The horror flick “5 Praeng (5 Phobias or 5 Junctions)”, the sequel to “4 Praeng (4 Phobias or 4 Junctions)”, is ranked second with the current total earning of 113.5 million baht (3.4 million USD). The film is comprised of 5 horror stories directed by 5 different renown Thai directors connecting into one film.
Not only was “5 Praeng” a hit in Thailand, it was a hit internationally, topping box offices in Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. It also made the youngest star of the film, 14 year old ‘Kao’ Jirayu La-ongmanee the new ‘it’ boy. I concur, he is the new ‘it’ boy.
The rest:
In 3rd: “Wongkamlao”, a comedy directed by Petchthai “Mum Jokmok” Wongkamlao, starring Jakajan Akumsiri as the lead actress. It made more than 97 million baht (2.9 million USD).
4th:”Saranae Huapeng”-a prank reality show film from Willy McIntosh, “Ple” Nakorn Silachai, and Kietisak “Hoi” Udomnak. It made 96 million baht (2.87 million USD).
5th: “Yam Yasothorn 2 (Hello, Yasothon 2)” directed by comedian Petchthai “Mum Jokmok” Wongkamlao, starring his daughter Em Busarakham and Tattoo Color’s lead singer “Dim” Harin Suthamjaras as the leading couple. The film which premiered 2 months ago has made roughly 88 million baht (2.6 million USD). Because of its successful, Somsak “Sia Jiang” Techaratanaprasert, head honcho of Sahamongkol films, has given the green light for a third installment. I look forward to it.
December 29th, 2009 at 2:18 am
Waiting for BT(L)S to be released on dvd, it won’t be released for another 2(?) weeks ;o;~
December 29th, 2009 at 2:24 am
Hey Lyn, so do you know if anyone is going to sub Bangkok Traffic Love Story?…i’m dying to see the movie..lol..anyways thanks!
-CiNDY
December 29th, 2009 at 1:16 pm
I’ve watched BANGKOK TRAFFIC LOVE STORY and loving it .. Ken makes me love him in there and CHRIS is just too wonderful and awesome. She made her character so funny and cute but pitiful at the same time. Can’t wait til this get release on DVD as well.
Cindy, the movie came with English sub already ja.
December 29th, 2009 at 5:30 pm
Unfortunately, the Thai DVDs usually don’t have English subs, even though the movies are subbed in the theaters. But, given the strong Thai-Chinese characters and the immense popularity of Bangkok Traffic Love Story, I wonder if it will get picked up for release in Hong Kong, Taiwan or Singapore, where subtitles might be included on a DVD release?
Phobia 2 is just released on DVD in Singapore and HK, with subtitles. Horror and action films tend to get picked up quicker for international distribution. Romance and comedy are a bit slower in coming.
December 29th, 2009 at 11:28 pm
How exciting! These are all the movies on my must-watch list for now. I really want to see the prank film that Willy and his buddies did. I hope it’s subbed (I bet it’s not). I love their style of comedy
Thanks for the great article!
December 30th, 2009 at 9:10 am
YAY! for KAO the new IT boy!
December 30th, 2009 at 7:08 pm
Thanks guys! I really can’t wait! LoL