From Thailand to the World: ‘The Debt Collector’ Takes Over Netflix's Global Top 10

Thai action films are no longer just breaking through — they're breaking records and underscoring the growing global appetite for Thai content on Netflix. Thai action-thriller The Debt Collector has debuted at the #3 spot on Netflix's Global Top 10 Non-English Films just one week after its premiere. The film quickly claimed the #1 spot in Thailand within 24 hours of its release and has held the top spot in the country ever since. Internationally, it has landed in the Top 10 in 56 countries.

Pure Thrills: The Simple Heart of an Action Film

Director Surapong Ploensang reveals his simple wish, "What I hope audiences take away from this movie is simply enjoyment. I want everyone to watch this film and feel extremely excited and satisfied; all our effort is aimed at that. The simplest essence of an action film  is for the audience to have fun with it and feel thrilled. We put our heart and soul into delivering that for our audiences."

“Beyond the action, this film speaks about something universal that is ‘debt’, and the weight it puts on people's lives. I believe audiences everywhere understand that message without us needing to spell it out. Seeing it resonate with viewers across so many different countries has been incredibly rewarding for everyone involved," the director concluded.

Nadech x DAOU and Their Most Transformative Performances Yet

Lead actor Nadech Kugimiya, whose career-defining transformation into "Num" has earned widespread praise from audiences, shared that this role meant to him far more than simply playing a character. It was his greatest transformation for a character, both physically and emotionally.

"At the beginning, we would spend around three to four hours in the makeup chair experimenting — darkening my skin tone, adding tattoos and scars, trying different things until we found the right look. After that, the process moved much faster. My favorite moment was actually seeing myself in the mirror, those details made me truly feel like I had become Num. As filming went on, I tried to live more like the character. I stopped paying much attention to my own appearance and did my best to leave 'Nadech' behind, so I could stay fully immersed in Num throughout the entire shoot," Nadech shared.

Daou Pitaya Saechua's chilling portrayal of the ruthless villain "Po" has become an internet favorite, particularly for the striking contrast between his brutality toward everyone around him and the childlike softness he shows when around his mother, a detail that quickly went viral on social media. Reflecting on taking on the role, he further shared: "Playing Po was both physically and emotionally demanding, but also an incredibly exciting challenge. I believed that someone as ruthless as Po had to have a reason for becoming who he is, so I worked closely with my acting coach to understand what drives him and what could push someone to such extreme violence. Those motivations shaped every action and every thought behind the character. In the end, if audiences truly hate Po, then I feel I've succeeded in doing my job as an actor."

A Story Rooted in Thailand, Resonating Worldwide

While The Debt Collector explores the universal issue of debt at its core, the film is deeply rooted in Thai identity, with every detail reflecting the country's rich culture and character. The creative journey began with a simple question: "If this story didn't take place in Bangkok, where would it happen?" — a question that ultimately led the filmmakers to Phetchaburi Province as the story's backdrop.

Following extensive location research, the crew found that Phetchaburi offered everything they needed, both creatively and visually. From its mountains and coastline to its distinctive landscapes and timeless old-town architecture, the province gave the film the perfect canvas for its action sequences while offering global audiences a fresh view of Thailand beyond the familiar skylines of Bangkok and its well-known tourist spots. The film also weaves Thai culture seamlessly into its storytelling through authentic everyday settings and local traditions, with one standout example being the vibrant temple fair, brought to life through iconic colorful neon lights, inflatable playgrounds with giant slides, and the iconic "Wall of Death" motorcycle stunt show. Together, these details build a world that feels vivid, dynamic, and unmistakably Thai.

The Debt Collector follows a former brutal debt collector, haunted by guilt and racing against a terminal illness after his time behind bars. When he returns to the world he once terrorized, this time he avenges the victims of loan sharks and seeks redemption before it's too late. Starring Nadech Kugimiya, Daou Pittaya Saechua, and Chaiwat Thongsaeng, The Debt Collector is now streaming, only on Netflix.