Entertainment
24 July 2025
Link copied to clipboardWhat if Robin Hood carried a crossbow, rode a steam train, and spoke with a Southern Thai twang? The trailer for Gold Rush Gang has dropped, giving a first look into the stylish and vibrant underworld of post-war Southern Thailand.
Premiering August 21, this explosive tale follows Ko-Wah Thungsong (Phetthai “Mum” Vongkhamlao), a real-life bandit turned legend, as he assembles a crew of misfit orphans to hijack a Japanese gold train and strike a blow against oppression. With bullets flying, hearts breaking, and betrayals unraveling, the gang’s mission turns into a battle for justice, freedom and redemption.
Southern Representation
Directed by Wisit Sasanatieng and co-written by Mum himself, the film brings a unique blend of action, romance, and cultural authenticity to the screen. The film revives the Southern Thai accent onscreen, an artistic challenge the creators took seriously. “Hardly any films are made in the Southern accent,” Mum said. “So we worked hard to slow down the dialogue and keep it clear without losing authenticity.” Having spent years living in the region, Mum noted the linguistic similarities between Southern and Northeastern dialects, which gave him a foundation to build on during filming.
Found Family and Firepower
While Jong Lansaka’s (Thiti Mahayotaruk) forbidden romance with Chompen (Punpreedee Khumprom Rodsaward), the daughter of his gang’s sworn enemy, adds dramatic tension to the mission, the deeper emotional thread is the theme of chosen family.
“They shared a bond like father and son,” Thiti said of Jong’s relationship with Ko-Wah. “Jong was deeply grateful to Ko-Wah, who saved him when he was just a boy. Alongside Ko-Wah, there were three other orphans Jong grew up with. They were like true siblings to him… Jong never knew his biological parents, so Ko-Wah and the others were his whole world.”
Among those surrogate siblings is Yada Nopphitam (Chingduang Duijkers), the gang’s lone female bandit and crossbow specialist. “Yada uses a crossbow that she made herself as her signature weapon,” Chingduang said. “She’s brave and cruel, but also crazy-in-love and stubborn. She will devote everything to the people she loves.” Fierce and emotionally driven, Yada brings both edge and vulnerability to the crew.
Also in the gang are Dum Sichon (Ophaphoom Chitapan), a master boxer, and Mont Ronphibun (Na Chat Juntapun), the explosives expert. Myria Benedetti plays Chomchan, Ko-Wah’s long-lost wife, while Weerayut Nancha appears as Luang Arun, the former ally turned nemesis.
Building the World of Gold Rush Gang
Behind the scenes, the film is just as ambitious. VFX Supervisor Pisan Zimkrathoke, known for his work on HUNGER and Ready, Set, Love, took on the challenge of recreating 1940s Southern Thailand. “Personally, I like the city scene and the train station the most,” he said. “Both were very challenging. We paid close attention to every detail — from the structures and surfaces to the atmosphere. Our goal was for the audience to really feel the authenticity of the era. Seeing the final result made me proud.”
A Creative Duo Returns
At the heart of Gold Rush Gang is the collaboration between Mum and Wisit, who previously worked together on The Murderer. “This is truly Mum’s movie,” said Wisit. “All the ideas came from him. My job was to support and try to understand what he wanted.” Mum even requested a stylized moment inspired by Tears of the Black Tiger, Wisit’s own cult classic. “He said he wanted a scene with leaves changing colors — just like that. It was all his idea. I just tried to make it come out beautifully.”
Mum, in turn, couldn’t be more excited to share the film: “Gold Rush Gang has everything you're looking for. I’m sure you will be brought to tears and then you will burst out laughing. It’s packed with classic action but executed with real style. Wisit has never made anything less than epic.”
Gold Rush Gang premieres globally on Netflix on August 21.