Aff’s epic

Actress chats about the new Naresuan

By Tatat Bunnag
Photographs are courtesy of
Sahamongkol Film International

Eight years since the first film and three years in the making, the fifth and possibly final entry in the historical, epic and action-packed Naresuan series is finally due to hit the screen on May 29.

Directed once again by MC Chatrichalerm Yukol (Tan Mui), The Legend of King Naresuan Part V: Yuttha Hatthi continues the story of King Naresuan, the great warrior of the Ayutthaya Era who fought against the invasion of Burmese troops.

As with the previous Naresuan films, the fifth installment features a parade of celebrities like Captain Bird, Intira Jaroenpura, Chatchai Plengpanich, Sorapong Chatree and Taksaorn Paksukcharern (Aff), the beautiful actress who is back once again to play the part of Maneechan.

Student Weekly recently interviewed the 33-year-old Aff about her role in The Legend of King Naresuan Part V: Yuttha Hatthi and her experiences working with director Tan Mui.

Student Weekly: We haven’t seen you in many films lately. Can you update us on what you’ve been doing over the past few years?

Aff: I’m trying to work less in showbiz these days. I got married a few years ago, and I’ve been running a family business with my husband. We also plan to have a child. The Legend of King Naresuan is pretty much the only film I’ve been focusing on.

Student Weekly: How did it feel working on the fifth film in the series?

Aff: I’ve always felt proud and honoured to be part of this film series. It’s one of the biggest projects in the history of Thai cinema. It’s something we can leave for future generations so that Thai people can learn about the history of our country.

Student Weekly: What’s it like working with director Tan Mui?

Aff: I’ve learned a lot from him over the years. He’s responsible for and puts so much effort into such a gigantic project. He never separates his personal life from his work. He always thinks about films and he loves his work. I’m so honoured that he gave me this great opportunity.

Student Weekly: You’ll always be remembered for playing Maneechan. How do you feel about the character?

Aff: In the films, Maneechan is one of the most influential people. She’s always at King Naresuan’s side. She’s a strong and determined woman. From the first film, you can see how she grows up at a monastery and befriends the young Naresuan and Ting. Nobody taught her manners or how to be a proper lady until she met the Thai princess Phra Supankanlaya.

Student Weekly: As a palace lady, you sometimes have to pick up a sword and fight. How did you learn your fighting skills?

Aff: We all had to do workshops from the beginning of the first film, so we’ve been doing it for about 10 years now. [Laughs.] Tan Mui wanted everybody to learn basic sword and fighting skills, as well as how to ride horses gracefully.

Student Weekly: Can you tell us about your costumes in the film?

Aff: Wow, there are so many of them and I can’t remember them all! [Laughs]. All the clothes are made to precisely match the fashions of that era. My costumes are mostly in the Mon tradition, such as traditional sarongs. In the latest film, I also have my own battle armour.

Student Weekly: Why should people not miss The Legend of King Naresuan Part V: Yuttha Hatthi?

Aff: It’s about our history. Thais should learn the great history of our nation and see what our ancestors sacrificed for the country. I’ve been making these films for a third of my life. I was still a university student when we made the first film. [Laughs.] I’ve never regretted any moment working on this project. I hope people feel the same way and go to see the latest movie.

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