With the Academy Awards happening this week, we decided to take a break from the bling of Hollywood and look ahead to what Thai films are set to make a big impact at local cinemas this year. We even break it down by genre to make it easier for you to find your next favorite Thai movie. (If you must, the Oscars are on Feb 27 in L.A. That’s Feb 28, 8am, our time. See the ceremony live on True Visons’ Star Movies.)

Action & Blockbuster

King Naresuan III and King Naresuan IV

Buzz: Like a bus, you wait a long time for one sequel to come along and then two come at once. Finally, we get to see what the the Ministry of Culture’s money has gone towards. Long awaited, these nationalistic tales are set to be the biggest blockbusters this year.
In theaters: 11 March 2011 and 11 August 2011, respectively
Studio: Prommitr Production and Sahamongkol Film International
Director: Prince Chatrichalerm Yukol
Stars: Captain Wanchana Sawasdee, Ja Panom, Major Winthai Suvaree, Noppachai Chainam, Inthira Charoenpura, Taksaorn Paksukcharern, Sorapong Chatree
Synopsis: In the third film, King Naresuan has won independence for the Thai people but is forced to fight again after a Chinese spy, sent by his Khmer enemies, escapes by Junk, culminating in an epic river battle. In the final installment, the action returns to terra firma as the Burmese army attempts to destroy Ayutthaya and capture King Naresuan.

Jak Ka Ran

Buzz: Dubbed the “B100 million-director,” famous comedian Mum Jokmok looks to continue his recent box office successes with his latest action comedy, which also stars the Kung Fu queen Jeeja.
In theaters: Not dated yet
Studio: Sahamongkol Film International
Director: Petchtai Wongkamlao (Mum Jokmok)
Stars: Yanin – Jeeja Vismistananda, Mum Jokmok, Boriboon – Tak Chanroeng Janreung, Arisa Rodsonthi and the Chuanchuen comedy group.
Synopsis: The story of a mischievous and fearless girl, Jak Ka Ran (Jeeja) who lives with her uncle (Mum Jokmok). While the full plotline is still a closely-guarded secret we do know that the film will combine action and comedy as we follow the lives of this unlikely pair.

Chocolate 2 (3D)

Buzz: Building on the success of the original, Jeeja is back as the badass, high-kicking autistic girl. Studio owner Somsak Techarattanaprasert, or Sia Jiang, has splashed a budget of over B100 million on the 3D martial arts sequel, claiming it will make Thai cinema proud.
In theaters: Not dated yet
Studio: Sahamongkol Film International
Director Prachya Pinkaew
Stars: Yanin “Jeeja” Vismistananda, Hiroshi Abe
Synopsis: Half Thai-half Japanese, Zen (Jeeja) is an autistic girl who struggles to interact with people socially but happens to be hot shit at learning and performing martial arts. The setting for this follow up is Japan; where Masashi, Zen’s father who also happens to be a card-carrying yakuza, decides to retire from the gangster life to take care of his daughter, a decision that sparks the beginnings of new conflicts.

Behind the scenes

We talk to Kunakorn Sethi, producer of King Naresuan

What were the biggest challenges on this project?
It has to be converting all the original historical texts into a visual experience. It meant having to create a new set for nearly every single scene. For the two sequels, 60% of what you see are new sets while the other 40% are sets developed from the previous movies.

What is the toughest scene in the movie?
Well, for the third film it had to be the naval battle while for the fourth movie it is filming the elephant battle. For the naval battle King Naresuan fights against the spy on the river but the trouble is no one knew what it was actually like. We had to build seven boats for King Naresuan’s fleet. Each boat took at least a year to build and there were at least 60 people paddling each boat. For the elephant battle, it’s not as simple as just filming a battle scene. We had to study why they went to war, how they actually fought each other, before designing how it would pan out. It’s very tough, especially controlling the elephants. It’s hard to stop them colliding with each other. We ended up taking three months to shoot separate shots for this battle scene. The whole thing will last only 3 minutes on screen.

After completing such a mega project are there any areas that need to be improved in the Thai film industry?
Technically we can stand alongside any other crew in the world, even Hollywood. But in my opinion, the only thing that we need to improve is our screenplay creation. I feel that everything is all the same, either comedies or ghost stories. We need to invent some new thing for the industry.

More genres:

Horror

Romantic Comedy

Drama

Coming Soon:  What Hollywood has in Store for us in 2011

Judging by Bangkok’s rapidly changing skyline over the last few years there’s plenty of yearning for a slice of condo living. But with new high-end high-rises popping up on every street corner, the question is, how long can the good times last?

Well it seems that most property experts believe the market, specifically the condominium market, still has some room to grow. “At present it’s still sustainable. This year the supply has almost doubled but still there are many people buying,” says Dr. Sopon Pornchokchai, President of the Agency for Real Estate Affairs, an independent property consultancy firm.

His view is one shared by many in the industry and, perhaps more importantly, is backed up by the statistics. “There’s nothing to worry about. The people expressing concerns aren’t looking at the real numbers,” agrees Athip Peechanont, former Chairman of the Thai Condo Association and Managing Director of Supalai. “90% of completed condos have already been sold, and 70-80% of those currently under construction have been booked, which shows there’s no oversupply,” he points out.

Khun Kavin Kanjanapas, Executive Director of Abstracts, the property development branch of the BTS, confirms they have seen similar kinds of sales figures on their residential projects in Sukhumvit 61 and Phahonyothin in 2010 and will be rolling out new projects at Phaya Thai and Chatuchak in 2011.

It’s all particularly healthy when you consider that developers actually only need to sell around 65-70% of units to make money. Yet while people might still be buying condos now, it does seem that this demand isn’t going to last forever. “Our concern is that if the number of condominiums entering the market continues at these rates, then there could be a real glut in the market in 2012 or 2013,” says Dr. Sopon.

This is especially true when you consider that many projects were actually put on hold during the recent political unrest, leading to a back up of condos coming to market in the next couple of years. There are also signs of an oversupply taking place in certain parts of town like Rathchada-Thapra, On Nut and Sukhumvit.

Developers certainly seem to be starting to react accordingly. “The property market in 2011 will definitely see a shift in demand from condominiums because of oversupply in the last two years. Low-rise residences—both single detached houses and townhouses—will be back in vogue,” states Khun Kavin.

But it’s not just an oversupply driving this trend. Continuing political and economic uncertainty and rising inflation are all tempering long-term consumer confidence, especially at the higher end. Add in the Bank of Thailand’s measures to cap the value of loans people can take out on condominiums and it’s no surprise that developers are looking at alternate markets and looking further out of town.

“Major players will launch units to tap a high demand in the low end of the market stemming largely from lower land costs and the availability of large numbers of plots” says Khun Kavin.

Couple that with the long awaited opening of extensions to the BTS Lines (the Soi Bearing extension for example is finally due in August this year) and, who knows, in five years suburban low rise living might be the norm.

HOW TO:  Buy a Condo

1.  “Only buy what you can pay for now. Don’t worry too much about the future. So don’t buy a two or three bedroom place if you don’t have a family yet. It will be too much of a burden.” Athip Peechanont, Managing Director, Supalai

2.  “Consider the secondhand market, as it’s cheaper and there is very little depreciation in second hand units. You can also get a much better feel for the maintenance, facilities and services offered from your condo rather than properties that are still being built.” Dr. Sopon Pornchokchai, President of the Agency for Real Estate Affairs

3.  “Consider the facilities inside and outside the project, where can you eat, where can you buy food? Is it near a hospital, does it offer good security? Is it easy to get around? Make sure it fits your lifestyle.”Athip Peechanont, Managing Director, Supalai

4.  “You can see [the developer’s] early projects to consider how they manage the project, the administration, and the financial side. Another fact to consider is the function and design that has to work well whatever the weather. Does the interior, parking, and other facilities give you what you need.” Sansiri

Cambodia

Phokeethra Country Club Angkor Wat

• Dontro Village, Levea Commune, Pouk District, Siem Reap, +855-6396-4600. www.phokeethragolf.com
18 holes / Par 72, 7,327 yards.
The course: Not far from the temple ruins of Angkor Wat, this course certainly embraces the history of the area—the first tee is actually from an 11th century bridge. Designed in 2004 by Thailand’s V Golf Design, who also created Suwan Country Club outside Bangkok, the course sees generous fairways and greens. Still, it’s no pushover, with water playing a large part in many of the 18 holes. The course has hosted the annual Asian Tour Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open for the past four years. Extras: Le Spa by Sofitel, clubhouse.
The accommodation: The course is managed by hotel chain Sofitel, so you can expect luxe comforts during your stay. Choose between 238 superior and deluxe rooms and 23 suites.
For golf widows: The UNESCO Site of Angkor Wat and its spectacular temples is less than 30 minutes away.

Malaysia

The Mines Golf Club

• Jalan Kelikir, Mines Resort City, Seri Kembangan, Selangor, +603-8943-2233/6688. www.minesgolfclub.com
18 holes / Par 72, 6,191 yards.
The course: This lakeside course, designed by one of the world’s leading golf architects Robert Trent Jones Jr., recently hosted the first PGA tournament in South East Asia, the CIMB Asia Pacific Classic PGA tournament. As its name suggests, it was created on the site of the world’s largest open-cast mine in 1982, and the carefully manicured fairways established it as one of the leading golf courses in Malaysia. Extras: indoor pool and driving range.
The accommodation: It is actually part of a large resort compound, which means you have a choice of the Mines Wellness Hotel, the Mines Resort and the opulent bling of the Palace of the Golden Horses.
For golf widows: Situated 15km south of KL, the Mines complex includes the Mines Mall, an exhibition center and the 80-hectare funpark, the Mines Wonderland.

Indonesia

Nirwana Bali Golf Club

• Jalan Raya Tanah Lot Kediri, Tabanan, Bali, +62-361-815-960. www.nirwanabaligolf.com
18 holes / Par 72, 6,775 yards
The course: Designed by legendary Aussie golfer Greg Norman, the course certainly makes use of its natural surroundings and is visually stunning. With rice terraces and tropical jungle offering unique hazards, there are also three holes running along the cliffs of the Indian Ocean. The highlight has to be the par 3 7th hole which requires nerves of steel as you hit over the ocean towards the tight green.
The accommodation: The course is part of Le Méridien Nirwana Bali Golf & Spa Resort whose collection of one and two-bedroom villas are set in lush grounds which also feature four pools, a fitness center and its own spa.
For golf widows: The course is located next to the famous Tanah Lot sea temple for those seeking a more cultural trip.

Ria Bintan

• Jalan Perigi Raja, Lagoi North Bintan, Kepulauan Riau Bintan Resorts, +62-770-692-839/842. www.irabintan.com
27 holes / Par 72 6470 yards (Ocean Course).
The course: Choose between two courses: the 18-hole Ocean Course, designed by Gary Player, and the 9-hole Forest Course. Ria Bintan is blessed with an interesting mix of ocean views, tropical forest and large elevation changes, making it a challenging but fun round of golf and helping it win numerous awards, including being named Best Golf Course in Asia in 2009 by Asian Golf Monthly. Extras: spa and driving range.
The accommodation: Part of a 1,100-acre development project, you can choose between Club Med and the 330 hectares of Nirwana Gardens Resort, which offers a range of villas to choose from.
For golf widows: With 6 tennis courts, 2 squash courts, a private beach and activities ranging from archery to circus trapeze available at Club Med, you really shouldn’t get bored.

Brunei

The Empire Golf Club

• Jerudong BG3122, Negara Brunei Darussalam, +673-241-8222. [email protected], www.theempirehotel.com
18 holes / Par 71, 7,029 yards
The course: There aren’t many reasons for going to Brunei, but this Jack Nicklaus-designed course might be one of them. The impeccable fairways and manicured greens of this flawless course are carved through the rainforest and along the coast of this tiny kingdom on the tip of Borneo. Extras: floodlights for night games, spa and driving range.
The accommodation: The Empire is simply the hotel in Brunei. Opulent and spectacular highlights have to include the towering lobby and the huge swimming pool complete with a real sand floor.
For golf widows: Really not a lot for you. Our best suggestion, have a Heart of Darkness moment with a river tour into the tropical jungle and possibly spot the rare and weird looking proboscis monkeys.

Vietnam

Dalat Palace Golf Club

• Phu Dong Thien Vuong, Dalat, Lam Dong, +84-633-821-201.
www.dalatpalacegolf.vn
18 holes / Par 72, 7,009 yards
The course: The Dalat Palace might have first opened in 1922, but it underwent a major redesign in 1994 and was voted Best Golf Course in Vietnam by Asian Golf Monthly magazine in 2009. At 5,000 feet (1,500 meters) above sea level it offers a beautiful setting, thanks to the backdrop of mountains and majestic pines while challenging even the best golfers with its rolling hills and a series of lakes on the back 9. Extras: driving range.
The accommodation: Choose between the Sofitel-run, 43-room Dalat Palace which was built in 1922 and boasts a classic art deco style, or the 4-star, 144-room Dalat Hotel Du Parc.
For golf widows: It’s located just outside Dalat City which was founded as a colonial French hill-station and is now known as Vietnam’s “Petit Paris.” The small town offers plenty of classic Indochine architecture to admire in a quaint mountain setting.

Laos

Dansavahn Golf Club

• www.dansavahn.com/golfclub
18 holes / Par 72, 6,503 yards
The course: Dansavahn easily takes the prize as the most beautiful golf course in Laos, (although there are only four) thanks to its picture perfect location by Nam Ngum Lake which is one of the largest in Asia. Not surprisingly, water plays a big part in the layout of the course and comes into play on no fewer than 10 holes. Pro shop and golf hire available.
The accommodation: The Dansavanh Nam Ngum Resort includes the pretty basic but also pretty cheap Le Chalet with air con rooms at B800 a night.
For golf widows: If you can’t stand the real greens then hit the green baize and gamble your stay away at the small Club 19 casino which happens to be open 24 hours a day. Or jump in a speedboat for a tour of the lake.

Singapore

Sentosa Golf Club

• 27 Bukit Manis Rd., +65-6275-0090. www.sentosagolf.com.sg
36 holes / Serapong Par 72, 6565m 6218m; Tanjong Par 72, 6565m
The course: Only a 30-minute drive from Orchard Road, the Sentosa Golf Club is home to two of the best golf courses in Asia, both offering panoramic views of Singapore harbor and the South China Sea. The Serapong course was renovated in 2007 and is a tight, challenging course where the lagoon comes into play on several holes. The Tanjong course starts with an impressive opening par 4, and while slightly more forgiving, it features plenty of water and some major elevations. Extras: floodlit holes and two clubhouses.
The accommodation: Located right next door is the The Sentosa Resort, a member of the Beaufort Hotel chain.
For golf widows: Sitting on the party island of Sentosa you’re spoilt for choice to hit the casinos, head to Universal studios or just chill on the artificial beach.