Known for his explosive martial arts stunt work, Jaa broke out in 2003 with Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior, which earned him international recognition and spawned two sequels.Prior to becoming a leading actor, Jaa worked as a stuntman for Muay Thai Stunt for 14 years, appearing in many of Rittikrai's films.After the success of Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior (2003), which earned him a Star Entertainment Award, Jaa starred in the well-received films Ong Bak 3 (2010), Furious 7 (2015), which marked his first English-speaking role, SPL II: A Time for Consequences (2015), which marked his Hong Kong debut, Master Z: Ip Man Legacy (2018), Triple Threat (2019), and Detective Chinatown 3 (2021).[3] He also starred in Tom-Yum-Goong (2005), which earned him a Suphannahong National Film Award, Ong Bak 2: The Beginning (2008), which marked his directorial debut,[4] and Tom Yum Goong 2 (2013).Jaa did all the stunts without mechanical assistance or computer-generated effects and it showcased his style of extreme acrobatics and speedy, dance-like moves."[23] His second major movie was Tom-Yum-Goong (The Protector in the US), named after tom yum soup, which included a style of Muay Thai that imitates elephants.[24] By mid 2000s, dubbed versions of Jaa's films gained international recognition through theatrical releases, television broadcasts, and on-demand platforms.[40] Jaa also teamed up with fellow actors Louis Koo and Wu Jing in Hong Kong-Chinese action film SPL II: A Time for Consequences (2015).[42] Jaa's most recent project was co-starring with Vin Diesel again in XXX: Return of Xander Cage, directed by D. J. Caruso and released in January 2017.
Tony Jaa (center) at a press conference for
Skin Trade
in 2015