Mess with Jaa, learn to duck

Now it turns out that Boong-gyi maybe is indeed a bit dangerous. 

We learned this week that Jaa’s brother-in-law and partner in his Iraya film company, Tarat “Joe” Supachokepaisal, has filed a complaint with police because she beaned him with a mobile phone. 

Joe told the press the alleged assault took place at the wedding while the photos were being taken. He swears he did nothing to provoke it, but on the other hand he admits that he investigated Boong-gyi’s background prior to the nuptials – a routine check for Jaa’s protection, he says.

He duly reported to his brother that her family did own a hotel but was also Bt140 million in debt. 

Meanwhile Boong-gyi’s mum Wanna chotiwattananont has acknowledged the cellphone attack and says her daughter was angry because Joe was trying to pull Jaa offstage to get some photos of his own. For a litany of reasons, Wanna thinks Joe is an opportunistic jackass, but don’t quote us on that in court.

Joe dismisses all of Wanna’s accusations except the one about him attending the wedding without an invitation, but points out he was the brother of the groom, after all.

Once all the charges and counter-charges are added up, however, it looks like the flying phone represents much more than momentary fury. More likely the dispute is about Jaa’s considerable property assets, which Joe has been managing. 

Lacking a neutral party to settle the mess, Jaa is going to need help, and his studio Sahamongkol Film won’t be offering any this time like it’s done in the past. A studio spokesperson wouldn’t even acknowledge the matter. Fans have expressed concern on the social media, though, that the dispute will hurt Jaa and his work.

Joe says he’ll withdraw his police complaint if Boong-gyi apologises, so here’s hoping for a soap-opera-style happy ending.