A long-time fan makes a short film for the King

VETERAN HONG KONG actor Simon Yam, better known in these parts as Yam Tat-wah, isn’t on our big screens as much as he used to be. But the prolific “Election” and “SPL” leading man will be back as part of a 10-film project to celebrate His Majesty the King’s 87th Birthday and the 68th anniversary of Coronation Day.
No stranger to Thailand, Yam has long maintained ties to the Kingdom. “I have visited Thailand since I was 10 years old. To me, Thailand is like my second home. I always head here whenever I want to rest after hard work,” he tells MCOT.
And as a regular visitor, Yam says he has always been impressed with the King’s dedication to his people and country.
So when Yam’s friend, actor-turned-politician Yuranan Bamornmontri contacted him about the short film project, he didn’t hesitate to give the nod.
Despite his tight schedule, he took a day off shooting a film in Beijing to come to Thailand to make the short. And while trading chilly China for sweaty Bangkok wasn’t easy, Yam breezed through his scenes like the pro he is. Moreover, he refused to accept any fee.
The short is called “Baan Kong Boonmen” (“Boonmen’s Home”), and Yam portrays a mentally-unstable street person in a story that expresses the character’s love towards the King and his image on the Thai baht coin.
“I have a great respect to the King and I think this is what I could contribute to the Monarch and all the Thai people,” Yam told the media at the film set.
Yam was also full of praise for his co-star, Phiyada “Aom” Jutharattankul, who plays a reporter.
And Aom was thrilled share scenes with an actor of Yam’s calibre. “I have been his fan since I was young and I’m so excited to work with him. He is so nice and very down-to-earth. Needless to say, his acting is superb,” she said.
On set, there were no worries about the language barrier, since Yam speaks fluent English and there was an interpreter. “He really loves it here. He has been to almost every province. And at one point, he owned a condominium here but he sold it and is now looking for a new place,” Aom added.
Of course, Yam also speaks a bit of Thai, and he offered good wishes for the new year during his interview, saying “phom rak khun and sawasdee pee mai. Chok dee sabai sabai a krub”. (Hello, and happy new year. Good luck.)
Aom can’t wait to see the finished product, and she urges fans to flock to Major Cineplex theatres on December 5, His Majesty the King’s birthday, when all 10 short films will be shown for free.