Thailand, elephants and Ong Bak 2: Tony Jaa could ask for nothing more

In an email interview, Thai martial arts superstar Tony Jaa talks about himself and a film that's close to his heart Ong Bak 2 a film he directed after a successful debut as an actor in 2003 with Ong Bak.



In Thailand, you're known as Jaa Panom. Who gave you the name that Hollywood knows you by: Tony Jaa?
The name Tony was given by Prachya Pinkaew (he directed the first Ong Bak movie), so it's easy for the international audience to recognise the name. In Thailand, I am known as Ja Panom. Tony sounds good.
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What place do elephants have in your life?
I practically grew up with the elephants. Our family raises elephants and we love them.u00a0 For me, they are like my brothers and sisters. I grew up in the elephant capital of Thailand.

You missed out on Rush Hour 3 despite Jackie Chan pushing for you. You turned it down?
I was very busy with Ong Bak 2 during that time. It's a difficult decision to make then, but an opportunity to direct and act in your own project is a dream come true that is too hard to pass by.