Thai Legendary Bandit Explodes to Life in Netflix's ‘Gold Rush Gang’ — Streaming August 21

Netflix invites viewers on a journey into the vintage Southern Thailand in its vibrant new film, Gold Rush Gang . Blending explosive action, heartfelt emotion, and stylized visuals, the film is a mixed-genre tale about notorious bandits on an epic mission, based on a story by Phetthai Vongkhamlao, who also stars in the lead role and co-wrote the screenplay. Teaming up once again with visionary director Wisit Sasanatieng after their acclaimed collaboration on The Murderer , the duo returns with a colorful spectacle packed with cinematic flair. Premiering August 21, Gold Rush Gang delivers a rollercoaster of action, romance, betrayal, and redemption.

A Wild Ride with the Southern Bandits

Gold Rush Gang chronicles the mission of Ko-Wah Thungsong (Phetthai Vongkhamlao) , a legendary Southern Thai bandit who lives by the principle of robbing the rich to help the poor. He leads a ragtag gang of mischievous orphans: Jong Lansaka (Thiti Mahayotaruk) , a charming gunslinger; Yada Nopphitam (Chingduang Duijkers) , a deadly crossbow-wielding bandit; Dum Sichon (Ophaphoom Chitapan) , a master boxer; and Mont Ronphibun (Na Chat Juntapun) , an explosives expert.

Together, they plot to raid a Japanese army train transporting gold treasures and drive the invaders out of Thailand at the end of World War II. But Ko-Wah's plan forces him to confront his nemesis, Luang Arun (Weerayut Nancha) - a former ally whose betrayal led to Ko-Wah's imprisonment and separation from his beloved wife Chomchan (Myria Benedetti) . Meanwhile, Jong Lansaka finds himself entangled in a complicated romance when he falls for Chompen (Punpreedee Khumprom Rodsaward) , Luang Arun's daughter - a relationship that could derail their mission and change his life forever.

Mum Sparks, Wisit Crafts: Inspired by the Legend of Ko-Wah Thungsong

Actor-writer Phetthai Vongkhamlao explains how the project began: "After sitting down with the real Ko-Wah and hearing stories from over 70 years ago when he was the bandit of Thungsong who helped countless people and earned widespread respect, I had the idea that turning this into a film could capture the essence of classic action movies-blending period cinematography with action sequences and drama. When I got the chance, I shared this concept with Wisit, acting out scenes for him. Three months later, Wisit came back with a draft outline, and I was thrilled because he truly understood my vision. Together, we developed it into Gold Rush Gang, which I believe offers every flavor of entertainment you're looking for. I hope everyone will watch it on Netflix."

Flamboyant Production: Mountains Blow, Villages Burn

Director Wisit Sasanatieng , known for his signature vibrant visuals and distinctive directing style, offers a glimpse behind the scenes: "The visual approach in Gold Rush Gang is cartoonish, laced with humor at every turn, and has subtle fantasy elements. We aimed to portray the legend of Ko-Wah Thungsong with a Western-cowboy-meets-Southern-Thai aesthetic, delivering an explosive, spectacular epic filled with classic action film tropes. It's a bold, colorful take on a Southern Thai period film, created to reflect Phetthai's vision while offering something fresh and different for Thai cinema."

Grab your gear and join Ko-Wah Thungsong and his gang of outlaws on an unforgettable adventure. Full of heart, heat, and high-stakes action, Gold Rush Gang is ready to explode onto screens. Streaming in over 190 countries worldwide on August 21, only on Netflix!

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