Traditional Thai medicine is perceived by many to be old and outdated. But when Channel 3 decided to place it centre stage in its recent period romcom, Thongek Morya Ta Chalong (Doctor Thongek Of Ta Chalong), it sparked renewed interest among viewers.
(Photo by Melalin Mahavongtrakul)
The fresh and unusual storyline drew in both young and old viewers. They were also tuning in because of the presence of Thai-German heartthrob Mario Maurer in the lead role. Mario agreed to play Thongek in part because the script contained interesting elements about Thai traditional treatments.
"I discussed the show with the director [Chudapha Chantakate] a long time ago. I wanted to play the character because the script was interesting. It was new and challenging, different from anything I had done before," Mario said in a recent interview with B.
Thongek Morya Ta Chalong tells the story of Thongek, a young man from a family of traditional doctors during the reign of King Rama V. His parents both die during an epidemic and the orphaned Thongek is then raised by his grandfather.
But his grandfather's talents in medicine makes his rivals envious. They slander him and Thongek and his grandfather are forced to flee to a remote area called Ta Chalong. Once there, they endeavour to improve the health of the local people -- physically, emotionally and morally. Thongek learns medicine from his grandfather and grows up with the hope that can help the community become strong and prosperous. However, he faces an ongoing battle with superstition and dark magic.
Mario Maurer causes a jam at an event. (Photo courtesy of Channel 3)
Mario admitted that he found the role challenging. To help make him look believable, he was coached by Komsan Tinnakorn Na Ayutthaya, a traditional doctor in real life. Mario learned about massages, pressure points, how to practise pulse diagnosis and burning medicinal herbs. Audiences were particularly impressed by one scene in which Thongek uses the burning technique -- putting fire on a patient's stomach to cure flatulence.
"The burning technique was the most difficult thing. To complete the process, there were many steps and lots of little details. I was nervous while shooting the scene because if I'd made a mistake, I would have burnt [the actor's] stomach."
Before training with Komsan, Mario said he had no idea what traditional herbal treatments were. But now, he has developed a strong belief that Thais should embrace it.
"Traditional medicine is remarkable. However, Thai people have forgotten its value. Komsan told me that most of his patients went through several kinds of treatment before coming to see him. Thai traditional doctors are usually a last resort," he said.
In the show, Thongek is followed around by Chaba (played by Kimberley Anne Woltemas), an attractive young lady who wants to learn about medicine. The two leads have a natural onscreen chemistry.
Mario Maurer causes a jam at an event. (Photo courtesy of Channel 3)
"It was fun working with Kimberley. No actress could play the role like her. She's hilarious. On set, she liked to make everybody laugh by showing off her funny dance moves," he recalled.
Mario rose to stardom with his debut movie Love Of Siam (2007), Thailand's first film about teen gay romance and the first to show two boys kissing. Despite the fact that Mario's acting was limited, the film brought him huge popularity, not just in Thailand but across Asia, especially in China. His star continued to rise with hits Crazy Little Thing Called Love (2010) and Pee Mak Phrakanong (2013). Now, he packs out venues wherever he goes.
"There were many fans in the Philippines, China and Indonesia. I was thrilled to meet them. I didn't expect to become famous in other countries. The fans wait for me at the airport. On my birthday, they create videos and send them to me," Mario said.
After working in showbiz for more than 15 years, Mario says he has grown professionally. Looking back at the man he was when he started the job, he believes he is more responsible now. However, he regrets not having had the chance to study like other people his age.
(Photo by Melalin Mahavongtrakul)
"I started my career in showbiz when I was 18, then it was non-stop," he said in an interview with The Cloud. "I didn't go to university. I was thinking, what if one day I am no longer in the entertainment business? What would I do? But there's one thing my father taught me, and that is, I can study whenever I want. No one is too old to learn. Opportunities [in showbiz] are hard to come by, so you should take them."
Mario realises that he is in a position that many can only dream of achieving. However, he doesn't consider himself a success quite yet.
"I don't equate money with success," he said. "Working in showbiz has given me great experiences. But in the future, I would like to have my own business. And I want to continue to perform for as long as I can."
Mario Maurer and Kimberley Anne Woltemas in a scene from Thongek Morya Ta Chalong. (Photo courtesy of Channel 3)
Mario Maurer in a scene from Love Of Siam.
