King Naresuan 1 - 2007

In the year 1563 C.E.,

15 years after
Suriyothai passed away,

Prince Bayinnong
ascended to the throne

as the King of Hongsawadee,
the heir of King Tabengchaweti.

He led his army
past the Maelamao border

taking over northern cities
on his way to the kingdom of Ayutthaya.

Once King Bayinnong had control
over Kampaengphet,

Sukhothai and Sawankhalok,

he led his forces
to the northern kingdom of Phitsanulok.

King Bayinnong and his forces have
reached the kingdom of Phitsanulok.

Hongsawadee has our kingdom
surrounded. They are great in numbers.

Never has Phitsanulok
faced a war of this magnitude.

The plague has decimated
our soldiers to the north.

Our kingdom
is in desperate need of food.

Citizens everywhere
are seeking shelter in the city.

King Chakkraphat
of Ayutthaya and his men

have positioned soldiers
around their city

in their own defense.

They do not intend to send help.

It's an insult.

When Ayutthaya was in danger

due to the treacherous actions
of Worawongsa and Srisudajan,

we and our northern allies
risked our lives

leading an army to Ayutthaya
to fight for the kingdom,

and to place King Chakkraphat
upon the throne.

Now, in Phitsanulok's
darkest hour,

Ayutthaya has abandoned us.

If our kingdoms
cannot look after each other,

then Phitsanulok and Ayutthaya

can no longer be allies.

King Thammaracha
has called a truce.

Victory is ours.

I've faced many skilled warriors,

but you're the finest.

I still recall our fight
at Makhamjom.

If the King of Prae
hadn't helped you,

I would have killed you.

So what say you?

Will you side with Hongsawadee
or Ayutthaya?

Phitsanulok is no longer an enemy
of Hongsawadee.

It's not my desire to force you.

Is that why you must take my son,
Ong Dam, as collateral?

I swear
before the heavens above

that I,
Bayinnong Kayodinoratha,

will raise Ong Dam
as if he were my own son.

No one shall harm him.

If I fail in this promise,

may the heavens strike me down.

The King of Hongsawadee,
ruler of all lands,

has issued a royal decree...

to remove his Royal Highness
Prince Naresuan,

son of King Thammaracha,

to be fostered at Hongsawadee

as a royal hostage.

No, son. Don't go.

Don't go! I forbid you!

Ong Dam, my son.

Haven't you learned to show respect,
young prince?

I show my respect...

to those who deserve it.

Wise words for such a young boy.

Who taught you to speak like that?

My heart is my only teacher.

Very well. I will not force you
to do as others do.

If anyone else were to do
as you have...

they would be executed.

After taking control of Phitsanulok,

King Bayinnong led his armies
to attack Ayutthaya.

AYUTTHAYA

Fire!

Don't let them
just walk into our city!

Ayutthaya is well protected.

We cannot penetrate their walls.

Do you know why?

Because the Ayutthayan army
is fearless.

Your uncle, King Chakkraphat,

and Prince Ramesuan
are smart warriors.

Wars are not won
by weapons alone.

They are won
through intelligence.

SANPET PRASAT PALACE

Ramesuan, how much longer
must we continue to fight?

The rainy season
is almost upon us.

With the first drops of rain...

the Hongsawadee army
will return home.

By then,
Ayutthaya will be destroyed.

Our army is smaller than theirs.

I recommend we stand and fight.

Soon the floods

will wash away their forces.

By such time everyone in Ayutthaya
will have perished.

King Bayinnong
has proposed an end to this war.

We shall hear his proposal.

Lord Rachapakee,
gather the workers and build a pavilion

between Atsadawaat
and Nakphramain Temples.

I once sent word

requesting both friendship
and two white elephants

for my kingdom.

However, you did not oblige.

So I had to bring an attack
upon your kingdom.

Now I'm requesting
four white elephants.

How do you find this?

Will you accept my proposal
or not?

If you truly are
a magnificent king,

promise me

that you'll take your army back
to Hongsawadee.

Then I will give you
the four white elephants which you seek.

Prince Ramesuan
must also return with me.

If you do as I ask,
I will lead my army out of here.

Prince Ramesuan must remain here.
He is heir to the throne.

Prince Mahin
can take on his responsibilities.

If they remain together,

your eventual death could result
in a bitter power struggle,

leaving your people
in a difficult position.

I swear

that I will foster Prince Ramesuan
as if he were my own.

As you swear before the heavens,

I shall not stop you.

But you must release my people

and return my soldiers

so they may protect my city.

It will be done

if I may have Lord Chakri
and Lord Sunthornsongkram

so they can serve
Prince Ramesuan.

I take it
you have no objections.

PHITSANULOK

Do not fear for our son.

King Bayinnong pledged
to care for Ong Dam

as if he were his own son.

A promise
cannot alleviate my fears.

He still lies in the heartland
of the enemy.

Hongsawadee is not our enemy.

HONGSAWADEE

You do not need to follow me.

I'm going to the market
where the Siamese captives are.

The people of Siam
will not harm me.

Return home.

From now on,
you needn't wait on me.

I am just another Siamese captive.

Leave.

If you continue to follow me,

I'll have you all caned.

When are you going
to clear your debts?

Your interest
now exceeds your principal amount.

Have pity on me.
I'm Siamese, like you.

Leave nationality out of this.

Money is irrelevant
to your birthplace.

Have pity on me.
I have no money.

Thief! Thief! Thief!

Hey! Catch him.

Hey! Catch him.
Don't let him get away.

Catch him!

Do you think this is a game?

There he is!
Thief! Thief!

Kill him!

Enough, enough!

You're all Siamese, aren't you?

Why must you do this to each other?

He's always stealing things.
He needs to be taught a lesson.

- What has he stolen from you?
- Food, Your Highness.

He's probably hungry.
Is a little food too much to ask?

We're all Siamese here.

I'm no longer Siamese.

King Bayinnong has granted me
Hongsawadee citizenship.

I didn't know a Siamese could betray
his nationality so easily.

I'll stay where I receive benefits.

If I'm not mistaken,
you're Ong Dam, right?

And how about your father?

Aren't we here

because your father
sided with Hongsa?

Since you asked me
to spare the kid, I will.

But if he ever
steals from me again,

then even God can't save him.

I'll beat him to death.

Get away!

Do not steal again,

as I will not help you.

I have no home.
May I stay with you?

I promise to serve you faithfully.

Why do you refuse to bow

to the son of Hongsawadee royalty?

If you insist
on fighting our customs,

then I will force you
to your knees.

Then come try it.

Come down and kneel
before Prince Mangsamkiat now.

Stay away from him!

Stop right there, Lukwaithammo!

Prince Naresuan
is the son of King Thammaracha,

ruler of Phitsanulok.

There's no need for him to prostrate
himself before vice-royalty.

Royal hierarchy decrees

that Mangsamkiat
is of lesser nobility,

and should bow
to Prince Naresuan.

Mangsamkiat, where is your
respect for Prince Naresuan?

Lukwaithammo, apologize
to Prince Naresuan at once.

From now on, no one lays a hand
on Prince Naresuan.

Violators will be beheaded.

I apologize

for having offended
the rank and pride

of the Prince of Phitsanulok.

Prince Naresuan,

tomorrow you shall join us
for weapons training.

Yes, Your Majesty.

This fabric comes from Pakata.

It's so soft.
There is nothing like it in these parts.

Wearing this,

you'd be the most beautiful woman
in all of Ayutthaya.

This is rose essence from Persia.

Just add it to your bathwater

and you'll smell like roses.

Or maybe you'd like some rubies.

Hold on.
The reason I called you

is not to make a purchase.

I want to hear news of my son,
Prince Naresuan.

You were in Hongsawadee.
You must have heard something.

Bring me the bird.

Your Highness.

Here, Your Highness.

If you have any news
regarding Prince Naresuan,

use this bird to keep me informed.

You will be rewarded well.

Yes, Your Highness.

Is this the weapons school?

This is where King Bayinnong
pointed to.

It looks more like a temple
with an old sleeping monk.

Father.

He looks fast asleep.

Father?

It'll be noon by the time he wakes.

Old monks are always falling asleep.

Ouch!
Who hit me?

Why have you interrupted
my meditation?

King Bayinnong sent me.

Oh, you must be Ong Dam,
Prince of Phitsanulok.

However, King Bayinnong
said you'd arrive later.

Aside from being sleepy,
he's forgetful too.

And who are you, foul mouth?

I don't know my name.

My parents died
before I can remember.

Then I will call you Bunthing,

because merit has abandoned you.

Why did King Bayinnong
send me to you?

He has asked me to educate you.

In the future,
you're to be King of Ayutthaya.

You must be more skilled
than any other warrior.

That is the royal order
of King Bayinnong.

You shall come
to my temple tomorrow.

It is the temple
near the Yodia gates.

There I will teach you
the King's Law.

This must be the temple.

This is the only temple
in front of the Yodia gates.

Stop.
What do you want?

Um, we're looking for Yodia Temple.

Is this the Yodia Temple?

Yes, silly.
But you can't enter until you pay me.

What?
We don't have any money.

Then you cannot enter.
Go away!

That's enough, Manechan.

Don't you know who this is?

Yes, he's Prince Naresuan
of Phitsanulok.

If you know who he is,
why don't you bow to him?

Go and apologize to him now.

No? Akiyami,
bring me my cane.

Yes, sir.

Manechan.

Do you see that sickle over there?

Go pick it up.

What do you want me to do with it?

Cut the grass, of course.

There.
Do you see that grass?

Trim it up.

I will do it.

No, I asked Ong Dam to do it.
Not you, Bunthing.

I thought you were going to train me
in weapons.

What is that in your hands?

- A sickle.
- That is a weapon.

You call that rusty old thing
a weapon?

Even a sickle is a weapon
in the right hands.

I believe you.
Will you teach us how to fight?

If you truly want to learn,

then first you must be ordained

as a monk in this temple.

No different from any other student.

As for that foulmouthed boy,
he will be a temple boy.

What are you waiting for,
Bunthing?

You'll be late for your studies.

The Shwedagon Pagoda
contains sacred relics.

It holds eight strands
of Kotama Buddha's hair

in addition to other items.

Your first lesson is tactile warfare.

There are six ways to move troops.

The first, Palace Procession,

which is called
"Prasat Ta Phra Yu Ha"

and is in the formation
of a triangle.

There are 20 gates
into the kingdom of Hongsawadee.

King Bayinnong is located
in the center of the city.

King Bayinnong
copied the wall of Ayutthaya...

The second,
the Mupinta procession formation.

It's shaped like a two-faced drum.

The fifth lesson,
the Teejala procession formation.

The troop formation is similar to a
river.

Stop.
That's enough.

Imagine the sword in your hands
is a small bird.

If you hold it too tightly,

you will crush it.

Too loose...

and it will fly away.

Manechan!

Get out of here.
Be on your way.

Are you okay?

It hurts.

Ong Dam.

Help! Manechan has been bitten
by a snake.

What are you waiting for?

Be quick before she dies.

Get up. Get up.

Use this ointment on the wound.

You should start
to feel better tomorrow.

You know there are snakes
by the old temple.

Why must you play there?

It's my fault. I was collecting
lotus flowers for Akiyami.

Father, did I break a religious doctrine
by touching Manechan?

That's not important now.

What is important
is that you saved Manechan's life.

Mangsamkiat's cockerel
has defeated Tong-Oo's.

You should have sided
with Hongsawadee.

There is no other chicken in the kingdom
that can defeat the Prince's.

It was born from the heavens.

Ong Dam.

Whose rooster is it?

I don't know.

But it looks feisty and strong.

It's tame too.

It might have escaped
from Si-orn's house.

He raises cockerels to fight.

Mr. Si-orn.

Mr. Si-orn.

The Five-Buddhas rooster.

Is this your rooster?

I only have local roosters,

not captive ones from Phitsanulok.

Why do you call it a captive chicken?

Because they came with the prisoners
from Phitsanulok.

This one would make
a great fighting cock.

Where are you from, my pretty?

Oh? Is that so?

- You can talk to chickens?
- That's crazy.

Who could possibly talk
to chickens?

Cockfights are held
behind the temple.

Would you like to see
if yours can win?

- The father wouldn't approve.
- So don't tell him.

Fight! Fight!

Hey, I win! Pay up.

Is there a cock anywhere
that can beat my redtail?

This one can.

Still haven't learned
your lesson, Si-orn?

Honestly,
I don't want your money.

Here.

Can it win?

Of course. It's Siamese.
It can't lose.

Get lost!

- Very good. Very good.
- It's like you said...

The Five-Buddhas rooster
can't lose.

The Siamese cockerel
beat the local one.

Now I can pay off my debts.

If so, then take that chicken to my pen.
I'll take your money from you.

We'll see how good
that captive rooster really is.

Do you hear that?

He is putting down
Siamese chickens.

Don't stand for it.

- Exactly, we must fight.
- We must fight.

- Fight.
- Yes! Yes! We must fight!

- We cannot give up.
- Fight!

Ow.

Ouch.

This is for your wounds.

The head monk wants to know

if you're going to stop
torturing animals or not.

Bunthing, take this.

Put it on his whole body,
not just his wounds.

Bunthing, set our rooster free.

Like the head monk said,
forcing animals to fight is a sin.

But why?
Can't we keep him as a pet?

Humans and animals alike
long for freedom.

We should set it free.

If I didn't have a Pali class
right now,

I'd go with you.

So, Si-orn,

where's all that money you owe me?

Can I pay you
in installments again?

No, you cannot.

If you don't pay me
by this evening,

you will be in pain.

Don't forget.
Bring me the money

before nightfall.

Damn.

Si-orn.

What's wrong?

It's Khun Dej.

He wants the money I owe him.

He won't give me an extension.

If I don't pay him by tonight,

he will send someone over
to hurt me.

Hey, will you do something
for me?

What?

Your chicken.

Let it fight against Khun Dej's.

- I'm positive it will win.
- I can't.

Ong Dam wants me to set it free.

But it must fight
before it can be free.

Freedom only comes
through fighting.

That's just it.

A captive chicken
will always be captive.

It's not that it can't fight,
it's just afraid.

It's like the Hongsa people say...

a captive chicken
would never fight a Hongsa chicken.

Wait, Si-orn.

Don't say that.

Though it is in captivity,
it will never back down.

So how will you get the chicken out

without anyone knowing?

I have a way.

Focus on your studies, Ong Dam.

Where's that cockerel of yours?

What makes you sure it can win?

If it loses,

you can have my house.

But if it wins,
then my debts are settled.

Fine, then.

And you pay the owner of the cockerel
four baht of gold.

- Is it a deal?
- Deal!

Bunthing!

You disobeyed the head monk.

Just this once.

What you are doing is a sin.

These people look down
on our chicken.

They say he can't beat
a Hongsa chicken.

Without a fight, our rooster
will never earn freedom.

Fight. Fight.

It won.
My baby won.

I told you it wouldn't lose.

- Money.
- What?

Pay up.

Now you know
that Ayutthayan cockerels can fight!

That rooster is nothing.

After a face-off
against Mangsamkiat's rooster,

you'd cease your celebration.

Have you learned your lesson yet?

Forcing chickens to fight is a sin.

It is harmful to the animal.

You may go to bed now.

See you tomorrow

for early morning Pali studies.

Can this rooster

defeat Mangsamkiat's rooster?

What?

You still want a cockfight?

Can it beat Mangsamkiat's rooster?

Mangsamkiat's rooster
is very strong.

It's bigger than yours.

It can strike three times

in the time it takes your rooster
to strike once.

If your rooster is injured,
it might lose.

What are you afraid of?

I want to see
Mangsamkiat's rooster

lose as well.

Give this to your rooster
as a snack.

It will make its skin
impenetrable.

Mangsamkiat's rooster's
sharp spurs

won't harm your rooster.

Hold on.

If you win this time...

you must promise

not to cockfight again.

Yes, Father.

Let's go.

Do you think your cockerel
is any match for mine?

Think wisely, Ong Dam.
Mine has never lost.

Mine is Siamese.
It has never backed down,

even if it isn't as strong.

Then let them fight.

Which is better? An Ayutthayan
or a Hongsawadeean cockerel?

Put it in the ring.

Look there.
Mangsamkiat's cockerel has spurs.

If your Siamese blood is still pure...

then you can't give up.

You must show Hongsawadee

that we Siamese
are afraid of no one.

Take your victory swiftly.

Your cockerel is quite good
to have beaten mine.

It was not raised to fight
for the amusement of others

or for others to gamble over.

Enough.
The fight is over.

Do not hold any grudges
for the future.

I am going to release you.

Anyone who can defeat
the Hongsawadee

should not be oppressed.

Care for your freedom

and never let anyone
oppress you again.

I, the ruler of the kingdom
of Lan Xang,

offer my greatest respects
to Your Majesty,

the ruler of the kingdom
of Ayutthaya.

As king, I still have no heir
to my royal throne

in the kingdom of Lan Xang.

I request your daughter
of royal lineage,

Princess Thepkasatri,
to be my queen

in the kingdom of Lan Xang,

so that our kingdoms
may bond in friendship

now and forevermore.

I know that what I ask of you
is very difficult.

However, it is important.

It is for the future of Ayutthaya.

What is it, Father?

I am at your beck and call.

King Chaiyachettha,
ruler of Lan Xang...

has sent a messenger
to collect you for his queen.

After King Thammaracha
sided with Burma,

Ayutthaya lost its allies.

You want to give me away
to King Chaiyachettha?

Without Lan Xang on our side,
another war could destroy us.

You are the daughter
of Suriyothai.

Every drop of blood
is just as strong as your mother's.

As she sacrificed her life
for her country,

I will sacrifice my body
for my kingdom.

I will sacrifice myself
just as my mother did before me...

even though it will cause me
great pain.

I have asked you to come here

because I have received a letter
from your father

saying that King Chakkraphat
sent his daughter

as an offering to King Chaiyachettha
of Lan Xang.

How do you feel about this?

Ayutthaya wants to be allied
with the kingdom of Lan Xang,

so they can fight you together.

Your father believes
I should try to intercept the princess

before she arrives at Lan Xang.

Would you not be happy

if your aunt were here with you?

We have arrived in Samoso.

Soon we will be in Lan Xang.

I will probably never see
Ayutthaya again.

Do not say such things.

Some day King Chaiyachettha
will have business in Ayutthaya.

He will surely take you with him,
Your Highness.

When?

It could be years from now.

Or... maybe even never.

What's happening?

Bandits.
We're being robbed.

Hide the princess.
Hurry.

Thepkasatri.

I have received word that my sister

was taken by the Hongsawadee

near the Phetchaboon border
on her way to Lan Xang.

You knew.

Enter young princess,
and sit with me.

Please do not despise me.

I have loved you
for a long time now.

Is that why you had
your soldiers drag me here

as if I'm some kind of object,
without a soul of my own?

I could not stand to see you
with the King of Lan Xang,

because you are the daughter
of Suriyothai,

someone I respect.

You're the same as King Chaiyachettha
of Lan Xang.

He loves me

purely because I am
the daughter of Suriyothai.

No one loves me for who I am.

I cannot stand being treated
like a mindless object

just because I am the daughter
of Queen Suriyothai.

If you desire my body,

then you will have only my body,

but not my soul.

You may be a mighty king

who has conquered far and wide,

but you, oh mighty king,

can never conquer my soul.

Get out!
All of you get out!

My sister is dead.

She took her own life...

for she refused to be a slave
to the King of Hongsawadee.

This is your fault.

You never consider our pride.

You just give everything
to our enemies.

The way King Thammaracha
requested that King Bayinnong

have soldiers
kidnap the princess

is disrespectful to us.

This means Phitsanulok has sided
with King Bayinnong,

and abandoned Ayutthaya.

King Bayinnong
could easily defeat Ayutthaya

with Phitsanulok on his side.

If Ayutthaya loses
to King Bayinnong

we will not be far
from danger ourselves.

Lan Xang must first help King Mahin
attack Phitsanulok.

Attack.

We must take Phitsanulok!

Attack!

I have learned that Prince Mahin
has sided with Lord Ram

in an attempt to betray
Your Majesty.

What? Prince Mahin
wishes to harm me?

I was the one who requested
that Prince Mahin

come here and help me
fight Lan Xang.

Why would Prince Mahin
wish to harm me?

This is all a plan devised
by Prince Mahin and Lord Ram.

Prince Mahin requested that
King Chaiyachettha

come and attack Phitsanulok,

whereupon Prince Mahin

PRINCE MAHIN'S CAMP

intends to seize your kingdom.

Prince Mahin sent us
to apprehend you.

I didn't know this was a trick.

I am prepared to fight Lan Xang
with all my might,

but is this all just a trap?

That is correct, Your Majesty.

Give the signal.

Hey, give the signal now!

Now.

This must be the work of Phitsanulok
and King Thammaracha.

There is no one else

who would act like such a dog

and bite the hand that feeds him

like King Thammaracha.

King Bayinnong
has ordered both of us

to bring soldiers to aid you
in your fight against Lan Xang.

Thank you both.

However, King Chaiyachettha's forces
cannot win. They have retreated.

Our men have travelled far.
Please let us fight in return.

King Chaiyachettha
is an expert in warfare.

We must not underestimate
the Lan Xang army.

- If we follow them, we may fail.
- We must not let them escape.

We received our orders
directly from King Bayinnong.

We cannot disobey them.

We will hunt them down
and show them the power of Hongsa.

The soldiers of King Bayinnong
cannot be defeated.

There are rumors in the market

that my father
has come to Hongsawadee.

I know.

King Thammaracha
has come to Hongsawadee

to help Lord Phukaam
and Lord Suahan.

Why must he come here
to help them?

If he doesn't,
they will be executed.

Only King Thammaracha
has requested

that King Bayinnong forgive them.

Lord Phukaam.
Lord Suahan.

I commanded you to fight
at Phitsanulok.

It was your carelessness
that led to a loss

which has debilitated
my kingship.

No leader
would just let this stand.

Executioners, behead them now.

Your Majesty,
if you would be so kind...

these two men fought hard
in this war.

I request that their lives be spared,
Your Majesty.

When a king requests a life be spared,
I don't interfere.

You two...

why have you not bowed
to King Thammaracha?

As King Thammaracha
was sparing the lives

of Lord Phukaam and Lord Suahan
in Hongsawadee,

King Mahin returned
to take the wife and daughter

of King Thammaracha
from their home in Phitsanulok.

Prince Mahin, listen to me.
All mothers miss their children.

But we are ready to obey
our fathers and our bloodline.

My dear sister,
this time it is evident

that your husband,
King Thammaracha,

decided to side
with King Bayinnong.

You seem to care more
for your husband than your country.

If you fight over bloodlines,

then consider where my three children's
alliance stands.

Do not talk to me about this,
my sister.

Are you coming to Ayutthaya
or not?

We will return with you
to Ayutthaya,

as long as you know
it is not our will.

Your actions today
emphasize the fissures

between Phitsanulok
and Ayutthaya.

King Chakkraphat
and Prince Mahin

have taken your wife,
your daughter

and one of your sons
to Ayutthaya.

It's a signal that they wish
to break ties with Hongsawadee.

I believe this is
Prince Mahin's plan.

Why would you think that?

He is taking revenge on me

for being loyal to Hongsawadee.

He accuses me

of being the reason
their independence was lost.

Does Prince Mahin not understand

that none of this is because of you

but because of King Chakkraphat's
stubbornness

and that of the lords who support
a war against Hongsa?

They love their elephants
more than their kingdom.

Prince Mahin blames me.

That is why he deceived King
Chaiyachettha, King of Lan Xang,

into sending his army
to attack Phitsanulok.

King Chakkraphat
has broken his word.

He has become an enemy
of Hongsawadee.

We must not forget this.

Our allies

will gather seven armies
from the north.

They will secure
all necessary provisions

and in the 12th month,
we will attack Ayutthaya.

I broke the alliance with Ayutthaya

and aligned with Hongsawadee

for one reason.

Ayutthaya positioned himself
as an enemy of Phitsanulok.

Why would he do that?

Because he is of a different
royal bloodline.

We are descendents of Phra Ruang.

As for Prince Mahin,

he is of the Suphannabhum.

They are afraid

that our bloodline
will grow greater than theirs,

and that we will take Ayutthaya
for our own.

But I don't agree

with your view that Hongsa blood

is thicker than Siamese blood.

I believe

that leading our army to aid
King Thammaracha's attack on Ayutthaya

is inappropriate.

The rewards are inconsequential.

Nandabayin,
your vision is narrow.

Ayutthaya is in competition with us.

It's a port city with rivers.

If we sit here
and allow it to prosper,

we will not be able to survive
later on.

Ayutthaya and Hongsawadee
are the two most prosperous kingdoms.

Later,

if we decide to attack Ayutthaya,
we'll face difficulty.

However, now King Thammaracha has
brought Ayutthaya to us on a platter.

Without Phitsanulok,
Ayutthaya is alone...

like fruit waiting to be picked.

We need to pick Ayutthaya...

before someone else does.

Ayutthaya,
as if a piece of ripened fruit

which King Bayinnong
hoped to easily pick,

turned out to be more difficult
than anticipated.

Weeks turned to months.
Almost a year had passed.

King Bayinnong's army
was unable to defeat Ayutthaya.

Hold on.
Do not fire towards the temple.

Quickly, send in your army
from Phitsanulok

and crush Prince Mahin
and his men.

Fire. Quickly.

Ayutthaya will not defeat us.

King Thammaracha,

what are you waiting for?

Do you still side with Ayutthaya?

In the year 1569 C.E.,

in the midst of a war
with the kingdom of Hongsawadee,

King Chakkraphat
of Ayutthaya passed away.

Royal succession placed
Prince Mahin on the throne

as the new King of Ayutthaya.

Ong Dam, have you heard?

Your grandfather,
King Chakkraphat, is dead!

King Chakkraphat is dead!

Without your grandfather,
Ayutthaya will crumble.

Soon, King Bayinnong,
my grandfather

will sit
on your grandfather's throne.

In the first war,
you lost elephants.

Now you lose your kingdom.

Now you lose your kingdom!

You think you are tough, huh?

Then step down here and prove it!

Bunthing!

I'll punch you in the mouth.

Don't showboat too much.
All Siamese are losers.

Do not worry, Your Majesty.

With King Chakkraphat's death,

Prince Mahin
will ascend to the throne.

He will care for the kingdom.

But how will Prince Mahin
fight off an entire army?

Do not underestimate Prince Mahin,
Your Majesty.

He will be strong
when his time comes.

He can take care of the kingdom.
He will not lose.

King Bayinnong will be surprised

by the effort and skill
of the new King of Ayutthaya.

AYUTTHAYA PALACE

Long live the King!

Long live the King!

Why have you not filled in the moat?

When will we reach Ayutthaya?

We have been working day and night,
Your Majesty.

How much earth can one man carry?

Seven blocks, Your Majesty.

Work faster.
We need a bridge into Ayutthaya.

If a man dies,
use his body to fill in the moat,

otherwise,
I shall dump you into it.

King Bayinnong is looking
for 500,000 more men

to replace those who have died.

King Bayinnong is mistaken

if he thinks he can defeat Ayutthaya
so easily.

King Bayinnong should not underestimate
the Siamese.

For if they are pushed too hard,

they will fight back with all their
might.

You are right.

If Ayutthaya can fend off King Bayinnong
until the rainy season,

then King Bayinnong
will have to return to Hongsawadee.

However,

King Bayinnong will have a strategy
for defeating Ayutthaya.

If King Mahin isn't careful,

he could fall
into King Bayinnong's trap.

We've been at war for a long time now,

BAYINNONG'S CAMP

since the turn of summer,

and we have yet to defeat them.

Soon the monsoons will return

and we will have to retreat.

We underestimated King Mahin.

Without King Chakkraphat
and Prince Ramesuan,

King Mahin is like a little bird
that fell from its nest.

However, this young king

has defended his kingdom well.

Your Majesty,
I have served you for six years,

yet I have never satisfied you.

Finally I may be able
to bring you satisfaction.

- What have you to say?
- You must first promise me

that if I am able to provide you
with a defeat over Ayutthaya

like ripe fruit into your hands,

you will bestow upon me a reward
worthy of my effort.

You are quite bold.

How dare you take advantage of me
at a time like this?

If I am successful,

I request to be
Governor of Takong,

collecting border taxes
from those who visit

the Shwedagon Pagoda.

Alright, I accept.

What is your plan?

Here's my plan.

I will pretend to have escaped
from your hold

and I will be your spy
in Ayutthaya.

King Mahin
will suspect nothing.

He will place me in charge
of protecting the kingdom.

I will move the most skilled soldiers
to unimportant posts.

Once their defenses are weakened,

I will open the city doors
for your army

and you will be able to take
Ayutthaya with ease.

Who goes there?

I am Lord Chakri.

I've escaped the Hongsa stronghold.

I request an immediate audience
with the king.

I'm pleased that you have escaped
from Hongsa to help us.

No one else is here to help us
fight King Bayinnong.

I swear

I will give my life
in order to protect my kingdom.

From here on,
I give you control over our army

to protect Ayutthaya
from Hongsawadee.

Why are you not firing?

We have no gunpowder, Your Majesty.
We are waiting for...

There is no need to wait.

- King Thammaracha.
- Your Majesty.

I want you to send a message
to Lord Chakri

to contact your wife.

He wants me to steal
Ayutthayan gunpowder for Hongsa?

King Thammaracha is a prisoner
just as I am, Your Highness.

If King Bayinnong's orders
are not followed,

then King Thammaracha
will be in danger.

I am no one's prisoner.

King Bayinnong
may not be able to harm you.

However,

if Your Highness
does as requested,

then no harm will come to
King Thammaracha.

A servant of yours
recently passed away due to sickness.

If Your Highness would permit me
to hide gunpowder in her casket

and let the undertaker remove it
from the city to the burial grounds,

then your husband will remain safe

from King Bayinnong's wrath.

Your Excellency.

Your Lordship.

Move the cannons
to the western wall.

But Hongsa will not attack
from that direction.

There's a large river
on that side.

Do not argue with me.
I hold the king's sword.

I believe Hongsa will attack
from the west.

Move the cannons
to the western wall.

Your Majesty,
I do not trust Lord Chakri.

I do not believe

that Lord Chakri escaped
the hold of Hongsa

as he claims.

If Lord Chakri did not escape
from Hongsawadee,

then why would King Bayinnong

behead 30 of his soldiers

and place their heads
around Panma Temple?

Lord Chakri is using the king's sword...

to demote soldiers
back to civilians

and promote civilians
to soldiers,

which is reducing the strength
of our military.

I have given my sword
to Lord Chakri.

The decisions lie
with Lord Chakri alone.

I trust Lord Chakri...

as did King Chakkraphat.

Lord Chakri can defeat
the Hongsawadee.

Do not bother me
with this matter again.

Leave here and meet the others
at Diamond Fort.

You are to do as I say
this instant.

Hurry!

What are you doing?
Move to Diamond Fort.

News is spreading

that Ayutthaya has lost
to Hongsawadee.

Don't be upset, Your Majesty.

It is Ayutthaya's fate.

It is not fate!

There is a traitor in Siam.

Everything is predestined.

It was inevitable.

What will happen to King Mahin?

I cannot say.

Everything depends
on one's own fate...

including the fate of kings
such as King Mahin.

Come.
Sit beside me.

Do not think of us as different.

I sent my soldiers to you

in accordance with royal tradition

in the hope of preserving
my kingdom.

Do not feel sad or belittled.

I want you to stay
in Hongsawadee.

As for the kingdom of Ayutthaya,
do not worry.

I shall have
the King of Phitsanulok,

King Thammaracha,
govern Ayutthaya.

King Thammaracha will take care of
everything in Ayutthaya in your place.

This is beautiful.

I've never seen dancing like this
in Hongsawadee.

Not even in Tong-Oo.

Never have I seen such beauty.

My daughter, Princess Suphankalaya,
trained these dancers.

Princess Suphankalaya,
sister of Prince Naresuan.

From what I recall,
she is just a girl.

- She's now a full-grown woman.
- I should like to see her now.

I give you this ring
as a reward

for teaching these dancers

to dance so beautifully.

Take it.

I would like these dancers
and their teacher

to return with me
to Hongsawadee.

I would like her to train my dancers...

in this beautiful art.

You need not worry.

I will look after Princess Suphankalaya
very well,

just as I have looked after
Prince Naresuan.

I know you will trust me,
King Thammaracha.

Lord Chakri.

Although you were a servant
of King Chakkraphat,

it was your servitude
to Hongsawadee

that led to our victory
over Ayutthaya.

I have a reward

worthy of your efforts
in seizing Ayutthaya.

Your deeds

are worth more than any object.

Open it, Lord Chakri.

See the reward that awaits you.

Take your reward, Lord Chakri.

Yes, Your Majesty.

You two, don't just sit there.

Help Lord Chakri with his treasure.

How dare you betray your king?

King Chakkraphat and King Mahin

cared for you
and gave you nobility.

They promoted you to minister,

yet still you betrayed them.

If I continue to care for you,

sooner or later
you will betray Hongsawadee too.

Lukwaithammo,
take him to the river,

and let him drown
along with his treasure.

Take him away.

My beloved sister,
look over here.

Princess Suphankalaya
wishes to see Ong Dam,

but the laws of our kingdom

prohibit her
from leaving the palace.

Ong Dam will understand.

There's no need to worry.

King Bayinnong
will be here soon.

King Bayinnong is on his way.

No need for such formalities,
Princess.

Let me see your beautiful face.

Talk with me.

Do not be afraid.

I hope you like this residence.

I had it built especially for you.

It's no different from the residence

you built for the Princess of Singnee

or the Princess of Chaing Roung...

It's not like that.

I took them in to build a relationship
between our kingdoms.

It was my royal duty.

You are different.

I brought you here out of love.

Don't waste your words on me.

I am just another one
of your captives.

Do with me as you will.

But you will never
make me love you.

Are you positive about that?

You hold no power
over my heart.

Do not be so sure of yourself.

One day you will love me.

That day will never come, sire.

- What is this earth, Princess?
- It is from Ayutthaya, sire.

You have brought your land
to Hongsawadee?

I refuse to live
on any other land

than my own land of Ayutthaya.

I'll never concede my nationality
for any other.

I shall remain Siamese
until the day I die.

Your faith in your lineage
is strong.

From now on...

you will be known as "Ammeawyuo,"

which means...

she who loves
and is loyal to her lineage.

Your Highness.

Your Highness,
your illness has reached your heart.

I have prepared some medicine

to rid the toxins from his body.

Soon he will be better,

Your Majesty.

You must cure King Mahin.

If he dies...

you will be executed.

Take your medicine and eat.
Do not be discouraged.

King Mahin...

is nearing death.

You should visit him
one last time.

Even though the Suphannabhum

and Phra Ruang bloodlines
have been enemies,

the future king of Ayutthaya

must learn how to forgive.

Is that Prince Naresuan?

Your Highness.

Have you come

to watch the enemy
of your father die?

It is not like that.

I have only come
to see how you are.

I will die soon.

You must be happy

that the Suphannabhum bloodline
will end

with my death.

No.

I don't think it's right
for Siamese to fight each other.

Especially now.
We have become colonies.

We are slaves of Hongsawadee.

It's not important which bloodline
rules the kingdom.

What's important
is that Siamese rule Siam.

We must not become slaves
of another kingdom.

That's very wise, Naresuan.

If only I or other noblemen
in Ayutthaya

thought like you...

then we wouldn't have lost
our land.

After hearing your words,
I'm not afraid to die.

Gods and angels
of heaven and earth...

Naresuan shall be king

and save our land in the future.

It is now my time to pass away.

May Prince Naresuan one day rule.

King Bayinnong,
ruler of all lands...

issued a royal notice
stating that King Mahin

has passed away due to illness.

It is not true!
I don't believe it!

I don't believe my brother died
of illness.

It was those treacherous
Hongsawadee!

They killed him!

That's right.
You killed King Mahin!

What is that?

It looks like a casket.

Maybe it is one
of the head monk's relatives.

Or maybe his wife.

When did the head monk
get married?

Before he was ordained.

- No, it is not a casket.
- Then what is it?

Belongings which King Bayinnong
acquired from Ayutthaya.

What kind of treasure?
Why would he keep it at the temple?

Why don't we sneak in
and take a look tonight?

The head monk sleeps very heavily.

Once he is asleep,

you two can climb
though that window

and I will keep watch.

A gun.

What kind is it?
It is so long.

I think it is...

a royal gun.

Whose gun is it?

I don't know.

It looks like this part opens.

Stop there.

Don't touch that.

You have not learned your lesson.

It is because you touched those weapons
that you must be punished.

You did something which is prohibited.

You must never
touch them again.

Tell me what is on your mind.

Whose weapons are those...

and why can't I touch them?

They are royal relics
belonging to the King of Ayutthaya.

Only a man with the greatness
of King Chakkraphat

has the right to touch them.

Why are they being stored here?

King Bayinnong
brought them from Ayutthaya

after defeating the Siamese.

However, there were many omens,

and a soothsayer prophesized

that King Bayinnong was not yet virtuous
enough to possess the weapons.

With his vast kingdom,

he must be virtuous enough
to possess them.

That is true.

But he is yet to be as virtuous
as King Chakkraphat.

That is what brought on the omen.

But why keep them here?

It was by order of the soothsayer.

He said that I must
oversee these weapons.

He foretold

that there would be someone
with virtue

strong enough to possess them.

Upon that day,
my duty will be fulfilled.

I need your help with something.

What is it?

I have a student who is an orphan.

I have looked after her
since she was an infant.

Now she is all grown up

and is almost a fully-grown woman.

I would like to request that
Your Majesty take her into the palace.

You need not worry.
I shall take her in.

What is the girl's name?

Manechan.

She will be very pleased
to hear the news.

No way.
I don't want to go.

You cannot stay here anymore.

You are nearly a woman now.

And as a woman,
you cannot remain amongst monks.

Do you understand?

If you remain here,

you will become nothing more
than a temple hand.

However, if you give your service
to Princess Suphankalaya,

you will become a woman
of the palace.

Don't you love me anymore?

Whether I love you or not,

you still must stay
with Princess Suphankalaya.

Let her go.

What's happened?

The head monk is sending me away

to be Princess Suphankalaya's
servant.

I can't live here anymore.

What should I do?

That's wonderful.

You'll get to learn
lots of new things.

I don't want to go.
I want to stay here with you two.

You can visit
whenever you are missing us.

Whenever Worajan comes to our temple,
you can come with her.

Go. Here you will always
eat leftovers from monks.

You will eat much better there.

No.
I won't leave you two.

Just go.
We're not going anywhere.

We will still be here at the temple,

right outside the palace walls.

Really?

Really.

Promise me.

I promise.

I promise too.

I asked you to bring me Manechan,
the head monk's pupil.

Why have you come back
with this little monkey?

Believe it or not,

under all of this dust
you will find Manechan.

I don't believe you.
Help her clean up then.

For a minute there,
I thought you brought back a monkey.

- I don't want a bath!
- Manechan!

So, it really is Manechan.
You're not a little monkey after all.

Yes, ma'am.

King Bayinnong,

you requested my presence.

What is your concern?

Go and wait outside.

Please come in.

Could you please tell me
how much progress Ong Dam has made

in his training with you?

Yes. Ong Dam has learned
all the King's Law.

There is no more
that I can teach him.

Do you believe that, one day,

Ong Dam will become a great king?

Yes.
I have no doubt at all.

If I may say
with the utmost humility,

I foresee

that in the future
Ong Dam will become

as great a king as you are.

I had been told
of the same prophecy.

The first time Ong Dam came to me
in Phitsanulok...

In the future,
Ong Dam will become a great ruler.

He will conquer surrounding kingdoms
as you have done.

That means I should slay him

so that he will never grow
to threaten me.

This you must not do,
Your Majesty.

Because his fate

and yours, Your Majesty,

have become joined
to the benefit of both.

They cannot be separated
even if you kill him.

It will mean that you'll destroy
your own dynasty.

After I died,
my kingdom would die with me.

Prince Nandabayin
knows only about warfare.

He knows nothing
of how to govern his people.

As for Prince Mangsamkiat,

I've been observing him
since his childhood.

I do not believe he could
become a king.

After my death,
all the kingdoms that I now control

will rise up in revolt
against Hongsawadee

and attack us
like a swarm of crows.

Then...

Hongsawadee will be destroyed.

The Tong-Oo dynasty
that I have built

will be swept away.

Only Ong Dam
can preserve my legacy.

Ong Dam's royal blood
is of the Phra Ruang dynasty.

He is not a Tong-Oo,
Your Majesty.

Manechan, Father.

Manechan is the secret
that we share.

You are my master...

and I am her father.

Her mother was Chantradevi,
daughter of Samingsawtu,

who was the treacherous assassin

of King Tabengchaweti.

Lady Chantradevi.

Because Lady Chantradevi,
one of King Bayinnong's consorts,

was the daughter of Lord Samingsawtu,
a man of royal blood,

and the man who planned the
assassination of King Tabengchaweti,

Lady Chantradevi had to be executed
by way of royal law.

Her father's actions resulted
in seven generations of family

being punished by execution.

If it wasn't for you

Manechan would have been executed
in accordance with that law,

just like Lady Chantradevi
and Lord Samingsawtu.

Do not worry, Your Majesty.

I shall teach Ong Dam

just as I once taught you.

As for Manechan...

destiny will decide.

It depends on whether
both of them get along or not.

It's up to fate.

No one can change that.

The more time passed,

the more King Bayinnong
grew fond of Prince Naresuan,

which eventually made other
royal family members envious.

This envy resulted in actions

that no one could have anticipated.

I have never declined
to help you before,

but this...

I cannot do.

The reason you have
so much wealth

is because of me,
is it not, Khun Dej?

I can take back what I once gave.

Think about this very carefully.

If the young monk is still here
in three days,

you will die.

Bunthing, over here.

Bunthing, over here.

Have you been waiting long?

I was about to leave.

Let's find a quiet place
to talk.

Near that bridge.
There's no one there.

Are you sure it's alright?

Of course.
I need to tell you how I feel about you.

Come on.

I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

Young monk!

Young monk, young monk!

I just saw Bunthing being dragged off
by Beum and Thongdi.

Where?

Near the bridge.

They went towards Yodia market.

Watch out, Ong Dam.
It's a trap.

Help me, Beum!
I can't swim. Help!

I can't help you.
I can't swim either!

Help. Help me!

Don't help them.
Let them drown.

Wait, Ong Dam.

We made a mistake
in trying to hurt you.

From this day forward,
the two of us

will never attempt
to harm you again.

Who told you to do this?

Khun Dej.

He was ordered by Lukwaithammo

to kill you.

Be careful, young prince.

They will never stop.

They will find another way
to kill you.

Lay right there.
I will care for you.

Worajan, I need you

to deliver a message
to my sister.

What shall I tell her?

I am leaving for Ayutthaya,

but not alone.

I want to take my sister
with me.

If I stay here,

I am in constant danger.

A member of the royal family

wishes to eliminate me
as a threat.

And another thing...

I can no longer stand by
and watch Mangsamkiat

force Siamese people
to harm each another.

Are you prepared enough
to leave?

I have gathered people
who know the route

as well as 300 citizens
of Phitsanulok.

We are ready to lead
Her Majesty to Ayutthaya.

I will inform Princess Suphankalaya
immediately.

Are you not happy
to be returning to Ayutthaya?

I shall gather your things.

Ong Dam will return tonight.

Worajan.

Do you think Bayinnong
will just let us go so easily?

Don't forget that we
are serving as collateral.

Does that mean we are doomed
to suffer here until we die?

As long as we remain
in Hongsawadee,

and Ayutthaya is a slave state,

we will stay prisoners.

What about Ong Dam?

Will Ong Dam be able to flee?

Oh, Ong Dam.

Ong Dam must return
to Ayutthaya.

Ong Dam is our only hope.

And will King Bayinnong
allow Ong Dam to escape?

King Bayinnong is the only one
who can help Ong Dam escape.

Manechan, where are you going?

- To see Ong Dam.
- You cannot.

The way back to Ayutthaya
is very far.

You will be a burden
that hinders Ong Dam's escape.

Will he be able to escape?

If it is his destiny.

It depends on the princess.

I believe that...

Princess Suphankalaya
has a plan

that will ensure
Ong Dam's escape.

If you have something to say,
then say it.

Correct me if I am wrong,
but I think

you have changed your mind
about loving me.

- Isn't that right, Ammeawyuo?
- I... uh...

You don't have to tell me
that I am handsome, rich,

a great negotiator
and a master of war,

- a king who has won every battle.
- More than that.

You are a great king.

You have the virtues of a king

and your kindness is legend.

It is for one reason alone
which I would give you

all of my heart, body and soul,

that is your compassion
in this situation.

You want me to allow your brother
to return to Ayutthaya.

You know?

I know everything
that happens here.

Very well, Ammeawyuo.

If you are offering yourself
in exchange for your brother,

then I am happy to oblige.

Even though I know
that in the future,

he'll stand
against Hongsawadee.

I swear that my brother
will not betray Hongsawadee.

You will see for yourself

on the day of my passing.

Prince Naresuan will bring troops down
upon Hongsawadee.

You must believe me.

Thank you, my king,

for freeing a caged bird.

Your virtues are great,
my king.

I give myself to you

for your virtuous deed.

You need not love me
for this reason.

It is not what I want.

I only want to believe
that one day

you will love me
without expecting anything in return.

You will love me just for me.

Your sister
probably won't make it.

What should we do?

If we had not prepared everything,

then it would not matter.

However, our plan is in motion.

If we don't leave and word gets out,
we will be punished.

Shall we wait a little more?

We can wait no longer.

My sister loves Hongsawadee
more than her family.

Maybe there was something
that stopped her.

Forget it.
We must leave now.

Holy Father, I must leave now.

I will return to Hongsa.

I promise.

Where are you going, Prince?

I knew it.

Khun Dej has failed.

Does he think he can get away?

King Bayinnong
can help him no more.

Get him.

Hurry, Ong Dam.
We'll take care of this.

Let no one harm the prince!

Don't touch the prince!

I will die for you!

Stop now.

Prince Naresuan is getting away.
Don't let him escape!

By royal order, no one is to harm
Prince Naresuan of Phitsanulok.

Anyone who opposes the order
will be executed.

This isn't over.

We will meet again.
You wait.

- Let's go.
- Yes, Your Highness.

Bunthing.

I'm sorry
I didn't get to say goodbye.

I understand.

A great duty awaits you

in the future, Your Majesty.

I should warn you
about one thing.

All of the knowledge
I've given you

has no importance.

True importance lies in yourself
and the people around you.

They are willing to die for you,

because they believe
you're willing to die for them.

That is the most powerful weapon
in the world.

Far more powerful
than what you have learned here.

May your journey
back to Ayutthaya

be free of danger...

Prince Naresuan of Siam.

Bunthing.

What is it, Your Highness?

Did you see the head monk here
last night?

No, Your Highness.

Did he come here last night too?

Come on.
We should get moving.

Ayutthaya is waiting for us.

Hey, wake up.

We have to go now.

Hey, it's time to get going.