Thai film 'Samui Song' director 'stalked' real-life couple for inspiration

With the character Viyada (Chermarn Boonyasak), Samui Song showcases how women have no choice but to find their place in a patriarchal world.

While shopping in his neighbourhood in Thailand, director Pen-Ek Ratanaruang spotted a couple – a European man and a Thai lady – ahead of him. He started tailing the couple, observing what they were purchasing.

“Basically, stalking them,” said Ratanaruang at a press meet in Kuala Lumpur, to promote his film Samui Song.