Yesterday ScreenAnarchy reported on a new conference in Thailand in which Sahamongkol head Sia Jiang, Ong Bak director Prachya Pinkaew and fight choreographer Panna Rittikrai appeared before Thai press, stated that Tony Jaa was under a new ten year contract with Sahamongkol, that he had breached said contract by signing on for a role in
Fast And Furious 7 without their permission, and that they intended to sue if this was not rectified immediately. Later in the day we received word from Jaa's management saying not true, there is no contract in place. Here's the complete statement:
As Tony Jaa's manager I am posting this in his behalf. Tony has always
had the greatest respect for Sahamongkol and the people behind
Sahamongkol. He is therefore saddened and disappointed to see their
recent press statements. The article that ScreenAnarchy has quoted appeared in
the Bangkok Post and was based solely on Sahamongkol's public comments.
Sahamongkol's public assertions regarding Tony and his purported
contract with them are not factual. Tony Jaa does not have a new
contract with Sahamongkol nor did he extend his prior relationship with
them. The matter was studied quite carefully and Tony Jaa is free to
pursue any acting jobs which he wishes to undertake. Sahamongkol may
make a complaint in a competent legal forum with proper jurisdiction if
they feel they have such a claim. Assuming that such a claim would be
heard; We would be more than pleased to follow the ruling of any
competent legal authority. It should be noted that Thailand abolished
slavery many years ago, and Thai courts consider provable damages in
labor contract disputes, and nothing more than that. Tony is looking
forward to his role in Fast and Furious 7 as well as a number of other
films. He does not require permission from anyone to act in these films,
except possibly his wife and daughter.
Michael Selby