Tee Yai: Born to Be Bad (2025)
A gritty Thai crime thriller set in 1980s Bangkok, following a legendary thief whose daring heists make him both a folk hero and a fugitive.
Tee Yai: Born to Be Bad - Movie Information
- Original Title: ตี๋ใหญ่ ฤกษ์ดาวโจร
- Release Year: 2025
- Directed by: Nonzee Nimibutr
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Crime, Action, Drama
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 57m
- Original Language: Thai
- Spoken Languages: Thai
- Production Companies: 18 Tanwa
- Production Countries: Thailand
- Alternative Titles: Ti Yai Ruek Dao Chon (TH), 侠盗之星 (CN), Tee Yai: Nacido Para El Crimen (2025) (MX)
Tee Yai: Born to Be Bad - Plot
In 1980s Bangkok, a wily thief stages a series of daring heists, baffling the authorities and the public — until one cop sets out to take him down.
Tee Yai: Born to Be Bad - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the King of Thieves in action:
Meet the "King of Thieves", whose life is coming to an end.
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Tee Yai: Born to Be Bad - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Nonzee Nimibutr
Main Cast
- Nattawin Wattanagitiphat
- Witsarut Himmarat
- Supassara Thanachart
- Sadanont Durongkhaweroj
- Ongart Cheamcharoenpornkul
- Patara Eksangkul
- Akarin Akaranitimaytharatt
- Sirin Horwang
- Akarat Nimitchai
- Sumet Ong-ard
Writers
- Chanchana Homsap
- Nonzee Nimibutr
Producers
- Chartchai Ketnust
Tee Yai: Born to Be Bad - FAQs
What is Tee Yai: Born to Be Bad about?
Set in 1980s Bangkok, the film follows Tee, a cunning and audacious thief who pulls off a string of daring heists that leave both the police and the public bewildered. When a determined cop finally zeroes in on him, the cat-and-mouse chase reaches a gripping climax.
Is Tee Yai: Born to Be Bad based on a true story?
Yes — Tee Yai: Born to Be Bad draws inspiration from the real-life exploits of a notorious Thai thief who became a folk legend in 1980s Bangkok. Director Nonzee Nimibutr weaves the historical backdrop into a stylised crime drama that blends fact with cinematic flair.
Where can you stream Tee Yai: Born to Be Bad?
You can catch Tee Yai: Born to Be Bad on Netflix, including the Netflix Standard with Ads tier. It's a great pick for fans of international crime cinema looking for something bold and atmospheric.
Does Tee Yai: Born to Be Bad have a happy ending?
The film's tagline — "Meet the King of Thieves, whose life is coming to an end" — signals that this is not a triumphant story. The ending leans into tragedy, staying true to the bittersweet fate of its real-life inspiration rather than offering a feel-good resolution.
Who stars in Tee Yai: Born to Be Bad?
Nattawin Wattanagitiphat leads the cast as Tee, the charismatic thief at the heart of the story. He's joined by Witsarut Himmarat, Supassara Thanachart, Sadanont Durongkhaweroj, and Bront Palarae, among others, in a rich ensemble that brings 1980s Bangkok vividly to life.
Who directed Tee Yai: Born to Be Bad?
The film was directed by Nonzee Nimibutr, one of Thailand's most celebrated filmmakers. He's best known for classics like Dang Bireley's and Young Gangsters and Nang Nak, and he also co-wrote the screenplay for Tee Yai alongside Chanchana Homsap.
What is the age rating for Tee Yai: Born to Be Bad?
Tee Yai: Born to Be Bad is rated R, so it's intended for adult audiences. Expect gritty crime sequences, violence, and mature themes that fit the film's unflinching portrayal of Bangkok's criminal underworld in the 1980s.
What movies are similar to Tee Yai: Born to Be Bad?
If you enjoy Tee Yai, you might also like The Protector (1985), State Property (2002), Empire (2002), and Out of Exile (2023). They share that same gritty crime energy, blending action with character-driven storytelling in vivid urban settings.
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