Come and See (2021)

A gripping Thai documentary that plunges into the heart of a religious scandal, where faith, law, and politics collide inside one of Thailand's most powerful Buddhist temples.

Come and See - Movie Information

  • Original Title: เอหิปัสสิโก
  • Release Year: 2021
  • Directed by: Nottapon Boonprakob
  • Type: Movie
  • Genres: Documentary
  • Runtime: 1h 24m
  • Original Language: Thai
  • Spoken Languages: Thai
  • Release Date (Theatrical): August 1, 2021 (Thailand)
  • Production Companies: Under Doc Film
  • Production Countries: Thailand

Come and See - Plot

The controversial Thai Buddhist temple "Dhammakaya" is in crisis as its abbot was charged with money-laundering and receiving stolen property. The film reflects the clash between politics and faith in modern Thai society.

Come and See - Trailer

Watch the official trailer and get a sense of the tension at the heart of this documentary:

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Come and See - Cast & Crew

Director(s)

  • Nottapon Boonprakob

Main Cast

  • Bumpen

Come and See - FAQs

What is Come and See about?

Come and See documents the crisis surrounding Thailand's controversial Dhammakaya Buddhist temple, whose abbot faced charges of money laundering and receiving stolen property. The film examines how the scandal exposed deep tensions between religious devotion and political power in contemporary Thai society.

Is Come and See based on a true story?

Yes, Come and See is a documentary grounded entirely in real events. It chronicles the actual legal and political crisis at the Dhammakaya temple in Thailand, capturing genuine confrontations between authorities, devotees, and the temple's embattled abbot, Luang Por Dhammajayo.

Who directed Come and See?

Come and See was directed by Nottapon Boonprakob, a Thai filmmaker known for his observational documentary style. He also served as editor on the film, shaping its immersive, on-the-ground perspective into a cohesive and thought-provoking portrait of faith under siege.

What is the Dhammakaya temple controversy about?

The Dhammakaya temple, one of Thailand's wealthiest and most influential Buddhist institutions, became embroiled in scandal when its abbot was charged with money laundering and receiving stolen property. The case drew massive crowds of devoted followers who gathered to shield him from authorities, creating a dramatic standoff.

How long is Come and See?

Come and See runs for 84 minutes, making it a lean and focused documentary. Its tight runtime keeps the tension high throughout, immersing viewers in the unfolding crisis without losing momentum or straying from its central subject.

When was Come and See released?

Come and See had its release in Thailand on August 1, 2021. The film arrived at a time of continued public interest in the Dhammakaya affair, offering audiences an intimate documentary look at one of the most polarizing religious and political episodes in recent Thai history.

What language is Come and See in?

Come and See is spoken entirely in Thai, reflecting its deeply local subject matter. The film offers an authentic, unfiltered window into Thai religious culture and political life, making it a compelling watch for international audiences interested in Southeast Asian society and documentary filmmaking.

What are similar documentaries to Come and See?

If Come and See resonated with you, consider exploring The Edge of Democracy (2019), All That Breathes (2022), The Trapped 13: How We Survived The Thai Cave (2022), Capital in the Twenty-First Century (2019), or The Mole Agent (2020) — all documentaries that probe power, society, and human resilience with similar depth.

More About Come and See

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