Famed director arrested for trespassing to make tsunami horror film

PHUKET: Famed Thai-film director Anon Mingkwanta, better known as Poj Anon, was arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport last night after allegedly trespassing at a derelict Phuket resort to film a tsunami horror movie.

Charges against Mr Anon were filed at Tah Chat Chai Police Station on September 12 by Nipon Rangsimanwong, a representative of the Toon Maha Larp Company, which owns the defunct Crown Nai Yang Suite Hotel.

The Phuket Provincial Court issued an arrest warrant on December 26 after Mr Anon failed to comply with the court summons to be charged with trespassing.

“Mr Anon claims that he and one of his employees, Jakrapong Janpeng, had asked permission to film part of the movie M6/5 Kla Ta Phee Nee Tsunami [Class 6/5, Dare Tsunami Ghosts],” Tah Chat Chai Police Deputy Superintendent Chalermchai explained.

“However, the Toon Maha Larp company told us that the request to film on the premises was denied. Nonetheless, Mr Anon used the building for filming from June 17 to 25.”

Mr Anon was detained by immigration officers at Suvarnabhumi Airport and then taken into custody last night by Tah Chat Chai Police.

“We had to travel to Bangkok to bring Mr Anon back, he was about to leave the country,” Lt Col Chalermchai said.

After questioning him, police released Mr Anon this morning on bail of 100,000 baht.

“He has already travelled back to Bangkok. However, he will have to face the charges and appear before a judge at Phuket Provincial Court,” Col Chalermchai said.

— Kritsada Meuanhawong