# The Paradise of Thorns

The Paradise of Thorns (Thai: วิมานหนาม) is a 2024 Thai romantic drama film directed and written by Naruebet Kuno in his feature directorial debut. The film stars Jeff Satur and Engfa Waraha. The film was released theatrically in Thailand on 22 August 2024 and had its international premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival on 6 September 2024.

## Premise

An unmarried gay couple starts a durian farm together. When one of them dies, the surviving partner fights to regain their shared property, which is seized by his family.
Thongkham (Jeff Satur) and Sek (Pongsakorn Mettarikanon), a same-sex couple, have dedicated themselves to hard work and have managed to acquire a large house, land, and durian orchard in Mae Hong Son province. They had hoped to make this place their happy sanctuary. However, a tragic turn of events occurs when Sek suddenly passes away. Thongkham also discovers the harsh reality of Thai law, which does not recognize same-sex partnerships. As a result, all the assets they had accumulated together, including the house, land, and durian farm, are inherited by Saeng (Seeda Puapimon), Sek's mother. Sang then brings her adopted daughter, Mo (Engfa Waraha), to live with them at the house. With no other choice, Thongkham must fight against the injustice of the law to protect and reclaim their dream home.

## Cast

* Jeff Satur as Thongkham Kronlongsuk
* Engfa Waraha as Mo Jongyoi
* Seeda Puapimon as Nang Saeng Boonkamlue, Sek's mother
* Harit Buayoi as Jingna Jongyoi, Mo's younger brother
* Pongsakorn Mettarikanon as Seksan Boonkamlue

## Production

In March 2023, the project was first announced by GDH 559 at its 2023 press conference under the title The Project D and was scheduled to be released at the end of the year. GDH originally cast Krit Amnuaydechkorn in the role of Thongkham but he withdrew due to scheduling conflict and was eventually replaced by Jeff Satur.
The project had been showcased by GDH 559 at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.

## Release

The Paradise of Thorns was released in Thai theatres on 22 August 2024. The film became the third highest-grossing Thai film of 2024 after grossing more than ฿100 million ($2.9 million). It had its international premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival on 6 September 2024 during its Discovery program.
The film began screening on 19 September in Australia and New Zealand; 25 September in the Philippines, 27 September in Cambodia, 3 October in Laos, 10 October in Singapore, 1 November in Vietnam, 6 November in Indonesia, and 8 November in Taiwan.
It was released on Netflix on 9 January 2025.

## Awards and nominations

Name of the award ceremony, year presented, category, nominee of the award, and the result of the nomination :
| Award | Year | Category | Nominee/work | Result |
| Feed Y Capital Awards | 2024 | Film of the Year Award | The Paradise of Thorns | Won |
| GQ Thailand Men of the Year | 2024 | Actor of the Year | Jeff Satur | Won |
| Howe Awards | 2024 | Hottest Actress Award | Engfa Waraha | Won |
| Jakarta Film Week | 2024 | Global Feature Award | The Paradise of Thorns | Nominated |
| Sanook Top of the Year Awards | 2024 | Best Movie of the Year | The Paradise of Thorns | Won |
| Sanook Top of the Year Awards | 2024 | Best Actor of the Year | Jeff Satur | Nominated |
| Thailand Box Office Movie Awards | 2024 | Movie of the Year | The Paradise of Thorns | Won |
| Thailand Box Office Movie Awards | 2024 | Director of the Year | Naruebet Kuno | Nominated |
| Thailand Box Office Movie Awards | 2024 | Actor of the Year | Jeff Satur | Nominated |
| Thailand Box Office Movie Awards | 2024 | Actress of the Year | Engfa Waraha | Won |
| Thailand Box Office Movie Awards | 2024 | Supporting Actor of the Year | Harit Buayoi | Nominated |
| Thailand Box Office Movie Awards | 2024 | Supporting Actor of the Year | Pongsakorn Mettarikanon | Nominated |
| Thailand Box Office Movie Awards | 2024 | Supporting Actress of the Year | Seeda Puapimon | Won |
| Thailand Box Office Movie Awards | 2024 | Original Soundtrack of the Year | "Rain Wedding" by Jeff Satur | Won |
| Zoomdara Awards | 2025 | Hottest Movie of the Year | The Paradise of Thorns | Pending |