When was The Protector released?

The Protector (original Thai title: ต้มยำกุ้ง) has a listed release date of 11 August 2005. It is rated R in the United States.

Where can I watch The Protector in the US?

As of 24 October 2026, you can stream it free with ads on Plex, Plex Channel and Tubi TV. You can also rent or buy it on Apple TV Store, YouTube and Fandango At Home.

Who is in the cast of The Protector?

Tony Jaa stars as Kham. He is joined by Petchtai Wongkamlao, Bongkoj Khongmalai, Jin Xing as Madame Rose, Nathan Jones as T.K., Johnny Tri Nguyen, Lateef Crowder, Jonathan Patrick Foo and Damian de Montemas.

What is The Protector about?

A young Thai fighter named Kham travels to Sydney, Australia, to recover his stolen elephant. With help from a Thai-born Australian detective, he takes on a criminal gang led by a ruthless woman and her two dangerous bodyguards.

How long is The Protector?

The Protector runs 105 minutes.

The Protector (2005): Plot, Cast & Where to Watch

The Protector: Plot Summary (No Spoilers)

Kham, played by Tony Jaa, is a young Thai fighter whose life is closely bound to his elephant. When the animal is stolen, the trail leads far from home, to Sydney, Australia. Kham sets off to get the elephant back, alone in an unfamiliar city and armed mainly with his martial arts skills.

In Australia he finds an ally in a Thai-born Australian detective, who helps him navigate a place where he doesn’t speak the language. The search soon pulls Kham into the city’s criminal underworld and puts him on a collision course with a ruthless gang. That gang is run by a cold, calculating woman, Madame Rose (Jin Xing), and is protected by two dangerous bodyguards. To recover what was taken from him, Kham has to fight his way through a long line of opponents, each with a different fighting style.

The film is released under the tagline “Vengeance Knows No Mercy”. It blends hard-hitting action with crime and thriller elements. Buddhist and temple imagery also tie the story back to Kham’s Thai roots.

The Protector — Mood illustration, not a still from the film — Mood illustration, not a still from the film

What Makes The Protector Notable

Star and director: The film is built around Tony Jaa’s physical performance as Kham. It is directed by Prachya Pinkaew, who also co-wrote the script with Piyaros Thongdee, Joe Wannapin, Kongdej Jaturanrasmee and Napalee.
Cast: Petchtai Wongkamlao (Mark), Bongkoj Khongmalai (Pla), Jin Xing (Madame Rose), Nathan Jones (T.K.), Johnny Tri Nguyen (Johnny), Damian de Montemas (Vincent) and Winai Poonpermsiri (Fortune Teller).
A showcase of fighting styles: The supporting cast includes Lateef Crowder as a capoeira fighter and Jonathan Patrick Foo as a wushu fighter. These roles set Kham’s style against very different martial arts traditions.
Origin: It is a Thai-Australian co-production from Sahamongkolfilm, Baa-Ram-Ewe and K&K McGrath Productions. Its original Thai title is ต้มยำกุ้ง (Tom Yum Goong).
Multilingual setting: Dialogue moves between Thai, English, Mandarin and Vietnamese, which suits the story of a Thai fighter adrift in Sydney.
Genre mix: Action, crime, drama and thriller, with a runtime of 105 minutes.

If you’re looking for a review of The Protector, the Drama4U Score shown on this page sums up audience reception. This guide focuses on what to expect from the film.

Who Will Enjoy The Protector

Fans of martial arts cinema who want fight-driven action
Viewers curious about Thai action films and Thai cultural themes
Anyone who likes simple revenge-and-rescue stories with a clear goal
Audiences who enjoy seeing contrasting fighting styles face off
Animal lovers drawn to a story about a strong bond between a man and an elephant

The Protector Release Date & Where to Watch

The Protector has a listed release date of 11 August 2005. In the United States it is rated R. A trailer is available.

As of 24 October 2026, JustWatch lists these US options:

Free with ads: Plex, Plex Channel, Tubi TV
Rent: Apple TV Store, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Buy: Apple TV Store, YouTube, Fandango At Home

Availability can change, so check the platform before you press play.

Trailer

Cast

Tony Jaaas KhamSee credits →
Petchtai Wongkamlaoas MarkSee credits →
Bongkoj Khongmalaias Pla
Jin Xingas Madame Rose
Nathan Jonesas T.K.
Johnny Tri Nguyenas Johnny
Lateef Crowderas Capoeira Fighter
Jonathan Patrick Fooas Wushu Fighter

Photo: TMDB

FAQ

When was The Protector released?: The Protector (original Thai title: ต้มยำกุ้ง) has a listed release date of 11 August 2005. It is rated R in the United States.
Where can I watch The Protector in the US?: As of 24 October 2026, you can stream it free with ads on Plex, Plex Channel and Tubi TV. You can also rent or buy it on Apple TV Store, YouTube and Fandango At Home.
Who is in the cast of The Protector?: Tony Jaa stars as Kham. He is joined by Petchtai Wongkamlao, Bongkoj Khongmalai, Jin Xing as Madame Rose, Nathan Jones as T.K., Johnny Tri Nguyen, Lateef Crowder, Jonathan Patrick Foo and Damian de Montemas.
What is The Protector about?: A young Thai fighter named Kham travels to Sydney, Australia, to recover his stolen elephant. With help from a Thai-born Australian detective, he takes on a criminal gang led by a ruthless woman and her two dangerous bodyguards.
How long is The Protector?: The Protector runs 105 minutes.

Sources

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