Netflix is once again shining a spotlight on Southeast Asia with its upcoming Thai crime thriller, “Tee Yai: Born to Be Bad.” Premiering worldwide on November 13, 2025, the film plunges audiences into a world filled with crime, loyalty, and the search for redemption.
Set amid the gritty underbelly of 1980s Bangkok, the story chronicles the dramatic rise and tragic fall of Tee Yai — a man who became both feared and admired, remembered in Thai folklore as a criminal genius and a misunderstood anti-hero. His journey from an ordinary man to a mythic outlaw exposes how ambition and the hunger for respect can twist destiny itself.
Directed by Nonzee Nimibutr, one of Thailand’s most acclaimed filmmakers, and featuring a powerhouse Thai cast, “Tee Yai: Born to Be Bad” blends raw emotion with gripping storytelling. The film isn’t just about crime — it’s about humanity, choices, and the thin line between right and wrong, making it one of Netflix’s most eagerly awaited Thai originals of 2025.
The True Story Behind Tee Yai – Thailand’s Most Feared Yet Fascinating Outlaw
Before stepping into Netflix’s cinematic retelling, it helps to know the real man behind the myth. Tee Yai (ตี๋ใหญ่) wasn’t born a legend — he became one. Emerging during the 1970s and 1980s, Tee Yai’s story began in poverty, in a Thailand caught between tradition and modern change.
Struggling to survive, he turned to crime early on, moving from small thefts to masterminding one of the country’s most infamous gangs. His boldness, street intelligence, and ability to vanish from police radar turned him into a folk hero for some and a menace for others.
To the poor, Tee Yai embodied defiance — a man brave enough to fight back against corrupt systems. To the authorities, he was a symbol of chaos that needed to be stopped. His name echoed across villages, TV screens, and police radios, blurring the line between fact and folklore.
Over time, storytellers transformed him into a tragic anti-hero — a man driven by pain, pride, and the desperate need to be seen. Netflix’s upcoming version takes this old legend and rebuilds it for a new generation, exploring not only his crimes but also the human story buried beneath the headlines — a portrait of a man shaped by survival, power, and fate.
The Story – Brotherhood, Betrayal, and the Price of Power
At its core, “Tee Yai: Born to Be Bad” is more than a gangster tale — it’s a story about brotherhood and the cost of ambition.
The film centers on two lifelong friends, Tee (Nattawin Wattanagitiphat) and Rerk (Witsarut Himmarat), who grow up together in the backstreets of Bangkok. Both dream of escaping their harsh lives, but desperation leads them down a dangerous road. Their bond is tested as small crimes turn into full-blown heists and loyalty begins to crumble under the weight of greed and guilt.
As Tee’s name rises in the underworld, he becomes both a hero and a hunted man. Detective Prasert (Akarin Akaranitimaytharatt) steps in, determined to end the chaos that Tee has unleashed — setting off a tense battle of wits between outlaw and officer.
Beneath the gunfire and getaways, the story digs deep into the emotional conflict between loyalty and morality. Tee’s transformation from an oppressed youth into a symbol of rebellion forces viewers to question whether he was truly evil — or simply a man born into a broken world.
“Tee Yai: Born to Be Bad” captures this duality beautifully, showing that heroes and villains often come from the same place — they just choose different paths.
Cast and Performances – The Faces Behind the Legend
Netflix’s “Tee Yai: Born to Be Bad” brings together some of Thailand’s most talented actors, each infusing the story with authenticity and emotional power.
Nattawin Wattanagitiphat (Apo) steps into the role of Tee Yai, portraying him as more than a criminal — he’s a man constantly torn between friendship, loyalty, and the brutal need to survive. Apo, already celebrated worldwide for his breakout role in KinnPorsche: The Series, delivers a performance that captures both Tee’s rebellious charm and his quiet suffering. His expressive eyes and raw intensity turn Tee Yai into a character audiences can’t easily judge — or forget.
Witsarut Himmarat (Biu) plays Rerk, Tee’s childhood friend and closest ally, whose growing moral doubts begin to fracture their bond. His layered performance gives the story emotional gravity, showing how loyalty can become both a lifeline and a curse.
Akarin Akaranitimaytharatt takes on the role of Detective Prasert, the film’s voice of order amidst chaos. His portrayal of an unwavering lawman chasing Tee Yai through the moral fog of 1980s Bangkok creates a compelling balance between justice and obsession.
Together, their performances build a world filled with tension, heartbreak, and humanity — where brotherhood and betrayal walk hand in hand.
Direction and Vision – Nonzee Nimibutr’s Cinematic Mastery
Behind the camera stands Nonzee Nimibutr, one of Thailand’s most visionary directors. Known for the classic “Dang Bireley’s and Young Gangsters” (1997), Nonzee once again explores the thin line between crime and conscience.
His approach to “Tee Yai: Born to Be Bad” isn’t to glorify outlaws but to examine the world that creates them. Through meticulous direction, he blends realism with poetic undertones, transforming crime scenes into reflections of human struggle. His lens captures both the harshness of street life and the fragility of those caught within it.
Every shot — from the gleam of neon lights over rain-soaked streets to the suffocating shadows of hidden safehouses — tells a story beyond the dialogue. Nonzee’s Bangkok is not just a setting; it’s a living, breathing entity — beautiful, dangerous, and unforgiving.
Under his direction, the film becomes more than a gangster tale. It evolves into a mirror of Thailand’s social turbulence in the 1980s — a time when inequality, corruption, and rapid change turned survival into rebellion.
Setting – The Dark Beauty of 1980s Bangkok
The movie’s world-building is nothing short of mesmerizing. The filmmakers meticulously reconstruct 1980s Bangkok, capturing an era defined by contradictions — vibrant yet volatile, hopeful yet haunted.
From smoky dive bars filled with jazz and whispers to narrow alleyways echoing with police sirens, every frame evokes the heartbeat of a city in transition. Bangkok in this film is not the glossy tourist capital we know today; it’s a city teetering on the edge — where dreams collide with desperation.
The production design pays exceptional attention to detail: vintage cars, retro billboards, worn-out street markets, and flickering fluorescent signs all anchor the viewer in the past. The soundtrack, laced with nostalgic Thai pop hits, deepens the immersion, while the cinematography by Sayombhu Mukdeeprom adds a painterly quality to every scene.
Mukdeeprom’s visual storytelling — already known from his work on Call Me by Your Name — brings a haunting balance of beauty and decay. Through his lens, Bangkok becomes a paradox: a city both alive and rotting, mirroring Tee Yai’s own inner turmoil.
Themes – Between Crime, Conscience, and Freedom
At its heart, “Tee Yai: Born to Be Bad” is more than a crime drama — it’s a moral inquiry disguised as entertainment. The film dives deep into questions that challenge our notions of justice and humanity.
Loyalty vs Betrayal:
The friendship between Tee and Rerk forms the emotional anchor of the film. Their unbreakable bond, forged in childhood poverty, becomes both their greatest strength and their downfall. The story examines how loyalty can be tested when survival comes at the cost of morality.
Morality vs Survival:
Tee’s descent into crime isn’t painted as pure evil but as a symptom of societal decay. His choices are desperate reactions to a system rigged against the poor. The film forces viewers to ask — when the law fails the innocent, does breaking it make one a villain or a victim?
Freedom vs Consequence:
Tee’s pursuit of freedom — from authority, poverty, and fear — becomes his undoing. His rebellion may grant him power, but it also traps him in a cycle of violence. The film’s tragic tone suggests that even the most defiant souls cannot escape the weight of consequence.
Through these themes, “Tee Yai: Born to Be Bad” transforms into a reflection on human nature — a reminder that good and evil are often born from the same pain.
Cinematic Style – Where Art Meets Grit
The film’s cinematic tone blends realism with stylized action. Long takes, muted colors, and raw close-ups emphasize emotion over spectacle. The action sequences are brutal yet purposeful — every gunfight and chase has emotional weight.
The cinematography uses contrasting lighting — bright city lights against dark alleys — symbolizing Tee’s internal struggle. The editing is sharp but deliberate, letting moments of silence speak as loudly as explosions.
Netflix’s Growing Interest in Thai Originals
Netflix’s decision to invest in “Tee Yai: Born to Be Bad” aligns with its broader strategy to expand Thai and Southeast Asian content. Following the success of The Murderer (2023), Hunger (2023), and Delete (2024), Netflix is betting big on authentic regional stories with global appeal.
Thailand’s cinematic landscape — rich with folklore, emotion, and visual flair — has proven to attract worldwide audiences. With “Tee Yai,” Netflix continues to bridge cultures, bringing Thai storytelling to the global crime-thriller stage.
Release Date and Streaming Details
Netflix has officially announced that “Tee Yai: Born to Be Bad” will make its global premiere on November 13, 2025. The film will stream worldwide in its original Thai language, accompanied by subtitles in more than 15 languages, including English, Hindi, Korean, and Spanish, making it easily accessible to international audiences.
In Thailand, the movie will enjoy a limited theatrical release before landing on Netflix, giving local fans the chance to experience its gritty visuals on the big screen. On launch day, viewers across India, the U.K., and the U.S. will find it featured in Netflix’s “New Releases” section, ready for immediate streaming.
Social Media Buzz and Fan Excitement
The announcement of “Tee Yai: Born to Be Bad” has ignited a wave of excitement online. Since Netflix unveiled the official trailer, hashtags such as #TeeYaiNetflix, #BornToBeBad, and #ThaiCrimeThriller have been trending on X (Twitter) and Instagram.
Fans and film critics alike have praised the movie’s cinematic visuals, authentic depiction of Thai culture, and the compelling performance of Nattawin Wattanagitiphat, whose growing global fanbase continues to expand after his success in KinnPorsche: The Series. The trailer’s retro-inspired soundtrack and fast-paced editing have drawn comparisons to iconic crime dramas like Scarface and The Godfather.
With such strong early buzz, Tee Yai is already shaping up to be one of Netflix’s biggest Southeast Asian releases of 2025, expected to capture audiences far beyond Thailand.
Cultural Impact – Reviving Thailand’s Legendary Outlaw
In Thailand’s cultural landscape, Tee Yai is far more than a name in crime history — he’s a symbol of human contradiction. To some, he’s a dangerous fugitive; to others, he’s a man shaped by hardship and rebellion. Netflix’s “Tee Yai: Born to Be Bad” breathes new life into this polarizing figure, inviting younger audiences to question what drives a person to defy society — and whether justice always plays fair.
Through its modern storytelling and cinematic finesse, the series resurrects an essential piece of Thai folklore — one that grapples with themes of pride, fate, and survival against an unfair world. It’s not just entertainment; it’s cultural reflection. The show reopens conversations about how society defines morality and who gets to be called a hero or a villain.
Worldwide Relevance – A Story That Crosses Borders
“Tee Yai: Born to Be Bad” doesn’t just belong to Thailand — it speaks to the world. Every culture cherishes tales of rebels who challenged authority: from Robin Hood in England to Ned Kelly in Australia or Bonnie and Clyde in America. Tee Yai joins this global brotherhood of outlaws — characters who embody resistance, humanity, and survival in the face of injustice.
Thanks to Netflix’s international platform, viewers everywhere can see that stories about crime often go beyond guns and violence. At their core, they explore the complexity of human emotion — love, betrayal, desperation, and hope. Tee Yai’s journey is a mirror held up to society, reminding us that the line between right and wrong often depends on where we stand.
Why “Tee Yai: Born to Be Bad” Deserves Your Watch
If you’re drawn to slow-burn crime sagas that prioritize emotion over spectacle, this series will grip you from the first frame. Here’s what makes it unmissable:
- Authentic Thai Narrative: Rooted in local folklore yet universal in message.
- Cinematic Brilliance: Moody, artful visuals that capture the grit and soul of 1980s Bangkok.
- Emotionally Charged Storytelling: A haunting exploration of trust, betrayal, and redemption.
- Standout Performances: A powerhouse Thai cast that brings depth and realism to every scene.
- Cultural Bridge: A story that lets global audiences experience Thailand’s rich storytelling tradition.
“Tee Yai: Born to Be Bad” offers more than just crime and chaos — it delivers a powerful emotional experience. It’s a reminder that even in darkness, humanity flickers — and that every legend, no matter how infamous, begins with a wound that never truly healed.
