After news surfaced that Tony Jaa Yeerum had stage 3 gallbladder cancer, a close source who is a friend of both Tony Jaa and his wife, Bung Kee, told Thairath Entertainment that Tony Jaa was diagnosed with stage 3 gallbladder cancer progressing to stage 4 in June 2024 and has already undergone gallbladder cancer surgery followed by ongoing chemotherapy treatment.
By late last year, his cancer markers had returned to normal, allowing Tony to ordain as a monk. After disrobing, during a follow-up, the cancer markers rose again. Currently, Tony is continuing chemotherapy treatment. Following the news, many fans have sent him their support and encouragement.
Regarding Tony Jaa's background,
his real name is Tatchakorn Yeerum, but he is widely known as "Tony Jaa," and internationally he uses the stage name "Tony Jaa." Born on 5 February 1976, he was formerly an athlete before becoming an actor under Sahamongkol Film International. His first film was Ong-Bak, followed by Tom Yum Goong. Tony performs his own stunts and fight scenes without stunt doubles or special effects.
This earned him praise and attention from various martial arts and film industries both in Thailand and internationally. Subsequently, he appeared in several international films such as Fast & Furious 7, Expend4bles, Ip Man: The Legend of Master Z, and Monster Hunter.
His breakthrough films that made Tony Jaa known were Ong-Bak, which earned 200 million baht in Thailand and topped box offices across many Asian, American, and European countries, including Hollywood. Tom Yum Goong also reached number 4 at the Hollywood box office, grossing 1 billion baht worldwide. The phrase "Where is my elephant?" from the scene where Tony searches for a stolen elephant abroad and repeats this line during fights has become an iconic catchphrase to this day.
Additionally, Tony Jaa has received numerous awards both in Thailand and internationally, such as the 15th Suphanahong Award Honor in 2005 for Thai actors who have brought global recognition to Thai cinema, Most Promising New Actor in the World, Best Action Actor in Asia, and Best Stuntman Award, among others.
We send our best wishes to Tony Jaa for a swift recovery.
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