The film begins in Ban Nong Pradu, a rural village in northeastern Thailand whose most prized possession is an ancient Buddha image, named Ong-Bak.

Ting, the village’s best athlete, wins a tree climbing race and demonstrates extreme skill in muay Thai but vows never to use it for personal gain.

During the night, visitors from Bangkok attack Ting’s uncle and steal the statue’s head which Ting promises to recover…