House Samyan Cinema in Bangkok is running "Tribute To Ray MacDonald", a week-long programme screening seven films spanning the career of one of Thailand's best-known actors, from 1-7 October. All screenings start at 7.20pm with standard ticket prices, and proceeds from one special title go to the Childline Thailand Foundation.
The programme opens with Pen-Ek Ratanaruang's 1997 cult favourite Fun Bar Karaoke, MacDonald's feature debut, in which he plays Nio, a young man pulled into a strange chain of events involving his troubled father, a karaoke bar and the local underworld. The opening day also brings a treat for fans: a special meet-and-greet at the cinema's Living Area, roughly 30-45 minutes before the screening, where MacDonald's family and friends and his dog "Ronray" will gather.
The rest of the week moves through his most memorable roles. On 2 October comes Dear Galileo (2009), following two young Thai women who travel to Europe chasing new experiences and work, only to find life is messier than expected. Nonzee Nimibutr's much-loved romance O-Negative (1998) screens on 4 October, a drama about five university friends whose close bond slowly turns complicated by love and heartbreak — note this screening has no English subtitles.
The supernatural action film Opapatika (2007) follows on 3 October, with MacDonald as Arthur, an invincible fighter whose powers come at a heavy personal cost. Fake (2003) screens on 5 October, tracking three young men sharing a Bangkok apartment as each becomes romantically involved with the same woman.
Two heavier titles close out the programme. The Drifter (1999), on 6 October, centres on a homeless man who witnesses violent crime involving a middle-class Bangkok family; the film is part of Thailand's National Film Heritage registry. The week ends on 7 October with Nak Prok (2008), a crime thriller about three thieves who hide stolen money under a temple, only to return and find a new chapel built over their stash.
A nice detail for cinemagoers: all proceeds from the Nak Prok screening are donated to the Childline Thailand Foundation, which supports care and assistance for homeless children, and helps fund their access-based education project.
For travellers in Bangkok in early October, this is an easy, low-cost way to tap into local film culture beyond the usual tourist programme. House Samyan is a stylish cinema attached to the Samyan Mitrtown complex in the city centre, so you can pair a screening with dinner nearby. Just check the subtitles situation if your Thai is limited — most screenings are fine, but the O-Negative session is Thai-only. Turn up early on 1 October if you want a chance to see the actor himself.
