Thai action movie star Tony Jaa has been receiving treatment for gallbladder cancer, according to local media outlets.
The actor was first diagnosed in June 2024, the FM91 Traffic Police radio network reported.
However, Channel 3 reported that the Ong Bak star’s condition had improved with chemotherapy but still required close supervision of doctors.
Fans became concerned when they noticed the actor was thinner in recent social media photos.
The Facebook page of Tony Jaa did not mention the diagnosis. In his latest post on Jan 31, he told fans that he was on an air travel trip related to his new music video.
Some supporters have started writing well-wishing messages on his social media page as the news about his health spread.
Born Tatchakorn Yeerum in the northeastern province of Surin and known locally as “Ja Phanom”, the actor celebrated his 50th birthday on Thursday.
After training in Muay Thai from age 10, followed by years as a stunt man, Tony Jaa had his breakthrough in 2003 with Ong Bak. The movie, which combines Thai boxing and other martial arts, attracted international recognition and led to two sequels.
He has since had roles in both Hollywood and Hong Kong productions.
