THE RED ENVELOPE (เซองแต่งมี) (2025)

Genre: Comedy
Director: Chayanop Boonprakob
Cast: Putthipong Assaratanakul, Krit Amnuaydechkorn, Goy Arachaporn Pokinpakorn, Pu Piyamas Maneeyakul, Jaturong Mokjok, James Rusameekae Fagerlund, Eddy Jarnnawut Jarnyaharn, Anna Chuancheun, Ballchon Tanawat Cheawaram 
Runtime: 2 hr 8 mins
Rating: R21 (Some Homosexual Content)
Released By: Golden Village
Official Website: 

Opening Day: 24 April 2025

Synopsis: When ‘Menn’, a super-straight mugger-turned-police spy, accidentally picks up a mysterious red envelope, he is bound by a supernatural contract that forces him to wed a ghost. Fate plays an even crueler trick on him: his 'spouse' is not only dead, but a cute and unapologetically progressive gay man named ‘Titi’. Menn must help Titi uncover the truth behind the accident that took Titi’s life so he can finally rest in peace and leave Menn alone. All clues eventually lead to an illegal drug case that Menn and ‘Goi’, an older policewoman that Menn has a crush on, happen to be investigating. Believing that solving this case will benefit his career and love life, Menn takes on this atypical mission to help Titi, leading to an unlikely bond between the living and the dead, a gay and a straight man. 

Movie Review:

Who would have thought that a supernatural comedy about a homophobic straight policeman forced into a ghost marriage with a dead gay man would become such a sensation? Cheng Wei Hao’s film Marry My Dead Body (2022) not only charmed audiences and critics alike, but also became Taiwan’s official submission for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film. At the 60th Golden Horse Awards, it racked up eight nominations and clinched the prize for Best Adapted Screenplay — a testament to its sharp writing and unexpected emotional depth.

And who would have thought that in less than five years, the story would be adapted into a Thai movie by GDH — the studio behind beloved hits like Bad Genius (2017) and The Con Heartist (2020)? As the saying goes, if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it — and we couldn't help but feel a little apprehensive. Would the remake, directed by Chayanop Boonprakob (Friend Zone), manage to capture the same magic? Especially when the trailer hinted that some scenes would be replicated almost shot-for-shot.

We’re happy to report that this Thai adaptation is every bit as delightful as its Taiwanese predecessor — packed with laugh-out-loud moments and heartfelt emotion. If the original film moved you to tears in its final act, be prepared: this version might just tug at your heartstrings all over again.

After charming countless viewers as the lovable grandson in Pat Boonnitipat’s global hit. How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies (2024), Putthipong Assaratanakul — better known as Billkin — is back to steal hearts once again. Taking on the role originally portrayed by Greg Hsu, Billkin’s character, Menn, isn’t a real policeman this time. Instead, he’s a small-time informant determined to win over a tough female cop Goi, played by Goy Arachaporn Pokinpakorn, stepping into the role previously filled by Gingle Wang.

Fans of the Taiwanese version will know that Menn’s luck is about to take a wild turn when he’s forced into a ghost marriage with a dead gay man named Titi (played with great flair by Krit Amnuaydechkorn, also known as PP Krit, who takes over the role from Austin Lin). The 128-minute film follows the duo as they try to uncover who killed Titi, and in the process, stumble upon a major drug bust.

We were pleasantly surprised that signature scenes — like the hilarious bathroom encounter where Titi appears on Menn’s shoulder, and the outrageous sequence where a naked Menn dashes into the streets for an impromptu pole dance — still had us laughing just as hard. While some scenes closely mirror the original, they never feel stale or repetitive. Instead, the energy and charm of the new cast breathe fresh life into them.

The movie succeeds by cleverly weaving in distinctly Thai elements that add both humour and local flavour. There’s a playful nod to the classic Thai horror film Shutter (2004), and a riotous scene where Titi possesses Menn’s body for a dance showdown at a vibrant Thai gay club. Even the action gets a Thai twist, unfolding in a Muay Thai institute — a fitting tribute to the country’s renowned martial art.

It’s also worth noting that Billkin and PP Krit have a history of acting opposite each other, first in the romantic-comedy series My Ambulance (2019). Their popularity soared when they headlined the acclaimed LGBT drama series I Told Sunset About You (2020) and its sequel I Promised You the Moon (2021). As stars of the hugely popular BL (boys' love) genre, their on-screen pairing has won them a massive fanbase — and bringing them back together for this big-screen project proves to be a winning move. Their natural chemistry lights up the film and speaks for itself.

Movie Rating:

(This Thai adaptation of the hit Taiwanese film is every bit as fun, heartfelt, and engaging, anchored by winning performances from Billkin and PP Krit)

Review by John Li