The Legend of King Naresuan: The Series (also known as King Naresuan The Series in Thailand; Thai: ตำนานสมเด็จพระนเรศวรมหาราช เดอะซีรีส์, RTGS: Tamnan Somdet Phra Naresuan Maharat The Series) is a Thai period-drama television adaptation of the biographical film series of the same name. It depicts the life of Naresuan, who ruled the Ayutthaya Kingdom from 1590 to 1605.
The series is directed by Chalermchatri Yukol, son of the original film's director. Unlike the films, the television adaptation features a new cast, with the exception of Sorapong Chatree, who reprises his role as Mahathera Khanchong.
Contents
Plot
The series is a television adaptation of the biographical film of the same name.
The first season portrays Prince Naresuan's boyhood, when he is taken as a hostage to the Toungoo Empire by King Bayinnaung to ensure the loyalty of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. During his captivity, he becomes a novice Buddhist monk under the guidance of a mentor monk (played by Sorapong Chatree).
The second season follows Naresuan as a young military commander serving King Nanda Bayin, leading campaigns against rebellious vassal states. His growing experience and strategic ability ultimately culminate in his decision to rebel and declare Ayutthaya's independence.
The third and final season depicts Naresuan's reign as king and his leadership during the Burmese–Siamese War (1593–1600) against the Toungoo Empire.
Cast
Panukorn Wongbunmak as Naresuan (young)
Nutchanont Bunsiri as Naresuan (teenager; season 1)
Daweerit Chullasapya as Naresuan (teenager; season 2 onwards)
Pattarakorn Prasertset as Mingyi Swa (young)
Korapat Kirdpan as Mingyi Swa (teenager; season 1)
Aungoont Thanasapchroen as Mingyi Swa (teenager; season 2 onwards)
Nuanchan Na Thalang as Manechan (young; season 1)
Napapach Thitakawin as Manechan (teenager; season 1)
Pacharawan Vadrukchit as Manechan (teenager; season 2 onwards)
Nongbiw Khaokong as Saming
Sitthochok Puerkpoonpol as Rachamanu (Bunting) (teenager; season 1)
Rachan Sharma as Rachamanu (Bunting) (teenager; season 2 onwards)
Atiwat Snitwong Na Ayutthaya as Maha Thammaracha
Pacharanamon Nonthapa as Suphankanlaya (seasons 1–3)
Pattharawadee Laosa as Wilaikalaya
Paramej Noi-Um as Bayinnaung
Kasarb Jumpadib as Nanda Bayin
Sorapong Chatree as Mahathera Khanchong