Thong Ek: The Herbal Master (, Thong Ek Mor Ya Tha Chalong) is a Thai television romantic comedy series broadcast by Channel 3 HD. Premiered on January 31, 2019, it starred Mario Maurer and Kimberley Anne Woltemas. The show concluded on March 20, 2019.
Premise Set during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) in the late 19th century, the series follows Thong Ek, a young man who studies traditional Thai medicine in an effort to restore his family's reputation after his grandfather, a respected physician, is accused of malpractice. As he trains to become a skilled herbal doctor, Thong Ek faces rival practitioners, treats patients using traditional remedies, and develops a romance with Chaba.
Cast and characters
Lead cast Mario Maurer as Thong Ek Kimberley Anne Woltemas as Chaba Supporting actors Porama Im-anotai as Kla Purita Supinchompoo as Phong Sarin Ronnakiat as Phoem Chayanit Chaicharoen as Kling Napapa Tantrakul as Chongko Jakkrit Ammarat as Khun Kasikam Bamrung Jintara Sukapat as Khun Nai Saiyut Ratchada Amratisha as Mae Man Rong Kaomulkadee as Pu Thong-in Jennifer Kim as Khun Nai Kingkae Sriphan Chuenchomboon as Khun Nai Yuean Nattapong Chartpong as Piak Jupjip Chernyim as Tun Phichaphat Mahathitayakul as Phoeng Phattharaporn Mukchokwatthana as Rampoei Samat Niamsa-at as Jim Yothin Mapopphan as Luang Ta Phet Charoensuk Naksawat as Nang Im Kingkan Traiyasut as Nang Chui Guest cast Thanya Sophon as Her Royal Highness Princess Piangmaen Narumitr Natt Thephussadin na Ayutthaya as Prince Pin Preeda Noi Chernyim as Uncle Khao Komsan Tinnakorn Na Ayutthaya as Royal Physician Nichkhun as Gyeong-seok Rasri Balenciaga Chirathivat as Mi-rae Akkaranan Worarojcharoendech as Daeng Sing
Production Development Director Chudapa Chantakett drew inspiration for the series from Doctor Sommai of Sing Buri province, a modern medical doctor who studied traditional Thai herbal medicine. Seeing the value of Thai traditional wisdom and heritage, Chantakett developed the concept into a television drama.
To ensure accuracy and realism, the production team chose accessible and easy health conditions such as headaches, stomach aches, common colds, and chickenpox, while also featuring complex traditional illnesses such as "Pan Dam" (black birthmark-like skin disease) and "I-Dam". Before filming, lead actor Mario Maurer was trained by traditional herbal doctors to learn techniques, such as reading pulses using three fingers.
Filming locations Principal photography took place at several historic sites, including the Jamjuree Traditional Thai House in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province, Wat Singh, and the Buddhism Promotion Center of Thailand in Pathum Thani province.
Release Broadcast Thong Ek: The Herbal Master originally premiered in Thailand on Channel 3 on January 31, 2019, airing every Wednesday and Thursday in the 20:20 (ICT) timeslot until its conclusion on March 20, 2019.
In the Philippines, the series was dubbed in Tagalog under the title The Herbal Master and made its terrestrial television debut on GMA Network on April 18, 2022. Following its run on the main network, the series made its channel debut on the digital subchannel Heart of Asia on May 1, 2023.
Streaming In September 2019, the series was made available for video on demand streaming on Netflix in select regions. It was later made available in Singapore via Mediacorp's video streaming service meWATCH in March 2020. It was also added to the iQIYI streaming platform on January 3, 2022.
Accolades + Accolades received by Thong Ek: The Herbal Master Year Award Category Recipient Result 2020 2020 TV Gold Awards Best Comedy Performance Mario Maurer Best Actor in a Leading Role
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