Donnie Yen is the new bruce lee.
# ‘Ong Bak’ star reportedly battling cancer
Condition of Tony Jaa said to be improving after chemotherapy
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
PUBLISHED : 5 FEB 2026 AT 11:59
WRITER: ONLINE REPORTERS
Tony Jaa in his latest Facebook post dated Jan 31. (Photo: Japhanom Yeerum Facebook account)
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. A source close to the actor told Nine Entertain that the initial diagnosis was stage 3, verging on stage 4.
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 recently when they noticed the actor was noticeably 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.
“The journey is about to begin. One More Round,” he wrote, referring to his recently launched MV teaser, One More Round.
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. He was inducted into the Martial Arts History Museum Hall of Fame in 2017.
that is terrible news and hope he is ok. Good reminder for everyone to stay low stress and eat healthy.