Known for his explosive martial arts stunt work, Jaa broke out in 2003 with Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior, which earned him international recognition and spawned two sequels.

Prior to becoming a leading actor, Jaa worked as a stuntman for Muay Thai Stunt for 14 years, appearing in many of Rittikrai's films.

After the success of Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior (2003), which earned him a Star Entertainment Award, Jaa starred in the well-received films Ong Bak 3 (2010), Furious 7 (2015), which marked his first English-speaking role, SPL II: A Time for Consequences (2015), which marked his Hong Kong debut, Master Z: Ip Man Legacy (2018), Triple Threat (2019), and Detective Chinatown 3 (2021).

[4] He also starred in Tom-Yum-Goong (2005), which earned him a Suphannahong National Film Award, Ong Bak 2: The Beginning (2008), which marked his directorial debut,[5] and Tom Yum Goong 2 (2013).

[9] Tony Jaa was born and raised in a rural area in Surin Province to Rin Saipetch and Thongdee Yeerum.

[10] In his youth, he watched films by Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan at temple fairs, which inspired him to learn martial arts.

[20] Tony Jaa initially worked as a stuntman for Muay Thai Stunt for 14 years, appearing in many of Rittikrai's films.

Jaa did all the stunts without mechanical assistance or computer-generated effects and it showcased his style of extreme acrobatics and speedy, dance-like moves.

"[23] His second major movie was Tom-Yum-Goong (The Protector in the US), named after tom yum soup, which included a style of Muay Thai that imitates elephants.

[24] By mid 2000s, dubbed versions of Jaa's films gained international recognition through theatrical releases, television broadcasts, and on-demand platforms.

[39] Jaa then co-starred in the blockbuster action film Furious 7 (2015), produced by and starring Vin Diesel and directed by James Wan.

[40] Jaa also teamed up with fellow actors Louis Koo and Wu Jing in Hong Kong-Chinese action film SPL II: A Time for Consequences (2015).

[42] Jaa's most recent project was co-starring with Vin Diesel again in XXX: Return of Xander Cage, directed by D. J. Caruso and released in January 2017.