Are you ready to face
your darkest fears? Following last year’s zombie-themed Operation Undead comes the Thai horror-thriller Don’t Sleep starring Atiwat Saengtien (Pee Nak comedy-horror movie series) and Pantipa Arunwattanachai (Oh My Ghost: The Finale). It premieres on cinemas 4 June.
Don’t Sleep is a supernatural horror-thriller set against the backdrop of modern-day Thailand, blending ancient Thai folklore with contemporary themes of guilt, grief, and redemption. The film follows a group of friends who inadvertently awaken dark spirits while playing with a mystical version of a Ouija board, called Pee Tuey Gaew, which plunges them into a harrowing battle for survival.
The film explores deep psychological struggles and the haunting effects of unresolved trauma, using supernatural elements as metaphors for the inner demons the characters face.
For the spirit world scenes, the creative crew used slightly distorted lenses, practical effects and camera trickery. The decision not to rely heavily on CGI made the ghosts feel more tactile and haunting.
Don’t Sleep began as a collaborative effort between co-writers and directors Sathanapong Limwongthong and Watcharanuntagul, whose shared love for traditional Thai folklore and modern horror influenced the script. Inspired by local ghost stories and spiritual beliefs, they aimed to craft a narrative that was both uniquely Thai and universally terrifying.
Filming was done over 15 days in Bangkok, which helped showcase the duality of modern and ancient Thailand. The film’s score blended traditional Thai music with modern horror motifs, using dissonant strings and percussive elements to heighten suspense during key moments.
