Tony Jaa

Jaa in 2015, photo by kathclick/Bigstock.com

Birth Name: Phanom Yeerum

Place of Birth: Surin Province, Thailand

Date of Birth: February 5, 1976

Ethnicity: Thai, Kuy

Tony Jaa (จา พนม), or Tatchakorn Yeerum, is a Thai martial artist, physical educator, actor, action choreographer, film producer, stuntperson, director, traceur, and Buddhist monk. He is also known as Jaa Phanom and Thatchakon Yiram.

Tony is the son of Rin Saipetch and Thongdee Yeerum. He began training in Muay Thai at a local temple by age ten. Tony is married to Piyarat Chotiwat/Chotiwattananont, with whom he has two children. He became a Buddhist monk at a temple in Surin, Thailand in 2010.