The Billionaire

Set in the early to late 2000s in Thailand, the film begins in 2002 with online gaming and bold bets, then traces Tob’s ventures through the following years as debts mount and opportunities arise. By 2010, the seaweed brand grows into a global enterprise, marking a decade-long arc from youth entrepreneurship to billionaire status.

The story unfolds in urban Thailand, anchored by Bangkok's bustling markets such as Chatuchak. It moves from crowded stalls and mall corridors to a warehouse factory on the outskirts as Tob scales his business. The setting highlights a shift from family-owned street commerce to a nationwide retail network.

💡 Entrepreneurship

A central arc follows Tob transforming risky ideas into real businesses. From reselling DVD players to selling chestnuts, he iterates on concepts, learns practical know-how, and navigates obstacles. The story emphasizes creativity, problem-solving, and the grit needed to turn a plan into a scalable venture.

💸 Debt & Pressure

Financial strain drives the narrative as Tob’s family faces mounting debt, foreclosure, and the prospect of leaving Thailand. The pressure from lenders, family expectations, and the threat to lose the house push Tob to persist and seek legitimate financing and partnerships. The film uses debt as a catalyst for resilience rather than a doom.

🌍 Scale & Global Reach

What starts as a local stall evolves into a national brand and then a global enterprise. The company expands to thousands of employees, hundreds of stores, and dozens of countries, illustrating how a determined idea can become a multinational operation. The scale reflects an aspirational transformation of Thai entrepreneurship.

🎮 Gaming Influence

Tob’s early foray into real-money online gaming sparks his appetite for risk and experimentation. The hobby becomes a catalyst for his entrepreneurial mindset, showing how digital environments can incubate real-world business insights. The film links gaming dynamics with startup instincts.