Bangkok: Pae Arak, a renowned singer and actor, has made a significant impact with his directorial debut film, "The Stone: The Fake Monk." The film has been nominated for Film of the Year at the Nine Entertainment Awards 2026, marking a milestone in his career. Pae Arak expressed that being nominated is a tremendous joy, as his primary aim was for audiences to appreciate his film, making the nomination an unexpected bonus.

According to Thai News Agency, this ambitious project is the largest undertaking for Pae, involving a substantial budget and a sizable team. He credited the support of another director, a dedicated production company, and a talented cast for the film's success. Throughout the filming process, Pae Arak relied on prayers to overcome uncontrollable challenges like weather conditions. He emphasized the importance of meticulous preparation, especially within the constraints of limited filming time, to avoid overspending.

Pae Arak highlighted the uniqueness of his film, which delves into the Thai amulet industry, a topic rarely explored but rich with Thai cultural identity. He clarified that the film's purpose is not to serve as an export strategy or soft power, but to reflect a significant aspect of the Thai economy. The film portrays the intriguing world of amulets, where a small stone's value can reach up to 100 million baht, though its authenticity is often known only to experts. Pae acknowledged the prevalence of counterfeit amulets, which outnumber genuine ones.

Despite initial fears about making the film, Pae Arak's commitment to the project was driven by good intentions, and he found the subject matter widely relatable. Although his personal fascination with amulets has waned, he continues to hold onto some of his collection. Beyond filmmaking, Pae is eager to expand his career in directing and screenwriting while maintaining his music career. He recently released a new song, "Morphine Blues," and plans to launch a full album in June.

Pae Arak also shared an update on his health, revealing that the demands of filming have taken a toll on his immune system. He experienced frequent illnesses and recently injured his knee during a sparring session. Although initially concerned about a torn ligament, the pain has lessened, and he hopes to avoid surgery. He has scheduled a doctor's appointment to assess the injury further.