Netflix Sets ‘Mad Unicorn’ Thai Drama on Express Delivery Startup Saga

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Netflix is set to add another international series to its growing slate with “Mad Unicorn.”

The Thai drama, led by acclaimed director Nottapon Boonprakob (“Come and See”), is based on a real-life tale of Thailand’s pioneering unicorn startup within the cutthroat express delivery sector.

The show centers around Santi, a resourceful businessman played by Ice-Natara Nopparatayapon (known for “One for the Road” and “Delete”), who leverages his fluency in Mandarin, taught by his mother, as an unforeseen key to success. In an attempt to lift his family out of poverty, Santi initiates “Thunder Express”. His journey intersects with that of the formidable tycoon Kanin, brilliantly played by Ek-Thaneth Warakulnukroh (“The Sea is Watching”).

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Santi, a character played by Ice-Natara Nopparatayapon (from “One for the Road” and “Delete”), is an ambitious entrepreneur whose proficiency in Mandarin, taught by his mother, gives him an unexpected edge. When he launches “Thunder Express” to escape poverty, his path collides with the relentless tycoon Kanin, portrayed by Ek-Thaneth Warakulnukroh (“The Sea is Watching”).

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In the series, Ice-Natara Nopparatayapon (from “One for the Road” and “Delete”) plays Santi, a tenacious businessman whose ability to speak Mandarin fluently, thanks to his mother’s teachings, becomes an unexpected asset. To free his family from poverty, he establishes “Thunder Express”. His journey encounters that of ruthless tycoon Kanin, portrayed by Ek-Thaneth Warakulnukroh (“The Sea is Watching”).

In my journey, I found myself betrayed. Yet, I forged pivotal partnerships with the intelligent financier Xiaoyu (Janeyeh Jiranorraphat) and the socially aloof coding genius Ruijie (Dr. Palang Rocksilp). Together, we navigated the ruthless business terrain.

Or:

Betrayed and seeking allies, I formed critical connections with the shrewd financier Xiaoyu (Janeyeh Jiranorraphat) and the reclusive coding prodigy Ruijie (Dr. Palang Rocksilp). We embarked on a treacherous business odyssey together.

Or:

Facing betrayal, I needed allies. So, I teamed up with the smart financier Xiaoyu (Janeyeh Jiranorraphat) and the enigmatic coding whiz Ruijie (Dr. Palang Rocksilp). We braved the merciless business world together.

In stark contrast to Bangkok’s bustling commercial landscape, “Mad Unicorn” promises a blend of cultural authenticity and a tale spun around themes of innovation, aspiration, and redemption. The trailer hints at Santi’s transformation from his tranquil mountain existence to the cut-throat world of express delivery, where he encounters deceit and ruthless competition.

The show is now part of Netflix’s growing collection of Asian content, as they continue to pour resources into producing regional stories that resonate with audiences worldwide.

“Mad Unicorn” premieres May 29.

Minyoung Kim, Netflix’s Vice President of content for Asia (formerly from India), recently disclosed that their “local-first” approach was instrumental in the extraordinary success of “Squid Game”. This strategy, which focuses on seeking content that resonates deeply within specific regional markets, is still guiding Netflix’s content choices across Asian regions. In an interview with EbMaster during Netflix’s recent Asia Pacific showcase in Tokyo, Kim stated, “When I greenlit ‘Squid Game’, we weren’t aiming to create a global phenomenon. Instead, we were always on the hunt for stories that would strike a chord within our local audience and make a significant impact in our local market.

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2025-04-30 08:16