Ong Bak is the Buddha statue kept in the Nong Pra-du temple in rural Thailand, which is believed to be imbued with magical powers that will keep the village safe. One night, former villager Don cut the head of the statute to win favour with ruthless crime boss Khom Tuan. Ting, an orphaned youngster raised at the temple, determines to go to Bangkok and look for the lost treasure. However, Ting is forced to compete in illegal street fights. His superior skills make him a natural champion, and he even agrees to throw a deadly fight when he's promised the return of Ong Bak…