In a poor Thai village, the sacred statue of Ong-Bak watches over its inhabitants, who feel safe and secure in its presence. When a former villager steals the statue's head to sell it to the underworld, the villagers are fearful of the consequences and pin their hopes on Ting (Tony Jaa), a gifted but reluctant Muay Thai boxer. Ting is charged with travelling to the seedy streets of Bangkok, to fight and reclaim Ong-Bak for his village.