Phawanee Piyaramanee (played by Papawadee Chansamon), a young woman who graduated in linguistics from France, arrives in Rattanaburi—a small town in an unnamed country—to fulfill her government scholarship obligation by teaching at the town’s all-girls school. With her modern look, short skirt, and nearly shaved haircut, she immediately becomes the subject of gossip among the conservative townspeople for her boldness.

Phawanee wishes to visit her uncle, Mr. Ampan (played by Nattanun Khunwath), the mayor of Rattanaburi, but has no transportation. Naksit (played by Hasawi Phakphongpaisan), a rugged and mysterious man with a beard and a cold demeanor, offers her a ride. Despite his appearance and the fact that he is a stranger, Phawanee accepts without hesitation. Naksit is surprised by her fearless attitude and warns her that people will surely gossip about her riding with him—especially since he has just been released from prison. However, he reveals that he was imprisoned for taking the blame for Nukul (played by Premanan Sriphanit), his loyal subordinate.

Upon arriving in Rattanaburi, Phawanee quickly notices many irregularities that the locals consider normal—from biased judgments to deep-rooted corruption among the town’s elite. Her strong sense of justice drives her to challenge these injustices, from exposing fraud in the school system to opposing the relocation of the school to make way for a shopping mall. Her actions stir discontent among the teachers, except for Principal Ratee (played by Nattharika Thammapreedanan), who understands and supports Phawanee’s intentions.

Phawanee’s unwavering stance eventually puts her at odds with her uncle Ampan, who has vested interests in the town’s corrupt dealings. Though her efforts meet with mixed success, she finds strength and guidance from Naksit, who once fell victim to the corrupt bureaucratic system. He becomes her confidant and moral support, helping her persevere.

As corruption intensifies—spanning the governor, mayor, and town officials—Phawanee and Naksit must confront the challenge of fighting for justice in a town where money is valued more than humanity.

The time has come to dismantle the power structures and capitalist interests, and to reform this city of corruption into one of hope… once again.

Stay tuned for “Muang Kaew.”

THE IDEAL CITY (MUANG KAEW)