A Thai historical comic that began as a few drawings shared online is making its way to animation.
“Ayothaya Ayeyarwady” (อโยธยาเอยาวดี), created by Thai artist and writer Amulin, will premiere its first two animated episodes for free on Clover Book Studio’s YouTube channel on September 26, 2026. The adaptation follows the success of a comic that has built a sizable readership online while offering an intentionally fictional take on a familiar period of Thai history.
Set against the conflict between Ayothaya and Hongsawadi, the story begins after northern territories are defeated and the eldest son of the ruler of Song Khwae is sent to Hongsawadi as a prisoner of war. There, he forms a childhood friendship with the son of Hongsawadi’s viceroy. As they grow up on opposing sides of an ongoing conflict, that relationship is eventually tested by the prospect of meeting again as enemies.
Source: Matichon Official Website
The premise draws inspiration from historical figures and events, but Amulin has been clear that the comic is a work of fiction rather than an attempt to reproduce history exactly. That distinction has allowed the story to look at a period often remembered through war from a more personal angle.
The beginnings of “Ayothaya Ayeyarwady” were relatively modest. Amulin is the pen name of Chalisa Limpipolpaiboon, a former professional golfer who eventually left the sport to pursue drawing and writing. In a recent interview, Chalisa said she drew the first two panels in 2022 while taking a break between seasons of another project, “Butsaba Siang Teen” (บุษบาเสี่ยงตรีน). She left the idea alone for several years before returning to it and developing it further.
Source: Matichon Official Website (Left) and All Thailand Golf Tour Facebook Page (Right)
Starting with a historical “what if?”
At the center of the story was a question: What if the famous conflict culminating in the royal elephant battle, or yutthahatthi, had not been driven by hatred between the two central figures?
Rather than presenting that idea as an alternative historical account, Chalisa has described “Ayothaya Ayeyarwady” as taking place in a parallel world. She uses gaps in the historical record as space for imagination, while deliberately changing elements such as character design, language, and clothing to distinguish the story from a historical reconstruction.
That approach also shapes the relationship at the heart of the comic. Instead of beginning with two figures understood simply as enemies, the story imagines a personal connection formed during childhood and asks what happens when war eventually places them on opposite sides.
From online comic to a growing audience
The comic is available for free on ReadAWrite, where the completed work currently runs to 70 chapters. Its popularity has also moved beyond the platform itself.
Chalisa said that the story has developed an international following, with translations appearing in several languages, including Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Burmese, Spanish, and English. Interest has also spilled into other areas, with readers seeking out places and cultural references connected to the story and showing greater interest in elements such as Thai textiles.
The project has since expanded into printed books and merchandise through Clover Book. According to Matichon, rights to “Ayothaya Ayeyarwady” have also been acquired for a separate series adaptation, meaning the upcoming animation may not be the only screen version of the story.
The animated project, however, comes with a particular challenge: cost.
Source: Matichon Official Website
Chalisa said that Clover Book acquired the rights to create the animation and originally intended to fund the project independently. The publisher later sought outside support because of the expense involved, while prioritizing funding that would not require changes to the story.
That financing model is also part of the reason the animation will be released incrementally. Chalisa explained that revenue and support generated through books, merchandise, and audience interest can help provide funding for subsequent animated episodes.
A Thai production heading to YouTube
Clover Book Studio is the executive producer of the animated adaptation, with Mitta Studio serving as producer. Episode 1 was produced by Animetix Production, while Mitta Studio takes over from Episode 2 onward.
The Department of Cultural Promotion under Thailand’s Ministry of Culture and snack brand Koh-Kae are supporting the project. Singer Songkran Rangsant is the main vocalist on the new version of “Leelawadee” used for the animation’s music.
The first trailer was released by Clover Book on July 27th and runs for nearly two minutes, with footage drawn from Episodes 2 through 8. Episodes 1 and 2 are scheduled to arrive together on September 26th before the project continues with its planned episodic release.
For a story that began with a speculative question and a handful of drawings, the transition to animation marks another stage in its growth. It also gives a wider audience access to a Thai-created story that approaches a familiar historical setting through fiction, character relationships, and contemporary illustration.
And the project is still developing. With the comic completed online, printed editions and merchandise already available, an animated adaptation beginning this September, and rights acquired for a separate series adaptation, “Ayothaya Ayeyarwady” is moving well beyond the format in which it began.
Source: Matichon Official Website (Left) and Bangkok Biz News Official Website (Right)
Paul Rujopakarn