A glimpse into the recent past, reveals that Tian went to Sangthong Aid Foundation (the organization that sent Torfun to the village) to specifically ask for her assignment. Even though Mr. Winai (Surasak Chaiat), the head of the organization, tries to talk him out of it, Tian is adamant. He doesn’t care how hard it is. It’s something he has to do.

As he heads toward the village, he reads over Tofrun’s journal. It’s filled with information about the children and their personalities, which will eventually come in handy for the fledging teacher.

Waking up in his presence the next morning, Tian finds the night has only made his relationship with Chief Phua even more contentious. Firstly, he doesn’t give him time to properly shower or even brush his teeth before taking him to the school and introducing him to the students. Then he leaves him knowing absolutely nothing about them other than what he’s already read.

Easily bored, the students Ayi (Kamonlapat Dokmonta), the unofficial leader of the students, sets the tone and decides when it’s time to leave – which he does shortly after Tian’s arrival. The fact that he left them leave only angers Phua more. As far as he’s concerned, City Boy Tian isn’t fit for this job, or this life. However, he does take him to the local river so he can take a proper(ish) bath. However, it was another jab as Tian does have his own bathroom in his hut.

Chief stripping off his shirt after jumping in the water to help Tian

The next day, isn’t much better. Ayi looses interest quickly, but Tian is able to pull him back with the promise of a field trip, which ends with the children playing in the river. However, things take a turn for the problematic when Kalae (Gimjeng Yanathip) almost drowns.

Obviously shaken, Tian starts to question his entire existence. Still, he’s not going to give up. In a moment of softness Chief Phua brings him dinner, which Tian invites him to stay for.

Quick Take: One of my favorite parts about this series is that it is a slow burn. The relationship between Phua and Tian starts rocky and builds slowly. There is a real foundation for the two of them that not a lot of series do not take the time to build.

10/10

More A Tale of Thousand Stars soon so…

Stay Tuned!