The founder of the Thai film production company, Chaiyo Productions, Sompote Saengduenchai (สมโพธิ แสงเดือนฉาย), better known as Sompote Sands (May 24, 1941 - August 25, 2021), was a Thai film director, producer, and special effects artist. He was best known for co-directing and producing two Japanese-Thai co-productions, "Jumborg Ace & Giant" (1974) and "Hanuman and the Seven Ultramen" (1974), as well as other science fiction, fantasy, and horror films including "Hanuman and the Five Riders" (1975), the cult classic "Crocodile" (1980), "Phra Rod Meree" (1981), "Space Warriors 2000" (1985), and the children's film "Magic Lizard" (1985). Beginning in 1996, he was a major part of the licensing rights dispute between Chaiyo Productions and Tsuburaya Productions, the original Japanese studio behind Ultraman, claiming to have co-ownership of the series outside of Japan. On August 25, 2021, Sands passed away from cancer at the age of 80.
Sompote Sands has 69 screen credits in a career dating back to 1962. Their work spans 3 cinematic universes — most prominently Chaiyo Productions' Kraithong with 3 titles. Signature works include Hanuman and the Seven Ultramen, Hanuman and the Five Kamen Riders, Hanuman and the Eleven Ultramen. Explore the interactive character relationship maps on each title page to trace how their roles connect across franchises.
Universe traveler — spans 3 universes
