The Weinstein Company (TWC) hasacquired remake rights to Thai psychological thriller 13 from Sahamongkolfilm, in a deal that also includes NorthAmerican rights to the original film.

The $1.2m film, which openedtwo weeks ago in Thailand, is the second feature from 26-year-old director ChukiatSakweerakul following Evil (Pisaj).

Based on a Thai manga,adapted by Chukiat and the comic-book's creator, it tells the story of a manwho gets pulled into a gruesome reality show. It's produced by Prachya Pinkaew,director of Ong Bak and Tom Yum Goong, and Sukanya Vongsthapat.

The deal was brokered by Sahamongkolfilm'sGilbert Lim and TWC's executive vice president, acquisitions, Michelle Krumm. "Thisis the first remake deal for Sahamongkol and is quite an achievement given thatthe company has only started to handle it own international sales since theBangkok International Film Festival this year," said Lim.

Sahamongkol has also soldthe film to Singapore's InnoForm, as part of a package of 37 titles, andto Brazil's Alpha Filmes. The company is also close to a dealfor the UK and expects to close further sales at the upcoming AFMwhere the film is making its market debut.

The Thai studio is also consideringbacking Chukiat's next film - a coming-of-age drama with some gay themes.

Sahamongkol is alsoproducing Ong Bak 2, the sequel tothe blockbuster Thai kickboxing film, which is scheduled to start principalphotography on October 28. Tony Jaa, star of the original, is directing inaddition to starring and Prachya Pinkaew will produce.