While vacationing in Pattaya, the kind-hearted and towering Barney Emerald is drugged and robbed. During his ordeal, he forms a friendship with two Thai siblings, one of whom is a champion in muay-thai kickboxing, and he stays with them as he attempts to retrieve his stolen passport. His quest, however, leads him into conflict with international criminals. Luckily, Barney discovers an unexpected ally in the form of the fiery Thai salad known as “Somtum.”