Sai Nam Sam Chee Wit

Sukrom is a naval rating who dreams of becoming a royal oarsman in the traditional barge processions. His best friend is Ateng, an ice cream vendor who tragically loses his father during a market raid by bandits. Following the tragedy, Sukrom brings Ateng to Bangkok, where they make a living rowing a boat to sell O-liang (Thai iced black coffee).
During this time, Sukrom meets Kaewprayong, the daughter of a wealthy nobleman who becomes the "sacred water" of his heart. However, her parents arrange a marriage for her against her will. Sukrom seizes an opportunity to help Kaewprayong escape when she mistakes him for Ateng, whom she had originally coordinated with to pick her up by boat. They flee to the home of Taew, Ateng’s girlfriend and a snakehead fish vendor. There, Kaewprayong immerses herself in the beauty of rural life before eventually being captured and imprisoned by her family once more.
Kaewprayong’s father orders an assault on Sukrom, resulting in a broken arm that shatters his dream of becoming a royal oarsman. This loss not only destroys Sukrom’s aspirations but also breaks his father’s heart, leading to his father's death from grief. Haunted by the past, Sukrom throws himself into his work until he amasses enough wealth to formally ask for Kaewprayong’s hand in marriage.
However, Ateng strongly disagrees with Sukrom’s ruthless business methods, leading to a bitter falling out between the two lifelong friends. Ateng and Taew decide to leave and start a new life selling rice along the Mekong River. Consumed by rage and feeling misunderstood, Sukrom sets fire to his boat. Kaewprayong braves the flames to save a ceremonial oar, nearly suffering a miscarriage in the process. Sukrom eventually turns his back on the "rivers of the past" to start anew as a wealthy merchant.
Twenty years pass, and the paths of three rivers converge once again. Chaophraya, Sukrom’s son, and Khongkhem, Ateng’s son, find themselves attending the same university. They belong to a close-knit circle of friends that includes a young man named Salawin. The three young men all share a bond with a girl named Nam-ing, who serves as the emotional center of their group.