Revamping Thailand's Creative Industry to Strengthen Global Economy

[snoop1130]

 

Thailand's creative sector needs a major reform to encourage both domestic and international growth, according to the country's soft power development subcommittee. The government recognizes this industry as key to boosting the economy and enhancing Thailand's global standing.

 

A "5F" initiative, involving Thai food, films and videos, fashion and fabric design, martial arts, and traditional festivals has been pushed in recent years. This was aimed at improving cultural exports, strengthening the economy and creating jobs in the creative industry. However, these goals have been harder to reach than expected.

 

Chalermchatri Yukol, chairman of the national soft power development subcommittee for TV and film, said the weak Asian and Thai economies have significantly affected Thai media content creation and exports. This has pressured TV companies, some of which have had to reduce operations or stop altogether. In May, over 100 employees lost their jobs when Voice TV Co Ltd stopped broadcasting.

 

However, despite these challenges, the Thai film industry remains strong because of its growing global presence before the economic slowdown, Chalermchatri highlighted.

 

He noted that distribution rights for Thai TV series have lower prices compared to other countries, also impacting revenue.

 

Chalermchatri explained that Thai TV series broadcast rights are normally sold for around US$5,000-25,000 per episode; a fraction of what South Korean series earn.

 

Phetthai Vongkumlao, a Thai film producer, director, and comedian, said state censorship is a hindrance to the industry even though the country has a lot of talent and experienced production houses. He believes more freedom of expression would lead to more diverse content reaching more people.

 

 

The Culture Ministry revised rules under the Film and Video Act of 2008 intending to move censoring control from the government to the producers. This is supposed to minimize government control and push for self-regulation particularly in the film and gaming industries.

 

Chalermchatri emphasized the need for more research and development, and innovation in the Thai film and TV industry. He encouraged stakeholders to understand market demand, spending power, and regulations in each country to grow in overseas markets.

 

He also singled out China, India, South Korea, and Japan as leaders in cultural exports with Taiwan, Russia, Australia, and Indonesia being Thailand's main competitors.

 

The government has previously started a soft power TV scheme that uses state-owned channels to air more content related to Thailand's soft power. More details about the scheme will be released on July 11.

 

For Thailand to capture a global audience, Chalermchatri advised the government to support the private sector in promoting Thailand's soft and creative economy and show locally made films at international festivals. He also suggested creating professional negotiators to aid the global sale of Thai films and encourage worldwide participation in top-tier film or TV festivals.

 

Chalermchatri expressed that for creative industries to boost Thailand's global status, a comprehensive approach between the education system, business sector, government, and individual creators is required.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-07-08

 

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[John Drake]

12 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

He also singled out China, India, South Korea, and Japan as leaders in cultural exports with Taiwan, Russia, Australia, and Indonesia being Thailand's main competitors.

 

Good thing they don't need to worry about Hollywood.