Thai cartoonists opt for new outlets online to survive

At a recent discussion entitled “Is the Thai Cartoon dead?” in Bangkok, Prabda Yoon, vice-president of the Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand (PUBAT), said: “The Thai cartoon industry is not dead yet, but has actually become more active thanks to online cartoonists’ new identity and diversity.” 

Prabda explained that nowadays cartoonists had greater opportunities to publish their works due to the latest technology. They can also test their new pieces on the Internet and publish them if the response is good, he added. 

“Thai cartoons are actually more popular now, because not only are children naturally drawn to them, but adults are also familiar with comics from their childhood. Hence, cartoons play a greater part in entertaining people and technology offers different uses for the cartoons, such as in the form of Line stickers or mascots,” Prabda noted. 

Piyaphach Jeeno, a cartoonist who won the International Manga Award in 2013 and 2014, said local cartoonists were developing more unique drawing styles, as they chose not to be too involved with the business side of things. However, he said, distancing oneself from business has its pros and cons. While cartoonists have become more independent and have the freedom to develop different styles, they still face financial instability as most of them work as freelancers and often need a second job. 

However, he said, the Internet was a real game changer for the Thai cartoon community as cartoonists can now be their own publishers. As many cartoonists post their work on a blog or Facebook page to either share with their friends or to build a portfolio, they get many “likes” their pieces and could get commercial gains, he said. Such online outlets have also caught the attention of new cartoonists, who now feel more confident to create and post their creations on Facebook, he said. 

Jarun Homtientong, also a PUBAT vice president, said Thai cartoons date back to King Rama VI’s reign, when they were used to entertain people or nudge them towards or away from certain ideology – such as convincing them that Communism is bad. 

“I believe cartoons have the potential to change people’s minds and help develop the country, rather than just being considered a cheap entertainment tool,” he said. 

The discussion was part of a press conference for the upcoming Book Expo Thailand 2015, which will run from October 21 to November 1 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre. 

The history of Thai cartoons will be showcased at the 12-day event, which will also include an exhibition marking the 100th anniversary of Thailand’s king of cartoons Prayoon Chanyavongs.

This year’s expo will also introduce a free mobile app, “Thailand Book Fair”, which will help attendees navigate the site and find what they are looking for. The app will be ready for download from October 20.