Culture Ministry proposes game-changing bill for Thai film industry, giving control to producers
The Culture Ministry has completed the draft of a new Movies and Games Bill, aiming to revolutionise the film industry by eliminating state censorship and having producers establish their own ratings.
Culture Minister Sermsak Pongpanit said on Sunday that the bill’s intent is to create a self-governing council for movies and games to replace the existing government censorship board.
However, he said, the bill needs to be reviewed to ensure it does not overlap with the Thailand Creative Content Agency (THACCA) Bill.
THACCA will be put in charge of promoting Thai soft power.
The proposed bill seeks to empower producers in the film and gaming sectors, fostering a conducive environment for creative expression without hindering business operations, he said.
The envisioned legislation also prioritises the protection of children and youth audiences, ensuring responsible content is consumed. Under the new law, the state would relinquish the authority to dictate edits, cuts or bans on films and games.
Instead, the bill encourages the implementation of a self-regulated rating system by producers, holding them accountable to society, especially concerning younger demographics.
In addition to the establishment of the film and game council, the bill proposes the creation of a dedicated fund for the film and games industry. Through this fund, the government aims to support talented directors and game developers, Sermsak added. The proposed legislation signifies a bold step towards a more liberal and artist-friendly cinematic landscape in Thailand.
