Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol revealed that the Cabinet has approved Thailand’s new draft Film Act, as proposed by the Ministry of Culture, to replace the Film and Video Act B.E. 2551 (2008) in terms of film. The changes aim at promoting the development of Thailand’s film industry to help it compete with other countries, and reducing obstacles to film production in Thailand.

In this draft Act, the main principles are as follows:
1. Use the self-regulation rating system instead of the inspection by the National Film and Video Committee, and use the registration instead of requesting a business license;
2. Impose policies to foster the Thai film industry, such as determining tax and other benefits for business operators, and establishing a Thai Film Industry Council to gather operators in the industry;
3. Promote public participation in inspecting and rating the appropriateness of film content;
4. Implement administrative measures and fines to prevent violations;
5. Reduce obstacles to foreign film production in the country.

The draft is currently under urgent consideration by the Office of the Council of State. The Ministry of Culture has also prepared to draft secondary legislation to be issued in accordance with the draft of the Film Act.