Culture minister says Thailand’s film industry is set for transformation with new self-regulation bill

Thailand‘s film industry is poised for a significant transformation following the finalisation of the draft for a new Movies and Games Bill by the Ministry of Culture.

Culture Minister Sermsak Pongpanit revealed that the proposed legislation intends to decentralise censorship power from the government, instead placing it in the hands of producers. This bill is set to replace the current government censorship board and establish a self-governing council for movies and games.

This shift, as Sermsak further explained, is a crucial part of Thailand’s strategy to minimise state interference within creative content. It aims to foster an environment of self-regulation within the cinematic and gaming industries. By empowering producers, the bill will hopefully stimulate a more liberal atmosphere conducive to both artistic expression and business operations.

One of the standout features of this proposed legislation is its emphasis on safeguarding younger audiences. The bill incorporates clauses designed to ensure that content is produced responsibly and is appropriate for different age groups.

It encourages producers to adopt a self-regulated rating system, thereby making them directly accountable to societal standards. This is particularly critical when it comes to content created for children and the youth, said the culture minister.

“We believe that this move will give more freedom to the creators while ensuring that content is suitable and responsible. Producers will have the power to decide what is appropriate for their audience, but with power comes responsibility.”

Social responsibility

The bill’s focus on self-regulation and age-appropriate content is a significant step towards balancing creative freedom and social responsibility. It serves to protect the interests of younger audiences while giving producers the autonomy to create and innovate.

By encouraging producers to take on a more substantial role in ensuring responsible content, the Thai government is fostering an environment where creativity can thrive without compromising societal norms and values.

This proposed legislation comes at a time when the Thai film and gaming industries are experiencing rapid growth. With the global popularity of Thai films and games on the rise, the bill’s emphasis on self-regulation and the protection of younger audiences is well-timed.

As the country’s creative industries continue to grow and evolve, this bill could provide a much-needed framework for ensuring that this growth is balanced with the responsibility of creating age-appropriate content, reported Pattaya News.

Culture Minister Sermsak added that the self-regulating council for movies and games will not only ensure greater creative freedom but also foster a culture of responsibility and accountability.

“We are looking forward to seeing how these changes will positively impact our flourishing film and gaming industries.”

The new Movies and Games Bill signifies a positive change for Thailand’s creative industries. By shifting censorship power from the government to producers and encouraging self-regulation, it creates a favourable environment for artistic expression and innovation.

Furthermore, prioritising the protection of younger audiences serves as a strong example of how creative industries can balance freedom of expression with social responsibility.