The Chinese movie "No More Bets," released in August, has become a cultural phenomenon, grossing over $500 million in its first month. Its storyline, centered around Chinese citizens lured into scams in Southeast Asia, has sparked a debate on the power of cinema in shaping public perception, particularly regarding the safety of tourist destinations...
The Thai film industry, traditionally perceived as a weaker component of the country's soft power framework, is potentially on the brink of a transformative era. This shift is highlighted by the recent success of the horror-comedy film "The Undertaker," which has sparked a renewed interest in the potential of Thai cinema both domestically and internationally...
For nine years, Thailand's creative industries, including its film sector, were under the conservative grip of the government led by former army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha. This period saw a decline in freedoms, with filmmakers, artists, and even musicians facing restrictions, surveillance, and charges of sedition and royal defamation. The new government's move to relax these constraints marks a significant shift in the country's approach to creative expression.