The Ministry of Culture has finalized a draft for the new Movies and Games Bill, designed to transform the country’s film industry by shifting the power of censorship from the government to producers. Culture Minister Sermsak Pongpanit said the bill aims to replace the existing government censorship board with a self-governing council for movies and games.
Sermsak elaborated that the move is part of Thailand’s effort to reduce state control over creative content, promoting self-regulation within the film and gaming industries. The proposed bill places emphasis on empowering producers, encouraging a more liberal environment for artistic expression and business operations.
A key feature of the new legislation is the focus on protecting younger audiences, with provisions to ensure that content is age-appropriate and responsibly produced. The bill proposes that producers adopt a self-regulated rating system, making them more accountable to societal standards, particularly regarding content for children and youth.
The bill also suggests the establishment of a dedicated fund to support film and game industry talents, including directors and game developers. The ministry is currently reviewing the bill to ensure there is no overlap with the Thailand Creative Content Agency (THACCA) Bill, which is tasked with promoting Thai soft power. (NNT)
