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2 weeks ago
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Thailand has unveiled plans for its new content agency, Thailand Creative Culture Agency (THACCA), including a new international film festival, funding for local filmmakers and an exports push.
Also on the cards are the previously announced increase of Thailand’s location incentive from 20% to 30%; and the introduction of tax exemptions for cast, crew and media companies; along with new initiatives for industry data collection and workplace safety rules.
The new agency is being established by Thailand’s National Soft Power Strategy committee, but there’s a lot of bureaucracy to crunch through before it becomes a reality. Thailand’s government is planning to overhaul the country’s outdated Film Act, reform existing regulations for the content industries and establish new industry associations, so it may take until 2027 for the agency to be approved by the Thai parliament and officially launch.
However, THACCA already has some pilot programmes, which were outlined today by Chalermchatri Yukol (Adam), president of the subcommittee overseeing film and series, at Taiwan Creative Content Fest (TCCF).
“We should be able to get a new Film Act passed by the end of this year,” said Chalermchatri, a film and TV director who is also a member of the Thai royal family. “We want to streamline government processes, which we are doing right now, and we are forming some task forces to help out on this. We need some creative support tools – for example this year we have new fund that will support everyone who is entering festivals and pitching events.”
Inspired by organizations such as Korea’s KOCCA, Taiwan’s TAICCA and France’s CNC, THACCA is described as an organization that “oversees strategic collaboration between the government and private sectors to create income and opportunities for the Thai people through soft power by using its cultural industries as a powerful tool.” It also oversees Thai creative industries including music, publishing, sports, games, design, fashion and food.
While total budget was not mentioned, THACCA is spending spending some $6.7M on Thailand’s film, series, docs and animation industries in 2024-2025 – and also plans to launch a new international film festival and T-Expo showcase for Thai content. A further $5.25M is being spent on reskilling the workforce.
Longer term, there are plans to launch a Thailand Film Council, invest in local productions and international co-productions, as well as promote Thai content overseas. Thailand’s government is also planning to establish Media Business Economic Zones, with Pattaya mentioned as a location, and expand cinema circuits in rural areas.
Thai content is having a record-breaking year with hit film, How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies, grossing $25M around the world, and horror films The Undertaker and Death Whisperer also performing well.
However, Thailand is also one of the last major content industries in Asia to establish a formal agency or film commission, or to develop concrete policies to support its film and TV industries.
