Latest news with #ThailandCreativeCultureAgency
Bangkok Post
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Bangkok Post
Blueprint for global success
The Thailand Creative Culture Agency (THACCA) was established as a result of the success of Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), which develops cultural and entertainment content that can achieve global influence and lead to economic benefits. THACCA aims to drive Thailand's creative economy in 14 industries including film, TV series, festivals, art and sports. Recently, the THACCA organised the event "Splash Soft Power Forum" at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) to drive the economy, to push soft power strategies and collaborate with local and international organisations. At the visionary stage, the forum "Actors Without Borders: The Role of Performers in a World Where Stories Know No Boundaries" revealed experiences of two Thai performers -- Pirat "Mike" Nitipaisalkul and Nam Laks on the international stage. Pirat, better known as Mike, rose to fame as Golf Mike during his teenage years. He became an established actor in Thailand with many successful TV drama series such as Full House and Kiss Me. In 2015, he started working in China on the TV series Wu Xin: The Monster Killer and has acted in many Chinese TV series since then. In 2018, he became the first Thai actor to win the Foreign Artist of the Year Award at the Weibo Fan Festival which highlights his popularity in China. With his acting talent, Mike became a supporting actor in a 2021 Hollywood action movie The Misfits; Pierce Brosnan also starred in the film. Meanwhile, Nam Laks was a cast member in the Netflix reality TV show Bling Empire: New York in 2023. The programme presents the opulent lifestyle of Asians and Asian-Americans in New York. Nam is the daughter of Nakorn Laksanakarn, a Thai millionaire in the real estate and hospitality industries. MR Chalermchatri Yukol, chairman of the National Soft Power Development Subcommittee for film, documentaries, animation and TV series, was one of the forum speakers who talked about THACCA's policies on how to develop an ecosystem in the film and TV industry to support Thai performers. The forum kicked off when Pirat spoke about his debut in China in 2015. Pirat said it was not an easy path and he went when he could not speak the language. "The barrier for me that time was the language and cultural assumptions, but I went anyway. My first series was a wuxia Chinese show, so the language was very hard. I did not know what was going to happen. I just took the risk and it was worth it because that led me to more projects in China, more fame and I got to be in a Hollywood film. An actor needs to set goals which makes them realise what they are doing it for. I enjoy working in China. To be honest, the system is better than in Thailand," said Pirat. Unlike Pirat, Nam was not in films. She revealed that she became a cast member of Bling Empire: New York because a friend introduced her to a scout. "I was studying in New York at the time. My friends were friends with the scout who was looking for cast members for the reality TV series. They hooked us up and there were interviews and auditions. It was a very long process and I think I was kind of lucky," explained Nam. Although called a reality show, viewers wondered whether it was scripted or not. "It was unscripted, but at the end of the day, a TV show is a TV show. There was a lot of improvisation. They kept the cameras rolling until they got what they wanted. If they did not get what they wanted, they would stop and moved on to something else. It was an interesting experience, but at this point, I prefer to transition into a fictional character rather than perform in a reality show." said Nam. There are only a few Thai actors who have made it to international TV series and films. Chalermchatri admitted that it is difficult for Thai actors to achieve international success because the Thai film and TV industry does not have adequate infrastructure to support actors on international platforms. "I attend an event in Singapore almost every year. Last year, I found that Indonesian, Filipino, Singaporean and Taiwanese actors are very good. They have good posture and speak three or four languages. Thus, they are able to match with other production houses. They have been in the industry long enough that they can land a job in other places besides their own country," said Chalermchatri. "However, Thailand does not have companies, agents and talent managers. We do not have the needed infrastructure for actors such as publicists, law firms and entertainment lawyers. These people are vital in helping propel an actor abroad. This is sad and we need to change." Pirat revealed that he enjoyed working in China more than Thailand because China provides structural support. "When I work in Chinese and Hollywood films, I do not feel as tired as when I film in Thailand. In Thailand, I used to work until 4am and at 6am they called me up again. In China and Hollywood, we only work 10 hours or 12 hours a day or eight hours some days because they have a budget. Therefore, actors do not feel tired and we can focus more on the acting, script and production. In Thailand, if I ask for a trailer, they will think I am high maintenance. However, I require it because it helps to have a quiet place to focus on the script and be ready for the next scene." As a cast member who worked in an international environment, Nam said there was someone to take care of her individually. "They asked for your opinion. They would push you, but they would respect your boundaries. There was someone that you could go to and they would speak to the director or the producers for you." Chalermchatri, who also has a role as a TV series director, said that he is working on a show and they film 12 hours rather than 16, so they have at least a turnaround of 12 hours. Moreover, he said it would take time for people to understand about reducing workload because crew members have to change their mindset. "It is a work in progress. Within three to five years, I think people will see a big transition from trying to push things very hard 24 hours a day, seven days a week until health becomes a concern. It doesn't come by just having a good mindset. It also needs regulations and education. The education system needs to change, so that people who study in film schools can provide this support," said Chalermchatri. "Additionally, we need to train more people. If we need someone to take care of actors and/or cast members one on one, this means we need to train more people to be able to support them. We also need to build ecosystems. We should have a competitive market, so that movie ticket prices go down. The production can reach out instead of having only one or two companies set their own ticket prices. We have to look at the big picture, so we can start to strategise and proceed step by step. Things are still in progress, because it is not like one size fits all. There will be many solutions, new policies and many changes. We hope to show how we can transform the industry and hope people follow us on
Bangkok Post
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Bangkok Post
Three nights of film frights kick off today
The Bangkok Horror Film Festival debuts today at the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority's Maen Si building in Bangkok. Running from today until Sunday, the free event features outdoor screenings, horror exhibitions, short film contests and stories from filmmakers, actors and others. It runs from 5pm to midnight. Sponsored by the Ministry of Culture and the Thailand Creative Culture Agency, this first horror festival is staged by Wizard Production, Bison Idea, Bangkok Open Air (Krungthep Klang Plang), Thai Film Director Association and Documentary Club. Here is the line-up of spooky films. July 4 5.30pm – concert by Once Dogs 6pm – opening ceremony 6.30pm – screening of two new short films The Hystelity Show (10 minutes 51 seconds), directed by Worapop Nittayanun, is a psychological drama of two emcees in a kids' show who gradually reveal their gruesome truth. Phuphaman (28 minutes 53 seconds), directed by Netipong Singha, follows Oab who encounters mystery upon his return from Bangkok to Khon Kaen after the passing of his mother. 8pm – talk with Sophon "Jim" Sakdaphisit, director of Coming Soon. 8.30pm – screening of Coming Soon (1 hour 35 minutes), which follows a projectionist haunted by a ghostly terror following a screening of a film that features the lynching of a woman. 10pm –screening of Smile (1 hour 55 minutes), which follows a psychiatrist who is pursued by an entity with a scary grin after her encounter with a patient. July 5 5.30pm – concert by Purpeech 6.30pm – screening of two new short films A Night With Granny (7 minutes 3 seconds), directed by Yanisa, revolves around Win who keeps vigil beside his late granny. When a black cat jumps over her coffin, mystery ensues. On The Way … Home (30 minutes 1 second), directed by Naruepon Srimuang, follows a family that summons a spirit, but it turns to be something else. 8pm – screening of The Sisters (1 hour 35 minutes). Directed by Tiwa Moeithaisong, it follows a group of teen musicians who stay a run-down hotel outside Bangkok and encounter the spirit of a dead prostitute. They have to solve the mystery of her murder to save their own lives. 10pm – screening of Ouija (1 hour 39 minutes), a horror film that follows a group of teens who unintentionally awaken a dark power via an old Ouija board following the death of their friend. July 6 5.30pm – concert by Poomjit 6.30pm – screening of two new short films The Little Kerin (15 minutes 4 seconds), directed by Napassorn Busarakhamsakul, follows the namesake boy who uses an army of dolls in a face-off with a demon while waiting for his dad to return home. Run Out Of Gas (17 minutes 15 seconds), directed by Supachai Banglueang, dramatises a revengeful encounter between a taxi driver and a passenger. 7.40pm – talk with the film crew and cast of Shutter, including Banjong "Tong" Pisanthanakun and Natthaweeranuch "Ja" Thongmee. 8.20pm – screening of Shutter (1 hour 37 minutes), which follows a couple who encounter strange events after finding a female white shadow in a photo. Their search culminates in the discovery of a dark secret. 10pm – screening of Us (2 hours 1 minute). On a serene vacation in Santa Cruz, California, a family is shocked to find that intruders look like them. Bangkok Horror Film Festival is accessible by public transport. Taking the MRT to Sam Yot station (Exit 1) is highly recommended. Parking space is also available at Wat Saket (until 10pm) and JPARK. Follow updates at
Time Out
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Bangkok's first horror film festival lives from July 4-6
Welcome to Bangkok's dark side – it's louder, livelier, and far less subtle than you think. The traffic screams, the pavements mutter, and the skies above the Chao Phraya have long learned to stay out of the drama. But even this city, in all its maximalist glory, has found a way to get darker. This is the Bangkok Horror Film Festival – a three-day plunge into the beautifully grotesque, staged at the suitably eerie Maen Sri Waterworks building. Supported by the Department of Cultural Promotion, the Ministry of Culture and the Thailand Creative Culture Agency (THACCA), the festival runs from July 4-6. Entry's free. The fear, less so. No one's here for faint-hearted metaphors or ironic nods to the genre. This is horror stripped of postmodern winks – a celebration of things that go bump, rattle and occasionally howl in the night. Beyond the moonlit screenings that repeatedly test your bladder, anticipate a haunted house exhibition that crawls out of the screen and into your peripheral vision, plus hair-raising stories from crews who've seen more on set than made it to the final cut. There's even a short film competition, and the chance to meet the ones behind the camera – not to break the fourth wall, but to peer behind it. To steady your nerves (or worsen them), there'll be food stalls, live bands and activities that flirt with the line between funfair and fever dream. Outdoor horror screenings: Ouija Terror awaits five friends who unwittingly awaken a dark power by using an antique ouija board. Us To escape their hectic lives, the Wilsons vacation in Santa Cruz – only to be terrorised by four strangers who look exactly like them. Smile After a traumatic encounter with a patient, a psychiatrist suspects she's being haunted by something uncanny. Along with Thai horror icons: The Sisters After a gig outside Bangkok, teen musicians stay in a hotel room hiding a deadly secret. To survive, they must solve a prostitute's murder tied to that room. Coming Soon Horror films can frighten us with ghosts and scare-jumps, but nothing beats coming home and feeling the story come alive. Shutter After hitting a girl and fleeing, Jane and Tun are unsettled when strange shadows appear in Tun's photos. At the Bangkok Horror Film Festival, expect:
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Hong Kong's Fashion InStyle Show to Highlight Global Innovation
Hong Kong stands at the crossroads of the world. A vital sourcing hub and headquarters for material and design innovation, Hong Kong is also where global designers and brands come to discover and connect with international suppliers. Providing this comprehensive, all-in-one sourcing platform for the fashion supply chain is international trade show Fashion InStyle, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and held April 27 to 30 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. As one of Asia's leading fashion events, Fashion InStyle 2025 will bring together nearly 400 international exhibitors from the apparel and fashion sectors, featuring textiles, fashion technology, sustainable solutions, seasonal apparel, accessories and industry partners. More from Sourcing Journal Fiber Traceability: A Competitive Advantage in an Evolving Textile Market Lenzing Rounds Out LENZING™ Lyocell Fill Portfolio With Finer Density Fibers China, Hong Kong Cry Foul on Panama Ports Deal To further meet the needs of attendees, the annual event has launched a new zone, NEXT@Fashion InStyle, a groundbreaking initiative featuring more than 60 new and next-gen material suppliers as well as events like fashion shows and panels. A vibrant hub for creativity and connectivity, this innovative space is dedicated to reshaping the future of fashion and design. Highlighting the transformative change of new materials in fashion and presenting the latest materials in the garment industry, materials will cover everything from local culture and heritage to technological and sustainable innovations. Material Innovation at NEXT@Fashion InStyle The NEXT@Fashion InStyle exhibition zone is funded by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) of the Hong Kong SAR Government. Thailand is the strategic partner of NEXT@Fashion InStyle, powered by the Thailand Creative Culture Agency (THACCA) and the National Soft Power Development Committee. Visitors to NEXT@Fashion InStyle can explore how innovative materials are revolutionizing the fashion industry in areas of sustainability, performance and design novelties. Self-Portrait's founder and designer, Han Chong, worked with the show as the ambassador to bring together these 60 pioneering material suppliers and five visionary local designers to showcase the versatility of new materials in the fashion industry. In collaboration with these five designers, the exhibition will showcase the synergy of creative design, advanced material properties, smart technology, biodegradability and upcycling techniques, highlighting the transformative potential of innovative materials in the fashion industry. A series of seminars will further explore emerging trends in sustainable fashion and material applications, fostering an engaging platform for industry knowledge exchange. Thai Pavilion With the strong support of Thailand Creative Culture Agency (THACCA) and the National Soft Power Development Committee as the strategic partners and through this cross-cultural collaboration, they have assembled nearly 30 exhibitors from Thailand, showcasing the country's fashion materials and their unique strengths in cultural heritage, sustainability and innovative technologies. To bring the Thai designs to life, as well as materials from other countries, fashion shows held during the course of the entire event will showcase the latest designs and material applications. Because discovery and sourcing don't only happen on the show floor, Fashion InStyle has gone to great lengths to seamlessly provide an online/offline experience with 'EXHIBITION+. With this hybrid model, buyers can discover products and services not only at the physical fair but also through the Click2Match smart business-matching platform and Sourcing. During the exhibition, the HKTDC Marketplace App's 'Scan2Match' function enables buyers to scan exhibitors' unique QR codes, save their preferred suppliers, access product details, and continue online discussions both during and after the event—ensuring seamless and efficient follow-ups anytime, anywhere. Visitors to Fashion InStyle can also take advantage of numerous concurrently running shows organized by the HKTDC and running at the same venue or nearby. These include: Home InStyle and The Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, both at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre; The Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair and DeLuxePrintPack Hong Kong at the AsiaWorld-Expo; The Hong Kong International Licensing Show and Asian Licensing Conference held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. These events create cross-discipline business opportunities and generate greater synergies for the industries. For free buyer's admission, click here:
