Thailand Adds 12 Films to National Film Heritage List

BANGKOK — 5 October 2026, Thailand has added 12 films to its National Film Heritage list for 2026, bringing the total number of films registered under the program to 275.

Prasop Riang-ngoen, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Culture, announced the 12 titles selected as National Film Heritage for 2026. The announcement followed a ceremony held at the Thai Film Archive on 4 October, attended by numerous people involved in the film industry as well as members of the public.

Among those attending were comedian and actor Mum Jokmok, actress Woranuch Bhirombhakdi, director and screenwriter Kongdej Jaturanrasamee, who worked on Midnight My Love, actress Naowarat Yuktanan from Our Land, and Waywiree Ittianunkul, Rassamee Phaoluangthong and Achara Suwan from By the Time It Gets Dark.

This year marks the 16th year that the Thai Film Archive, a public organization under the Ministry of Culture, has announced films to be registered as National Film Heritage. The annual event is held on 4 October, Thai Film Conservation Day, and has been organized since 2011 to raise awareness of the importance of preserving Thai cinema.

Some of the films were nominated by more than 1,200 members of the public, who submitted 323 titles for consideration. These nominations were combined with films from the Thai Film Archive’s preservation collection before being reviewed by a 34-member committee representing various professions. The committee considered each film based on its historical significance and influence on society, culture and the arts.

This year’s 12 selections bring the total number of films registered as National Film Heritage to 275.

Among the notable selections is Midnight My Love (2005), a Thai film that reflects Thai society during the 2000s and marked a dramatic change in the acting career of comedian Mum Jokmok, who starred opposite Woranuch.

Our Land (1976) was adapted from a major novel by acclaimed writer Malai Chupinit, whose 120th birth anniversary is being commemorated this year.

The Mysterious Sword (1970) marked Mitr Chaibancha’s first and only acting performance to reach an international level before his death on 8 October 1970.

Syndromes and a Century (2006) became the first Thai film to enter the main competition of the Venice International Film Festival. The film was subsequently censored in Thailand, sparking wider public debate and a campaign calling for the abolition of film censorship.

Two selections are linked to the 50th anniversary this year of the 6 October 1976 violence. Facts Concerning the Events of 6 October 1976 (1976) was produced in the aftermath of the crackdown to present the events from the perspective of state security authorities, while By the Time It Gets Dark (2016), directed by Anocha Suwichakornpong, revisits the events of 6 October through an artistic and cinematic interpretation.