Supachai and Surasak Open Thailand Pavilion at Cannes Film Festival, Promoting Thai Content to the World Stage
Thailand opened a pavilion at the Cannes Film Festival to showcase its film industry and promote Thai cinema globally, with two Thai films competing in the prestigious festival's categories.
Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachai Panitchpakdi presided over the opening of the "Thailand Pavilion," a promotional booth for Thailand's film and video industry, at the 79th Cannes Film Festival in the International Village in Cannes, France. The event was attended by Culture Minister Surasak Khadiengcham, Commerce Ministry Permanent Secretary Wuthichai Leeveraphan, and other government and entertainment industry officials alongside renowned filmmakers and actors.
Supachai stated at the opening ceremony that Thailand's film and video industry is a high-potential creative sector capable of generating economic value, creating income and employment opportunities, and connecting to related industries. He emphasized that cinema serves as a vital tool for promoting national identity, culture, and image while building networks and expanding markets internationally. Participation in the Cannes Film Festival represents a crucial step in advancing Thai cinema on the global stage, building confidence with international partners, and creating continuous opportunities for Thai films to gain international recognition.
Supachai further praised the government's integrated cooperation among the Culture Ministry, Commerce Ministry, Tourism and Sports Ministry, and Foreign Ministry, along with public and private sector participation, in positioning Thailand's film industry as a major player on the world stage. This coordinated effort opens new opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs and drives sustainable growth in the country's creative economy.
Culture Minister Surasak Khadiengcham outlined the ministry's strategy to promote Thai cultural content on the global stage under the "Content Thailand" concept through public-private partnerships. She congratulated two Thai films selected for the festival: "9 Temples to Heaven," competing in the Directors' Fortnight category, and "What Do You Seek in the Dark?," selected for Critics' Week.
Thailand also organized the Thai Pitch program, presenting three selected film projects to international investors, producers, and industry representatives. Additionally, the country coordinated activities with leading industry media to further exchange ideas and expand international collaborations.
