The Rise of Thailand’s Creative Economy
The Thailand Creative Culture Agency (THACCA) was inspired by the success of Korea’s Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), which has effectively developed cultural and entertainment content that gains global influence and brings economic benefits. THACCA aims to boost Thailand’s creative economy across 14 industries, including film, television, festivals, art, and sports.
Recently, THACCA hosted the “Splash Soft Power Forum” at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC). This event aimed to stimulate the economy, promote soft power strategies, and foster collaboration with local and international organizations.
Insights from Thai Performers on the Global Stage
At the forum, the session titled “Actors Without Borders: The Role of Performers in a World Where Stories Know No Boundaries” featured experiences of two Thai performers—Pirat “Mike” Nitipaisalkul and Nam Laks.
Pirat, known as Mike, gained fame during his teenage years as Golf Mike. He became an established actor in Thailand with successful TV dramas like Full House and Kiss Me. In 2015, he began working in China on the series Wu Xin: The Monster Killer, and since then, he has acted in numerous Chinese TV series. In 2018, he became the first Thai actor to win the Foreign Artist of the Year Award at the Weibo Fan Festival, highlighting his popularity in China. His acting talent led him to a supporting role in the 2021 Hollywood action movie The Misfits, co-starring Pierce Brosnan.
Meanwhile, Nam Laks appeared as a cast member in the Netflix reality TV show Bling Empire: New York in 2023. The program showcases the luxurious lifestyle of Asians and Asian-Americans in New York. Nam is the daughter of Nakorn Laksanakarn, a Thai millionaire in real estate and hospitality.
Challenges and Opportunities for Thai Actors
MR Chalermchatri Yukol, chairman of the National Soft Power Development Subcommittee for film, documentaries, animation, and TV series, discussed THACCA’s policies on developing an ecosystem in the film and TV industry to support Thai performers.
Pirat shared his journey of debuting in China in 2015. He admitted that the language barrier and cultural assumptions were significant challenges. However, he took the risk and it paid off, leading to more projects in China and eventually a role in a Hollywood film. He believes that actors need clear goals to stay motivated.
Nam, who was not involved in films, revealed that her participation in Bling Empire: New York came through a friend who introduced her to a scout. She described the process as long and somewhat lucky, emphasizing that the show was unscripted but required improvisation.
Infrastructure and Support for Thai Performers
Chalermchatri acknowledged that Thai actors face difficulties achieving international success due to inadequate infrastructure. He noted that Indonesian, Filipino, Singaporean, and Taiwanese actors are more competitive because they have better posture and multilingual skills, allowing them to work with other production houses.
He highlighted the lack of companies, agents, and talent managers in Thailand, as well as the absence of publicists, law firms, and entertainment lawyers. These professionals are crucial for helping actors succeed abroad.
Pirat expressed his preference for working in China over Thailand, citing structural support and better working conditions. He mentioned that in China and Hollywood, actors work 10-12 hours a day, compared to 16 hours in Thailand. He also emphasized the importance of having a trailer for focus and preparation.
Building a Supportive Ecosystem
Nam shared her positive experience of being supported individually in an international environment. She noted that her opinions were valued, and there was someone to advocate for her with directors and producers.
Chalermchatri, also a TV series director, mentioned that his team films for 12 hours rather than 16, allowing for a turnaround period. He stressed that changing mindsets and implementing regulations are necessary for reducing workload and improving working conditions.
He emphasized the need for training more people to support actors and build a competitive market. This includes lowering movie ticket prices and encouraging more companies to participate in setting prices. He believes that transformation will take time and requires strategic planning and gradual changes.
THACCA continues to work on these initiatives, aiming to create a supportive ecosystem for Thailand’s creative industry. The agency hopes to inspire others to follow their progress and contribute to the growth of the sector.