A Comparative Analysis of the Draft Film Bill: A Case Study of the Move Forward–People’s Party and the Cabinet Proposals

Abstract

        The forthcoming deliberation of Thailand’s new Film Bill, expected in 2025-2026, marks a significant turning point in national cultural policy. This study offers a comparative analysis of two competing drafts: one proposed by the Move Forward–People’s Party and the other by the Cabinet (Pheu Thai Party). Utilizing policy analysis and comparative legal analysis methods, the research examines each draft in the context of global film industry trends, domestic challenges, and the general election campaign of the year 2023. Findings highlight four key distinctions: 1) divergent policy orientations—economic competitiveness in the Cabinet draft versus public accessibility and creative labor support in the People’s Party draft; 2) differing regulatory scopes, with the Cabinet emphasizing digital media control and the People’s Party eliminating the “prohibited for screening” category; 3) the absence of measures addressing the industry’s quasi-monopolistic distribution and exhibition system; and 4) a lack of explicit audience rights protections in both drafts.
       The study proposes four key recommendations: 1) the drafting of film legislation should consider the interests of all stakeholders, including filmmakers, small-scale entrepreneurs, and the general public; 2) urgent research and policy development are needed to address the rapid emergence and impact of artificial intelligence; 3) alternative survival models for film screening venues should be explored, particularly those operating as film and culture spaces; and 4) with regard to the Cabinet's draft legislation, any legal provisions regulating film exhibition via digital and information technology platforms must be carefully assessed. A flexible and balanced regulatory approach should be adopted—one that avoids infringing upon the freedom of cinematic artistic expression.