On 13 August 2024, the Royal Thai Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, in collaboration with Thailand’s Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) Malaysia and the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS), organised a Special Talk on “IGNITE THAILAND: A Premier Destination for High Profile Film Production” at Comfort Cabin II, Aurum Theatre, The Exchange TRX, Kuala Lumpur. The Special Talk is a flagship activity of the Thai Film Festival in Malaysia 2024 (TFF 2024): Local Talents to Global Contents, which is being held during 13 and 16 – 18 August 2024 at selected Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC)’s theatres in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Selangor.

H.E. Ms. Lada Phumas, Ambassador of Thailand to Malaysia, and Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib, Chief Executive Officer of FINAS, jointly officiated the event. In her remark, Ambassador Lada addressed the Special Talk’s primary objectives to be an innovative platform that brings together the key players from Thai and Malaysian film industries, including directors, producers, actors and artists, as well as relevant government agencies, to exchange views and share experience in their respective film production policies. The Ambassador also highlighted the “IGNITE THAILAND” vision to promote Thailand as a premier destination for high profile film production through various measures, including provision of the film funds and grants, establishment of One Stop Service to facilitate film production, new VISA regime, and government’s support for local talent training programmes.

Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib, Chief Executive Officer of FINAS, commended the Royal Thai Embassy for the initiative to organise the Special Talk, viewing it as a great opportunity for Thai and Malaysian filmmakers to enhance connection and advance cooperation, particularly on the exchange of best practices, joint venture and co-production, as well as policy discussion to take forward the film industry of the two countries.

The Special Talk was well participated by prominent Thai and Malaysian figures, namely Mr. Worawan Wanwil, Director of DITP Malaysia, M.R. Chalermchatri Yukol, President of the Film and Series Subcommittee of Thailand’s National Soft Power Strategy Committee; YBhg. Dato’ Kamil Othman, Chairman of FINAS; Mr. Wason Homsangpradit, Thai Film Producer; Mr. Pakorn (Dome) Lam, Thai Singer and Actor; and Mr. Bront Palarae, Malaysian Actor, Film Director, Screenwriter and Producer.

The Special Talk garnered significant interest from the Malaysian public and media, with over 200 participants registering for the event, exceeding the seating capacity. This reflects the success of the Royal Thai Embassy in advancing the proactive economic diplomacy policies though opening space for interaction, exchange and mutual learning between Thai and Malaysian film industries, thereby leading to concrete cooperation and adding economic value to the film and related industries in Thailand.