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17/2/2009: Thailand's First Film Classification System
Plans were in place to introduce Thailand’s first film classification system following the Thai government’s passing of four draft rules following months of debate. The new classification system contained seven categories rather than the more customary five used elsewhere. Culture minister Teera Slukpetch told The Nation newspaper that ‘the two extra groups were for films that should be promoted on merits of cultures, arts or traditions, and films that should be banned for containing inappropriate content.’ Films that were to be banned from the country’s screens were defined as those that authorities believed offended the monarchy, threatened national security or unity, insulted religion, showed disrespect to ‘honourable’ figures, challenged morals or contained explicit sex scenes.
Other ratings included ‘General Audience’ for films containing no sex, bad language or violence, ’13’ and ‘15’ ratings each slightly relaxed the restrictions of the previous rating while the 18 rating permitted darker stories but prohibited films from showing exposed genitalia, crime or drugs. A rating for viewers aged 20 or above permitted sex scenes but not exposed genitalia.
Yongyoot Thongkongtoon, the Chairman of the Thai Film Director Association, said he believed the classification system would provide a framework for directors, and possibly promote more movies of substance and less lightweight comedy films. [ADD]
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