As Thai filmmakers try to put the disappointments of 2006 behind them, they will be hoping that the Year of the Pig - traditionally a playful period - brings them better luck at the box office.

According to early indications from the studios, audiences can expect a mixed bag of movies - action, fantasy, comedy, horror and adventure.

First to open is MC Chatrichalerm "Than Mui" Yukol's long-awaited "The Legend of King Naresuan", which premieres on January 18.

Three years in the making, this epic production took much longer than anticipated. Than Mui confirms that the film is more dramatic and features more action than "Suriyothai", which stuck rigidly to historical accuracy, much to the detriment of its entertainment value.

Than Mui has sufficient footage for two episodes, which will be released simultaneously on January 18. He recently revealed that he has continued shooting and intends releasing part three sometime next year.

Another mega project that is provisionally scheduled for release sometime this year is Nonzee Nimibutr's action fantasy "Puen Yai Jom Salad" ("Queens of Langkasuka"), a Bt100-million plus historical epic about the queens of Pattani.

The film was originally planned as a trilogy but then scaled back to a single episode due to high production costs.

"Tom Yum Goong" director Prachya Pinkaew returns with "Chocolate", a new action film but without his hero Phanom "Jaa" Yeerum.

Instead Prachya will be presenting action heroine Nicharee "Jija" Wisamitanant, a high-kicking lass who's been working on her martial arts skills for several years.

Meanwhile Jaa is busy with "Ong Bak 2", which he is also directing. Shooting is scheduled to start this month.

Gay movies are under the spotlight with four films scheduled for release over the next few months.

Poj Anont offers the moody drama "Puan… Koo Rak Mung Wa" ("Friends") while hedging his box office bets with "Mor Taew Taek" ("The Queer Doctor"), a comedy about transvestites, starring celebrity chef Yingsak Jonglertjesadawong and look thung singer Ekachai Sriwichai.

Comedian-actor Jaturong Mokjok is working on "Tud Soo Food", a Hong Kong mafia-style action comedy about a gay guy who also happens to be a gangster boss.

Yutthalert Sippapak has come up with a comedy "Koy Ther Gay" ("Ghost Station") and will be hoping to make up for his first box office failure, last year's "Krasue Valentine ("Ghost of Valentine").

Yutthalert's film about two gay characters appears to be a send-up of "Brokeback Mountain" complete with cowboy costumes but, true to tradition, he's keeping mum about the plot.

The movie will be in theatres by March.

GTH opens the new year with "Final Score", an intriguing look at a group of Mattayom 6 students as they prepare for their university entrance exams.

Slated for release on February 1, the documentary portrays the real lives of these boys as they struggle with depression over their studies, their parents' expectations and worry about important milestones in their lives.

RS Films is following up their 2006 successes - romantic comedy "Rak Jung" ("The Memory") and comedy "Sab Sanit Sit Sai Naa" - with "Phee Mai Jim Fun" (literally, the "toothpick ghost"), a new horror flick from director Piyaphan Choopeth, who hit the big time with his 2004 supernatural drama "Jom Khamang Wej" ("The Necromancer").

Kittikorn "Riaw" Liawsirikul promises more laughs with the mini bus adventure "Mail Narok Muay Yoklor" ("Buslane") starring stand-up comedian Udom "Nose" Taepanich.

Fans of the Bangkok International Film Festival will have to wait until July for the event, which is getting a major face-lift.

Due to budget cuts, the Tourism Authority of Thailand has decided to terminate its deal with American consulting firm Film Festival Management and is now looking for a local organising team.

The decision will be welcomed by many film buffs, who've been put off by the unnecessarily extravagant events and a preference for Hollywood guests and films.

And in another surprise move, the Federation of National Film Association of Thailand recently announced that the Subhanahongsa award ceremony, Thailand's equivalent to the Oscars, will be held on February 9 in Nakhon Ratchasima province.

The awards, which were moved to Khao Lak in Phang-Nga last year as a gesture towards those affected by the 2004 tsunami, have traditionally been held in Bangkok.

No explanation has been given for the relocation, but insiders hint at sponsorship. Those who attended last year's event recall the lack of facilities and an insufficient budget to provide food for guests and are praying that this year things run a bit more smoothly.

Parinyaporn Pajee

The Nation