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Published on December 19, 2007

About 44 Thai films have been screened in local theatres, the same amount as last year. However, the growth in the market has been stimulated by the blockbuster "The Legend of King Naresuan", which achieved huge revenue of Bt467 million.

"Other Thai films have successfully increased their sales to about Bt40 million on average, which is higher than the Bt31-million average in 2006," said Pornchai Wongsriudomporn, assistant director for distribution and media management at film-maker RS.

RS yesterday said the total Thai market, including foreign films, was expected to grow dramatically from Bt3.1 billion posted last year to about Bt3.6 billion this year. Revenue from Thai films are expected to increase from Bt1.1 billion to about Bt1.7 billion.

He said RS expected its film business to generate Bt300 million in revenue this year. It launched five movies: "Vow of Death", "Bus Lane", "Twenty-Four Hours", "The House" and "Pong Lang Sading Lam Sing Sai Na".

"The company has about 14 per cent of the market for Thai films," said Pornchai, adding that RS films had each achieved average revenues of Bt50 million this year.

"We will launch six new films into the market next year and expect to achieve between Bt300 million and Bt325 million in revenue. The film business is expected to contribute 8-10 per cent of total RS business next year," said Pornchai.

At least two films will be screened in the first quarter next year, including "First Flight" and "Dream Team".

The company's Avant film-production unit has expanded its distribution to major markets in Asia and South America, including Mexico, Argentina and Brazil.

Kwanchai Rungfapaisarn, The Nation