Uncertainty hits films

Wanasiri Morakul, director of the department, said the closure of airports by anti-government protesters had been highlighted as a risk factor. She said this could affect the film-shooting business in Thailand next year. Films planned for shooting in Thailand include "Storm Rider II", "Street Fighter" as well as "Survivor" and "Big Brother".

In order to retain the business, the department is considering providing incentives, including some related to tax, to foreign companies shooting films in Thailand. The companies could be exempt from duty for the import of equipment and could be refunded value-added taxes. Private companies planning to invest in film studios could also be given incentives.

According to the department, 374 movies from overseas were shot in Thailand between January and August and they generated revenue of Bt1.6 billion. The return was up from Bt1 billion in the same period last year.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand yesterday announced the Bangkok International Film Festival 2008 would be held from September 23-30 and would feature more than 70 films at SF World Cinema, CentralWord and Aksra Theatre.