Big Brother to certify films
KONG RITHDEE
Bangkok Post: April 26, 2008
http://www.bangkokpost.net/News/26Apr2008_news13.php
If things go as planned, the new Film Act will go into effect six weeks from now, on June 4. And though nothing ever goes as planned when it comes to the Culture Ministry (e.g. the recent plan to clothe the pop-nymphs Girly Berry in prim 1900s robes ended in a saucy bitchfest between the glum, Nippon fish-loving minister and the vampish girl group), moviegoers should brace for the historic introduction of the rating system, which is likely to be accompanied by confusion and clamour…When the new law is applied in June, each movie, Thai and foreign, will be assigned one of six ratings: G (fit for all age groups); 13-plus; 15-plus; 18-plus and 20-plus. Then there’s a special rate I tentatively call “P” _ for Promotion, not Prude _ an awkward, unusual label designed for films that deserve to be promoted to the society because of its content. For instance, a historical Thai movie that shows a lot of grisly beheadings and senseless murders of national enemies in the 16th century could get the “P” rating, and everyone including young children should be encouraged to see it because of its historical and patriotic values…What’s not clear right now is how the ratings and filtering will be enforced. As it is understood, theatre staff at the box office will check the IDs of customers before letting them buy tickets, like at night clubs. But since nobody has seen the Ministry Regulations, it’s not certain whether the age classifications are simply a guideline for parents and multiplexes, or are actual legal restrictions with punishment clauses.
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