Thailand is a melting pot of different people and cultures. At present, over 52% of the population resides in cities. Primarily a Buddhist country, about 94.6% of its citizens follow the Theravada tradition and the remaining 4.3% and 1.1% observe Islam and Christianity respectively .
While Thailand is more open and welcoming than other Asian countries, it too, has points of cultural sensitivity. Presented below are a few examples of its conservative side.
Respect for Buddhism
Religious respect is deeply rooted in Thai culture. Buddhism and its belief symbols are revered, and any gesture of disrespect is unacceptable by person or in media. In 2015, the Thai Culture Ministry banned horror movie “Arbat” citing contempt for Buddhism. The movie depicted Thai monks engaging in misconduct including drinking, consuming drugs and having improper relations with women. Moreover, the Thailand Film Censorship Board stated that some scenes disrespected Buddha.
This is not an isolated incident. Over the years, the Board banned several films it deemed disparaging to Buddhism and Buddhists.
Political Sensitivity
Thailand is quite politically sensitive and films with political content undergo cautious scrutiny in the country. Consider the 2012 film “Shakespeare Must Die.” This adaptation of Shakespeare’s play Macbeth was banned by the country’s culture minister citing it would “cause divisions between Thai people” due to its underlying references criticizing Thai politics and monarchy through characters such as a dictator named Dear Leader. In “Symmetry of Splendour,” the independent filmmaker did not release this film in Thailand in fear of government reprisals due to its references to the 1965 military crackdown, albeit it received critically acclaimed reviews around the world.
Moral Sensitivity
The film “Syndromes and a Century” also received global critical acclaim. However, the director, Apichatpong Weerasethakul pulled the release rather than comply with the Thailand Film Censorship Board’s demand that four scenes be cut. Those contentious scenes depicted characters kissing and using alcohol and Buddhist monks playing the guitar and with a remote-control toy.
LGBTQ Representation
The 2010 film about a transgender father, “Insects in the Backyard,” was banned for “violating the moral values of society.” This inspired the movie maker, Tanwarin Sukkhapisit to join politics and become the first transgender parliament member in the country. A seven-year-long legal battle for the movie’s release resulted in screening approval for audiences aged 20 and above after a three-second nudity scene was cut. Tanwarin Sukkhapisit also sought an amendment to the Film and Video Act to improve freedom of expression and better gender equality.
Thailand is a place of majestic natural beauty with a vital and varied culture. While change is potent and inevitable, Thai citizens strive to maintain traditions and preserve their heritage as they enter each new era.
