Global streaming of TV soaps, films a new money-spinner for Thailand
Linking international streaming services like Netflix, WeTV, iQiyi and VIU with the Thai film industry has earned the country more than 815 million baht, the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) said on Tuesday.
This link-up is part of Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit’s policy to promote Thai digital content internationally, DITP deputy director Ekachat Seetavorarat said on Tuesday.
DITP led a discussion on January 27 with representatives of international streaming services and 15 Thai content creators to further strengthen the tie-up.
“Apart from introducing local digital content creators to the international market, this project will also help boost the development of other industries like food, tourism and culture,” he said.
He added that Thai TV series, films and animation have caught the attention of international streaming agencies, and “this proves that our digital content industry has the potential to expand further”.
However, he said, the most important factor at this point is to make locally produced digital content more internationally acceptable and change local consumer behaviour so more digital content is consumed.
Ekachat added that the Commerce Ministry is providing the industry additional support by expanding opportunities both locally and overseas via exhibitions and seminars to promote knowledge exchange and create a network among creators.
Meanwhile, Worarit Ninklom, CEO of 9Naa Production, said this project encouraged Thai digital content creators to upgrade their products to international standards.
Wanchalerm Chootragool, CEO of Art Combo Studio, concurred saying this project gave local content creators a chance to have their creations consumed internationally via global streaming.
