History of Thai Cinema

🎬Early Years (1917-1957)

The Beginning of Thai Cinema

Thai cinema truly began in 1923 with the film "Nang Sao Suwan" (Miss Suwanna of Siam), which was the first Thai film to be filmed with an all-Thai cast.

🏆"Nang Sao Suwan" - The First Thai Film

Year Created: 1923

Director: Henry MacRae

Production Company: Universal Studios

Genre: Silent Film, Romantic Drama

Lead Actress: Sa-ngiam Navisathian

Screening Date: June 23, 1923

Screening Venue: Phatthanakon Cinema

Special Point: Proceeds donated to the Thai Red Cross Society

The creation of "Nang Sao Suwan" happened by chance when Henry MacRae, a director from Universal, traveled to Siam thinking it was a barbaric land, but found it to be a reasonably civilized country with cinemas and beautiful arts and culture, so he decided to film a feature film instead.

1923: "Nang Sao Suwan", the first Thai film in history
1927: Thai cinema began to develop continuously
1932: "Long Thang" (Gone Astray), the first Thai sound film
1947: Establishment of "Nang Thai" company by Ratana Pestonji

Synopsis of "Nang Sao Suwan"

The story of "Kla Han", a young government official who falls in love with "Suwanna" after saving her from drowning, but faces obstacles and a love rival "Krong Kaew" until finally finding his life partner. This film was shot in Bangkok, Hua Hin, and Chiang Mai.

🚫 First Censorship

This film contained a scene of execution by beheading in Chiang Mai, which caused controversy, leading to the establishment of a censorship committee before screening and the removal of that scene. This marked the beginning of film control mechanisms in Thailand.

Pioneers of the Era

Henry MacRae

American director from Universal, creator of the first Thai film

Sa-ngiam Navisathian

The first Thai actress in film history, who played "Suwanna"

Ratana Pestonji

Father of Thai Cinema, founder of the first Thai film studio

King Rama VI

Supported the filming of the first Thai film

👑Golden Age of Thai Cinema (1957-1977)

Rise to the Peak

The 1960s-1970s are considered the Golden Age of Thai cinema, with high-quality works and international recognition.

Key Works

"Mon Rak Luk Thung" (1970)
"Plae Kao" (1977)
"Santi-Vina" (1954)
"Khao Chue Karn" (1973)

Famous Stars of the Era

Sombat Metanee
Pisamai Vilaisak
Mitr Chaibancha
Petchara Chaowarat

🚀Modern Era and Revival (1997-Present)

The Comeback of Thai Cinema

Since the late 1990s, Thai cinema has begun to recover and gain more international recognition.

Key Turning Points

1999: "Nang Nak" directed by Nonzee Nimibutr broke Thai film records
2003: "Ong-Bak" ranked among the top action films in the world
2010: "Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives" won the Palme d'Or at Cannes

Famous Modern Directors

Apichatpong Weerasethakul

Director of "Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives", winner of the Palme d'Or at Cannes

Prachya Pinkaew

Director of "Ong-Bak", acclaimed for action films

Nonzee Nimibutr

Director of "Nang Nak", who adapted Thai ghosts to international standards

Yuthlert Sippapak

Director of "Killer Tattoo" and romantic comedy works

🌟Contemporary Thai Cinema (2017-Present)

Diversity and Innovation

Contemporary Thai cinema is more diverse in terms of storytelling, techniques, and global audience reach.

Trends

Festival Films

Works recognized at international film festivals

Horror Films

Development of Thai ghost films to international standards

Digital Films

Use of new technologies in production and distribution

Outstanding Contemporary Works

"Shutter" - Thai ghost film that achieved global success
"The Medium" - Ghost film that topped Netflix globally
"Pee Mak" - Remake of Nang Nak in a comedy style
"Friend Zone" - Highly popular romantic film

🔮Future of Thai Cinema

Thai cinema in the future is likely to develop in a more diverse direction with government support, the growth of digital platforms, and international recognition.