More Laughs, Thrills and Big Names: Netflix Unveils Variety of Thai Films & Series
In the streaming era where audiences can easily access international entertainment, Thais continue to also embrace local stories. When Netflix release a local title on Netflix, it goes to the top of the most-watched charts in Thailand. Thai Cave Rescue is there now, while Bangkok Breaking remained in the country’s Top 10 list for five weeks last year.
To give the members more of what they love, Netflix is announcing six new Thai films and series helmed by top tier creators and featuring famous local stars. From broad comedy to twisty thrillers, this is the most diverse lineup of titles to date in Thailand. Netflix kick off with The Lost Lotteries, a madcap heist movie by top production studio GMM Studios International on November 16.
When Netflix started in Thailand, they wanted to introduce content that went beyond what could be found on TV or in the cinema. Through Thai subtitles and dubbing, Netflix has opened the door to a trove of films and series from around the world for the members, including highly popular K-dramas. And the original titles that greenlit for Thailand have tended to be edgy and deal with less mainstream topics, such as corruption in Bangkok Breaking.
Even as Netflix continue to push boundaries with the new slate, Netflix is expanding the genres to provide even more variety to Thai audiences. While they explore class disparity in culinary film Hunger, pay homage to itinerant mobile film troupes in Mon Rak Nak Pak and follow the emotional journey of strangers pretending to be a family in Analog Squad, they also present Delete, a gripping love triangle thriller by leading production studio GDH.
On top of that, Netflix will be releasing a film in the Northeastern Thai dialect for the first time, with well-loved funnyman “Mum” Jokmok playing a policeman who investigates whether a British man killed his Thai in-laws in the comedy The Murderer.
Local stories, universal appeal
While these six stories were crafted specially for Thai audiences, Netflix believe the themes of love and hope will resonate with members globally. This is why they empathize with the five losers in The Lost Lotteries who will do anything to retrieve their 30-million-baht (USD 800,000) winning tickets from a mafia gang.
Thai content, especially horror, has a track record of doing well overseas. The supernatural thriller The Whole Truth spent five weeks in the global Top 10 list for non-English films, and made the Top 10 list in 35 countries.
In the past, creators would have to do the international film circuit to drum up interest. But with Netflix streaming the content to more than 190 countries around the world, it’s opened up countless opportunities. This in turn motivates creators to pitch their best ideas and produce their best work.
The top quality of the upcoming line-up bears this out. Netflix has pushed the envelope not only in creativity and production value but also ensuring a supportive production environment for each project. And they’re so proud to share these stories that the hope will excite and entertain the members, both in Thailand and globally.
Source: Netflix
