Thailand first and ever Creative Culture Promotion Act
Thailand, a country with a rich tapestry of cultures and resources, has always neglected to support the creation of new cultures and promote them globally. The establishment of the National Soft-Power Strategy Committee (hereinafter the “NSPSC”) in 2023 is a testament to the national’s commitment to amend the long-due overlooking and to drive, create, and support artists of all kinds in the creation of new soft-powers for Thailand. The NSPSC is dedicated to supporting industries, business operators, and professionals in Selected Industries, recognizing their invaluable contributions to our cultural landscape. This support enables them to develop and expand their creativity, fostering a competitive edge for our economy and elevating our cultural contributions to the international stage. In line with this, the Creative Culture Promotion Act (hereinafter “THACCA”) was drafted, and public hearings of the same were held.
Notably, the Selected Industries under the THACCA include industries involving in (1) festival organizing; (2) tourism; (3) sports and competitions; (4) electronic games and e-sports; (5) fashion, jewelry, handicrafts, and cosmetics; (6) architectural, product, graphic, and other design work; (7) music; (8) movies, animation, dramas, acting, and television shows; (9) arts and performing arts; (10) books, literature, cartoon, and painted media in any form; and (11) food and beverages
The non-exhaustive summary of provisions under the THACCA that support the cultivation of creative culture of Selected Industries are as follows:
1. The National Creative Culture Promotion Policy Committee has the duty to prepare a “strategic plan for promoting creative culture.” The strategic plan will lay out the objectives and scope for national support of creative culture. This will be followed by an “action plan for promoting creative culture,” which will lay out the details and measures of operational guidelines for government agencies.
2. Establish a Creative Culture Promotional Fund to aid government and private entities in Selected Industries, support research and development endeavors, provide loans to professionals and business operators, and offer funding to support initiatives promoting the nation’s creative cultures.
3. Higher-level courses for education or training to develop or upgrade skills or competencies in the Selected Industries may be established and supported by means of funding for course development, course promotion, scholarships for course takers, and others.
4. Standard contractual clause may be prescribed and enforced for certain professions in the Selected Industries, such clause may include provision regarding the intellectual properties entitlement, benefit-sharing, and others.
5. Registration for professionals in the Selected Industries may be required to receive the income tax deduction benefits.
6. SME in the Selected Industries may be subsidized for the expenses incurred from business registration, license and permits registration, intellectual properties related fees.
The THACCA is considerably a very first steps to a successful achievement of national initiatives such as, the One Family One Soft Power or the goal to create 20 million jobs. The public is encouraged to comment and provide feedback on the draft THACCA, which may create benefit not only the professionals in the Selected Industries but the national economy as well.
Author: Panisa Suwanmatajarn, Managing Partner.
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