Exclusive INTERVIEW

Tourism minister hopes the Iifa Awards will give boost Indian film-makers' interest in the Kingdom

If Tourism Minister Weersak Kowsurat had his way, Indian films would be shown at cinemas across the Kingdom. That's why he's excited about Bangkok being the host of this year's Iifa Awards.

''One of the movie complexes in the city is considering dedicating a hall to screen Indian films on a regular basis, and I do hope this happens,'' said the minister in an exclusive interview.

He said he was looking forward to the Iifa weekend.

''I will be there for every event, as I've been a lover of Indian films from a very young age,'' said the Harvard Law School graduate, who after a political career spanning 23 years, stated that he still finds time to relax and enjoy.

''I was born in Ubon Ratchathani, and revelled in Indian films from a very young age,'' reminisced the 43-year-old minister. ''I can't remember the names of the movies and the stars, but I certainly remember the elephant movie with actor Rajesh Khanna [Haathi Mere Saathi], and the snake-movie [Nagin], which excited my whole family!''

Weerasak hoped Khanna would attend the Iifa event in Bangkok, and said he was looking forward to meeting all the new stars of Indian cinema too.

The minister said he was impressed by legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan, whom he met at the Iifa press conference in the city, last month.

''He is the best example of Indian culture,'' he raved, ''and I look forward to attending the world premiere of his new film [Sarkar Raj] in Bangkok.''

Weersak hopes the Iifa event will lead to more Indian film-makers shooting movies in Thailand.

''We know they like lush spots and spectacular views, and we want to introduce many new, virgin spots to them,'' he stated.

The minister was also proud that a new legislation had just been passed to completely facilitate foreign film companies wanting to shoot in the Kingdom.

''According to the new legislation, the Thai Film Office will be a one-stop service centre for them. The office will work with government agencies to issue permits and licenses all in one go,'' he informed.

''We have excellent locations, technical facilities, crew, superb service, and I'm sure the new law will lead to a big boom of film shooting in the Kingdom,'' he said.

The minister stated that the Bangkok International Film Festival was also an important event in the promotion of Thailand as a film destination.

''That's why the festival this year will involve, not just the Ministry of Culture, but the Ministry of Commerce as well, so the marketing aspect of the film festival will be taken care of,'' he said.