Lao 'thumbs down' for Thai-produced football comedy

BANGKOK, May 15 (TNA) - A Thai-produced comedy film about an imaginary Lao football team has elicited no smiles from the Lao embassy in Thailand, and consequently, the Royal Thai Police Department and Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs..

After viewing the film "Mak Te" (football), Lao ambassador to Bangkok Hiem Phommachanh gave it a 'thumbs down' rating and said it will cause significant problems between the normally-friendly neighbouring countries if the movie is screened in cinemas.

The film debut is expected to be postponed. The embassy wants the film withdrawn until the script is changed and all references to Laos are deleted.

GMM Tai Hub Co. executive board chairman Visut Poonwaralak and film director Chira Malikul met Monday with Ambassador Hiem to ask his advice regarding reports that the film may cause dissatisfaction among Lao viewers.

The ambassador said that although he understood that the film was intended to be a comedy, nonetheless its content should not relate to Laos, at all. The film's producers should change it to remove any reference to Thailand's neighbour.

"Mak Te" was intended as a comedy about a Lao football team at the World Cup finals. Several Lao footballers reportedly dye their hair imitating European football players and do other actions which Lao viewers might find objectionable.

Caretaker Minister Attached to the Prime Minister's Office Suranand Vejjajiva met with the Mak Te producers, with senior officials from the Royal Thai Police and with the Foreign Ministry today after the Lao government called for the Thai side to scrap the plan to launch the controversial movie on May 18 as it makes fun of Laos.

After the meeting, Mr. Suranand said that the film producers told him that they didn't mean to insult the Lao people but to entertain moviegoers.

However, they said if the film causes any offence, the producers are willing to clear up any misunderstanding with the Lao ambassador and modify the film as instructed by Vientiane.

Mr. Suranand said he would ask the Thai Embassy in Vientiane to monitor reaction from the Lao government. The Thai government, he said, is ready to right the wrong as it does not want bilateral relations to sour.

The Royal Thai Police said it can revoke the film's license if it affects relations between the two countries.

TNA
May 15, 2006