Thailand’s military government wants to control how movies portray the ordeal of the young soccer players and their heroic rescue from a flooded cave that drew worldwide interest and the attention of foreign filmmakers.
Culture Minister Vira Rojpochanarat said he will propose at next week’s Cabinet meeting that a special committee be established to oversee the production of films, documentaries and videos related to the experiences of the 12 boys and their coach who were trapped in a cave for almost three weeks before being rescued.
Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said on Friday he had instructed officials from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security to make sure the young soccer players and those associated with them are not bothered while they are going through a period of mental rehabilitation. The government’s Thailand Film Office already regulates the production of films shot in Thailand by foreign companies, including vetting scripts, but Mr. Vira said the committee would oversee content, licensing and the protection of privacy of the rescued team.
