Thai government wants to steer rescue films

BANGKOK — Thailand’s military government wants to control how movies portray the ordeal of the young soccer players and their rescue from a flooded cave that drew worldwide interest and the attention of foreign filmmakers.

Culture Minister Vira Rojpochanarat said he will propose 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. A rescuer who died in the operation is being remembered as a national hero.

The rescue, carried out successfully against high odds, was a rare moment of uplifting news from Thailand, which has been mired in political conflict and heavy-handed military rule for more than a decade. Even as the world watched the cave saga, a boat sinking off a southern resort island claimed almost 50 Chinese tourists.

The cave rescue also allowed the government of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who has been criticized for political manoeuvring to stay in power after elections planned for next year, to share in some glory.

The government’s Thailand Film Office already regulates the production of films shot in Thailand by foreign companies, including vetting scripts and issuing filming permits. But Vira said the committee would oversee content, licensing and the protection of privacy of the rescued team and their families.

Vira said five foreign film production companies have shown interest in making a movie or documentary about the cave rescue.

“If you talk about drama associated with filmmaking, it has everything, Vira said.