On 13 July 2023 at 20.00 hrs., H.E. Miss Lada Phumas graced the Opening Ceremony of the Thai Film Festival in Malaysia 2023 : Bridging Thainess to International Audience, to be held during 13-16 July 2023,  at GSC Mid Valley Megamall. The launching of the Festival was successfully held with attendance of approximately 200 invited guests, comprising of dignitaries from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Malaysia Film Development Board (FINAS), as well as diplomatic corps, medias, Thai and Malaysian students and academics from Malaysia’s leading universities, as well as Malaysian and Thai Fanclubs.

          In the opening address, H.E. Lada underlined that film is one of the best channels to relate stories, appreciate thinking, way of life and culture, through languages, actions and expression of emotion. It is therefore believed that this event would achieve its objective in strengthening friendship as well as deepening social and cultural bonds between Thailand and Malaysia, as well as other international friends of Thailand, while opening wider doors for more economic opportunities of future collaboration among film and entertainment industry players.

          Her Excellency also added that the Thai Film Festival is an occasion to celebrate the success of Thai film industry, which has been recognised as one of the world renowned hubs for film production. In 2022, a total of 348 movies were filmed in Thailand, generating a revenue of 6.4 billion baht (approximately 188 millions USD). Furthermore, It is a great opportunity to acknowledge Thailand’s creative economy, as well as the creativity of Thai directors, producers, script writers, and the talents of Thai actors and actresses whose skills are internationally recognized.

         The official partners of the Thai Film Festival 2023, including GSC, Suraya Filem & Distribution, the Department of International Trade Promotion, the Tourism Authority of Thailand in KL, Knowmad Production and Cinema Online were invited on stage for the ribbon cutting ceremony, followed by a special screening of Faces of Anne. For this special event, 3 renowned casts from the movies, namely Ms. Praewa Suthamphong, Ms. Jennis Oprasert, and Mr. Paris Intarakomalyasut, have been invited for a Meet & Greet session whereby they were warmly welcomed by the Malaysian Fanclubs.  

          During the Thai Film Festival in Malaysia 2023 : Bridging Thainess to International Audience, 5 Thai films of diverse genres, namely; Faces of Anne, Haunted Universities 2^nd Semester, Love Destiny the Movie, Fast & Feel Love, and also Friend Zone, will be screened with no charge at 4 GSC locations, namely, GSC Mid Valley, GSC 1 Utama, GSC My Town, and GSC IOI City.