Creative Thailand scheme questioned

       Business operators have warned the government that its Creative Economy policy will likely fail unless it is better defined.
       A clearer definition of the creative economy is key to the policy's successful implementation, said Dusit Nontanakorn, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce.
       "I am concerned that people do not understand what the creative economy is. Relevant government agencies should make it clear among themselves and deliver the same message to the public,"said Mr Dusit.
       The government should also speed up budget allocation to enable developing small and medium operators to produce more creative products, he said.
       "The government needs to change its mindset to have a creative mind and to be more forward looking," said Mr Dusit."They have to encourage the private sector to do something different from their mainstream business."
       "Instead of trying to manipulate everything including the price, the government should act as a facilitator. How can the private sector survive by adding value to the products if the government still controls prices?"
       The government's aims are too lofty and unrealistic, said Santi Vilassakdanont, chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries. It has set its sights on raising revenue contributions from creative industries in the service sector to 1.8 trillion baht by 2012, or at least 20% of the country's gross domestic product, from 10% or 900 billion today.
       "I think it would take at least 10 years to achieve that level. To firmly establish a brand we need roughly a decade,"said Mr Santi.
       Agricultural products, for example rice and rubber, as well as some industrial sectors such as garment and footwear could increase by 50% if more creativity is used to reposition them in the international market, Mr Santi said.
       Financial support is crucial for the creative industry to flourish, said Jaruek Kaljareuk, the president of the Federation of the National Film Association of Thailand
       "There is no doubt about the quality of Thai personnel and craftsmanship,or that we can produce movies with Hollywood standards. What we really need is funding from the government,"he said.
       Kantana group, which Mr Jaruek owns,produced the animated movie, Kan Kluay, which has gained an international reputation.
       The government also needs to work as a facilitator and coordinator for business operators, said Shellhut Entertainment Co.
       "We have so many jigsaws that need the government's help to put them together, and transform policies into actions faster as competition has risen from countries like India and China,"said the company's executive producer and director Jirayuth Chausanachoti.