The “Thailand Taiwan Film Exhibition” opened in Bangkok on the evening of the 22nd, but was pressured by the Chinese Embassy in Thailand to remove the emblem of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of China, which was rejected by the Thai side. Minister of Culture of the Republic of China, Lee Yuan, stated today (23rd) that he is very grateful for the insistence of the Thai organizers, and that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) uses all means to oppress Taiwan around the world; culture has great power, and the CCP is very afraid of Taiwan’s cultural strength.
The “Thailand Taiwan Film Exhibition” was jointly organized by the Cultural Division of the Embassy of the Republic of China in Thailand, Documentary Club of Thailand, New Taipei City Government News Bureau, and the National Film and Audiovisual Center. The exhibition opened on the 22nd at House Samyan Cinema in Bangkok, featuring the classic film “Eat Drink Man Woman” directed by international director Lee Ang as the opening film. The theme of the exhibition is “FAMILY MATTERS”, and from the 22nd to the 26th, 17 selected Taiwanese feature films, documentaries, and short films will be screened in Bangkok and Khon Kaen, inviting 4 Taiwanese directors to Thailand for discussions and exchanges.
The opening ceremony of the “Thailand Taiwan Film Exhibition” on the evening of the 22nd in Bangkok attracted many Thai filmmakers, cultural figures, media, and fans, including representatives from the Japan Foundation, representatives from the Thailand National Film and Content Industry Alliance (MPC), a professor from Chulalongkorn University’s film department, as well as a delegation from the New Taipei City Government News Bureau of Taiwan and Taiwanese directors Lu Yuanqi, Sharon Sia Meng, Xiao Yuru, and Yu Weijing. Ambassador Lan Xiali of the Republic of China Embassy in Thailand also attended the event to greet the distinguished guests.
According to Thai media reports, the “Thailand Taiwan Film Exhibition” faced pressure from the Chinese Embassy in Thailand before the event to remove the emblem of the Taiwanese Ministry of Culture, but the Thai side refused, marking the first such incident in the many years of the Taiwan exhibition.
In Taipei World Trade Center today, the “2026 Comic Expo” was held. Minister of Culture of the Republic of China, Lee Yuan, stated during a media interview that he is very grateful for the insistence of the Thai organizers in not removing the name of the Taiwan Ministry of Culture. However, this incident shows that the CCP uses all means to oppress Taiwan globally.
Lee Yuan pointed out that the CCP is very afraid of Taiwan’s culture. He mentioned that the content of this film exhibition includes director Lee Ang’s “Pushing Hands,” “The Wedding Banquet,” as well as currently showing in Taiwan, “Life is a Dream,” and “Legendary Songstress Gao Juhua,” with documentaries, short films, and feature films all included.
He stated that the reason why the CCP is fearful of Taiwan’s culture is not hard to understand, as the cultural content presented, including documentaries, feature films, as well as comics, picture books, literature, and more, portrays a very free and diverse culture that the CCP itself cannot reach, creating a stark contrast with Taiwan.
According to Central News Agency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China today stated that the Embassy of the Republic of China in Thailand was fully informed of the situation and maintained close contact with the organizers. They continued to monitor the situation during the event and ensure that the film exhibition opened smoothly as scheduled. The Embassy in Thailand will continue to pay close attention to relevant developments to safeguard Taiwan’s dignity and interests, expressing appreciation and sincere gratitude to the organizers for upholding professionalism in organizing the event and not succumbing to undue pressure and interference from the CCP.