*Free Thai Cinema Movement Petition *
Statement by Apichatpong Weerasethakul
with Bioscope, the Thai Film Foundation, Thoai Film Director's
Association, and Alliances.

I am saddened by what has happened to my film. However, this is not
the venue to try to make SYNDROMES AND A CENTURY shown in Thai
theaters. It is not my intention to use this opportunity to promote
my work. But, it is time to seriously think about what is going on
with our censorship laws, so that the next generation of filmmakers
will not face the same problems as us, and so that the Thai audiences
can truly achieve a freedom of choice.

It is time we discuss whether all films, before being released, should
be seen by the Buddhist council, doctors council, teachers council,
labor council, the army, pet lovers group, taxi union,
representatives from other foreign countries etc? Or, is it easier to
turn our nation into a Fascist state so that we can live in harmony
and don't have to waste time talking about democracy?

The system of the Thai Board of Censors needs to be evaluated. Their
members' relevancy and efficiency needs to be questioned, and we
should decide whether the laws should be changed.

I would like to ask you to reflect on the censorship practices in our
country and to provide us with advice at
http://www.petitiononline.com/nocut/petition.html

Later on, this Petition will be submitted to the Thai government.
Your support will be a great contribution to our fight for one of our
most basic rights - that of freedom.

I am grateful for your time and your participation. Thank you very
much.