Cannes: A Shift in Thai LGBTQ Cinema

Director Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke aims for Thai gay films to explore deeper narratives, incorporating political themes alongside pop culture. His latest work, “Useful Ghosts,” features model and actress Davika “Mai” Hoorne, who returns as a ghost to comfort her grieving husband.

The film, positioned as a quirky comedy, juxtaposes supernatural hijinks with serious undertones, addressing Thailand’s political turmoil. In a conversation post-premiere at Cannes’ Critics Week, Ratchapoom expressed a need for a broader representation of LGBTQ narratives, stating, “But I want the strange characters to do more than that. We need a more diverse and strange story.”

In the plot, Hoorne’s ghost encounters challenges with her reluctant step-mother-in-law, eventually leading to a search for lost souls affecting the family’s business. The story unfolds against the backdrop of haunting memories tied to Thailand’s political strife, specifically the violent 2010 protests that resulted in significant civilian casualties.

Bravery in Storytelling

Reflecting on the political climate, Ratchapoom talked about collective efforts to erase painful memories from public consciousness, including instances where authorities attempted to eliminate reminders of past abuses. “In Thailand, the state always tries to erase what they don’t like,” he noted.

Hoorne, recognized for her role in the famed film “Pee Mak,” emphasized the courage needed to tackle such subjects within the industry. “Because in Thailand, most of us are not allowed to say this,” she remarked, acknowledging the delicate nature of discussing these themes.

With a cultural shift underway, Thailand’s recent legalization of same-sex marriage marks a significant milestone. The story also intertwines with the political comeback of Thaksin Shinawatra, whose return from exile coincides with evolving perceptions of LGBTQ rights.