‘Macbeth’ film banned in Thailand

BANGKOK - Agence France-Presse

Thai censors have banned a film based on William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” saying the tale could sow “disunity” in the politically divided kingdom.

In the play, a power-hungry general kills the King of Scotland to take the throne for himself.

“The committee agreed that the film ‘Shakespeare Must Die’ contains material causing disunity in the country,” the culture ministry’s office of film and video said in a statement released on April 3.

The low-budget Thai production, which also contains some scenes of political protests, was part-funded by the culture ministry.

The royal family is an extremely sensitive subject in Thailand, where 84-year-old King Bhumibol Adulyadej is revered by many as a demi-god.

The film’s producer Manit Sriwanichpoom said he believed the censors were “overreacting” by banning the film.

“We don’t aim to harass anyone. It’s not the theme of the film. We want to present human morality and principles,” he told AFP. “In my opinion, everyone has basic characteristics like Macbeth who abuses his power.”

Director Ing Kanjanavanit said yesterday that censors felt politically violent scenes in the film “could cause divisiveness among the people of the nation.”

Thailand has seen as series of sometimes violent street protests in recent years by rival political factions, including the royalist “Yellow Shirts.”