1. Syndromes and a Century (2006)

When the Board of Censors ordered scenes from his movie cut, Apichatpong chose to replace them with silent, black screens of the same duration as the cut scenes, creating long moments for viewers to be painfully aware of their absence. He said the police were so worried he would not make the cuts, he had to actually leave the cut footage on the floor, in their office. What did it contain? A monk playing the guitar and doctors drinking alcohol in a hospital. Syndromes and a Century was voted best movie of 2007 by Newsweek, and of the decade by the Toronto International Film Festival. Apichatpong won the Cannes Festival Palme d’Or this year for Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives. Apichatpong is still critical of Thailand’s present situation and is the victim of slander by pro-government forces.

2. Doo Phra (2007)

When Siam Cement awarded its prestigious Young Artist Award to Warthit Sembut, it landed itself in hot water. His paintings depicted monks engaging in unbecoming activities, handling jewels at a market, or in grotesque poses. A month before that, the 2007 National Artist Award had gone to Anupong Chanthorn’s painting Bhikku Sandan Ka, which depicted monks afflicted with giant black beaks surrounded by crows. The award caused an uproar and protests drawing hundreds, although Silapakorn did not back down. Siam Cement Group did. Arguing that as a private organization they could not risk upsetting anyone, SCG decided to not show Warthit’s paintings. Infuriated, and with the support of artists like Vasan and Manit, the young painter returned his award.

3. AYODHYA (2006)

In one of the most deliciously bizarre cases of censorship, acclaimed conductor and composer Somtow Sucharitkul was asked to change the staging of Ayodhya, an opera he had composed in honor of HM the King. At the time, the Ministry of Culture claimed that Somtow’s intention to have Tosakan die on stage would be a terrible omen that could bring the government down, or worse. Somtow compromised by dimming the lights to represent the mythical demon’s death. Still the Ministry of Culture presented him with a contract saying they could shut the whole thing down, mid-performance, if they ever felt there was a violation of Thai morals. Despite this, Somtow has said he feels, as an artist, freer now than under Thaksin.