Thai animation (Thai: แอนิเมชันไทย) has a rich history, dating back to the 1950s with the production of the first Thai animated shorts. Payut Ngaokrachang is considered the founding father of Thai animation. Over the decades, the industry has flourished, earning both local and international recognition. Today, Thailand has established itself as a popular outsourcing destination for animation work, with 91% of its animation studios providing services to international companies. This has boosted exports and raised the profile of Thai animation, earning recognition from the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) as the top animation-related business destination in Southeast Asia in 2016.
Thai animation has a rich history dating back to the mid-20th century. The first Thai animated shorts were created using traditional hand-drawn animation techniques, with "Amazing Incidents" premiering in 1955 at the Sala Chaloem Thai. This animation, which had a runtime of 10 minutes, caught the attention of the American News Agency (USIS) in Bangkok where Payut Ngaokrachang was working as an art officer. Payut, considered a pioneer of Thai animation and a prominent animator and illustrator, was then invited to visit Toho in Japan to receive training in animated film-making. He went on to create "The New Adventures of Hanuman" in 1957, which had a runtime of 14.43 minutes, and "The Children and the Bear" in 1959, which was 14 minutes long. These two animations were created while Payut was working on animation in Japan for the American News Agency, according to the agency's objective of creating an animated film against communism.
In 1979, Payut created his first full-length animated film "The Adventure of Sudsakorn", which was based on the story of the poet Sunthon Phu and had a runtime of 82 minutes, consisting of 66,000 paintings. The film is widely considered a significant milestone in Thai animation history, and it was the first feature-length animated film produced in Thailand using traditional hand-drawn animation techniques. The film was a huge success, earning 2 million baht at the Athens Ratchathewi theater and making a significant impact on the Thai animation industry.
In 1999, Broadcast Thai Television adapted Thai literary works into 2D animated TV shows, such as "Pla Boo Thong", "Sang Thong", "Ngo Pa", and "Lok Nithan", which revitalized the Thai animation industry. Three years later in 2002, the Thai 3D animation industry saw the release of "PangPond The Future World Adventure", adapted from a comic, which marked a golden year for the industry. The animation first aired as an episodic series on Channel 3 in April before being edited into the feature film "" by Vithita Animation in October. Directed by Chaiporn Panichrutiwong, a rising star in the animation industry, the film was well-received and went on to become one of Thailand's leading animation franchises. It was also the first Thai animation to be shown in IMAX theaters.[1]
In the same year, "King Vikram and Vetal The Vampire", directed by Suthep Tantirooj and Panuthep Sutthepthamrong and animated by Anya Animation studio, was the first Thai 3D computer-animated film. It premiered at the Hiroshima International Animation Festival in Japan in August 2002 before being shown in festivals in Thailand. Despite being the first of its kind in Thailand, it was not until later that it gained recognition as a significant milestone in Thai animation.
In 2007, Vithita Animation released the 2D animated series "Ramakien Mini Animation". Based on the Ramakien epic, the animated series was well-received and has continued to be a favorite among audiences, becoming a phenomenon for the animation industry in Thailand and leading to the sale of character rights for use in advertising and production of copyrighted products.
Other notable TV series animated during this era include "Shelldon", created by Shellhut Entertainment and directed by Jirayuth Chusanachoti with a budget of around 100 million baht. The series debuted in the Thailand Animation Festival in 2005 and later was broadcast on Channel 3 in 2008. It was shown in over 150 countries and its license was purchased in over 16 countries, leading to the creation of three seasons. Another series, "Paddle Pop Adventures", was created by The Monk Studios and was released in 2005, launching in over 33 countries.
Thai animation has come a long way since its early beginnings, and the industry has seen many significant milestones along the way. In 2006, Kantana Animation released the animated film "Khan Kluay", which was a turning point for the industry in terms of both budget and quality. The film, set in the Ayutthaya period, follows the adventures of Khan Kluay and captures the identity and symbols of Thailand. Directed by Kompin Kemgumnird, who has worked with renowned studios such as Walt Disney and Blue Sky Studios, "Khan Kluay" was a commercial success and became the highest-grossing film of the year in Thailand.
Kantana Animation started in 1987 as a subcontractor for Japan's Toei. In 1994, it produced its first Thai animated series, "Twin Witches". In addition to original productions, the company is also known for its outsourcing work, contributing to well-known works such as "Saint Seiya" and "Dragon Ball". Today, Kantana continues to offer outsourcing services to the Japanese animation industry.[2]
2007 saw the release of the 2D computer-animated film "The Life of Buddha". The film, which recounts the story of Lord Buddha, was produced by Media Standard Company and directed by Kritsaman Wattananarong. The technical director, Wisanukorn Kongsomsak, had previously worked for Thai Wang Film Productions, which outsourced work for major studios such as Walt Disney and Warner Bros.
BeboydCG Studio, a subsidiary of True Corporation, and Sahamongkol Film collaborated on the animated film "Nak" which was released in 2008. The film uses both 2D image processing and 3D techniques to create characters and scenes and features the ghost character Mae Nak, based on the figure of the Thai female spirit who has a baby and can stretch her arms. The film was a hit and received praise for its cute and fun story that also conveyed moral themes.
The success of "Khan Kluay" led to the creation of its sequel, "Khan Kluay 2", which was released in 2009. In 2012, Kantana Animation released its third animated film, "Echo Planet", a 90-minute 3D stereoscopic film. Despite a large investment of 170 million baht, the film only earned 17 million baht domestically.
In October 2012, the 3D animated film "" was released. The film, a joint venture worth over 100 million baht by Sahamongkol Film and Ittirit House, was directed by Prapas Cholsaranon and produced by Workpoint Pictures. The film took nearly 6 years and a team of 30 people to create, showcasing the dedication and talent of the Thai animation industry.
With a budget of 230 million baht, "" is a 2018 animated film directed by Pongsa Kornsri, Nat Yoswatananont, and Gun Phansuwon. It was a collaboration between Igloo Studio, Exformat Films, and RiFF Studio, distributed by M Pictures. The film follows the story of a young boy named Ott, who becomes a Muay Thai warrior to save his village from the occupation of Ramthep Nakorn by Asura. Despite generating an impressive 20 million baht in earnings within just the first four days of its release and earning 100 million baht nationwide by the year of its release, it did not recoup its entire budget in the same year. Nevertheless, the film was released on Netflix, allowing it to reach a wider international audience. It is known for its animation, which sets a new standard and demonstrates the growth and development of Thai animation.
Another interesting is new wave of Indepedenece animator who create their content animation on YouTube as Pasulol or Pasu Lorpensri animator who create short animation on his YouTube chanel with satire comedy on a life and tradition of thai society with 2.32 million follower and most watched clip are 25 million view[3]
| Studio | Founded | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alternate Studio | 2008 | ||
| Anya Animation | 2001 | ||
| Appreciate Entertainment | 2001 | ||
| BeboydCG Studio | 1997 | Became a subsidiary of True Corporation in 2001. | |
| Chardo Animation | 2022 | ||
| CKA Chiang Mai | 2005 | Subsidiary of Creative Kingdoms Inc. | |
| EEZ Studios | 2016 | ||
| Igloo Studio | 2007 | ||
| Imagimax Studio | 1998 | ||
| Kantana Animation Studios | 1987 | Kantana Animation transformed into Kantana Animation Studios Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Kantana Group, in 2007. | |
| Kyoraku Pictures Thailand | 2013 | Subsidiary of Japanese Kyoraku Pictures | |
| Lunchbox Studio | 2008 | ||
| M2 Animation | 1998 | Subsidiary of Danish M2 Entertainment. | |
| Muffin Animation | 2003 | ||
| RiFF Studio | 2009 | ||
| RSU Animation | 2014 | ||
| Shellhut Entertainment | 2007 | Subsidiary of Shellhut Co., Ltd. | |
| Studio Kun | 2014 | ||
| Studio Porta | 2014 | ||
| Teapot Studio | 2007 | ||
| The Monk Studios | 2006 | ||
| Thai Wang Film Productions | 1989 | Subsidiary of Taiwanese-American Wang Film Productions Co., Ltd. | |
| Vithita Animation | 2001 | ||
| Yggdrazil Group | 2006 | ||
| Zurreal Studio | 2005 |
| Year | Title | Director(s) | Studio | Technique | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Adventure of Sudsakorn สุดสาคร | – | First full-length animation film in Thailand. | ||||
| 2002 | King Vikram and Vetal The Vampire อภินิหารนิทานเวตาล | Suthep Tantirooj Panuthep Sutthepthamrong | Anya Animation | First 3D computer-animated film in Thailand which was screened at foreign festivals before screening at festivals in Thailand. | ||
| 2002 | PangPond The Animation ปังปอนด์ ดิ แอนิเมชัน ตอน ตะลุยโลกอนาคต | Chaiporn Panichrutiwong | Vithita Animation | First Thai animation to be shown in IMAX theaters. | ||
| Khan Kluay ก้านกล้วย | Kompin Kemgumnird | An Indian redubbed version Jumbo was released in 2008.[4] | ||||
| The Life of Buddha พระพุทธเจ้า | Kritsaman Wattananarong | Media Standard Co., Ltd. | 2D animation | |||
| Nak นาค | Natthaphong Ratanachoksirikul | CG animation | ||||
| Khan Kluay 2 ก้านกล้วย 2 | Taweelap Srivuthivong | Kantana Animation | CG animation | An Indian redubbed version Jumbo 2: The Return of the Big Elephant was released in 2011. | ||
| 2012 | Echo Planet เอคโค่ จิ๋วก้องโลก | Kompin Keamkumned | Kantana Animation | CG animation | ||
| ยักษ์ | Prapas Cholsaranon | Workpoint Entertainment | CG animation | |||
| 2014 | The Story of Mahajanaka พระมหาชนก | Kriangkrai Suparasahasrangsi Thananchanok Suban Na Ayutthaya Nop Thamwanich | Software Industry Promotion Agency (SIPA) Thai Animation and Computer Graphic Association (TACGA) | 3D animation | ||
| Ananta: Light of Hope อนันตา:ศิลาพิชิตมาร | Walpha Phimhthong | Media Standard Co.Ltd | 2D animation | |||
คุณทองแดง ดิ อินสไปเรชั่นส์ | Nitipat Somsaman Phanlop Sincharoen Saksiri Koshpasharin | Dr.Head Imagimax Studio The Monk Studios Workpoint Pictures | CG animation | |||
| 2018 | 9 ศาสตรา | Pongsa Kornsri Nat Yoswatananont Gun Phansuwon | Exformat Films Igloo Studio RiFF Studio | CG animation | ||
| Krut: The Himmaphan Warriors ครุฑ: มหายุทธ หิมพานต์ | Chaiporn Panichrutiwong | Rangsit University RSU Animation | CG animation | |||
| 2023 | Mantra Warrior: The Legend of the Eight Moons นักรบมนตรา: ตำนานแปดดวงจันทร์ | Veerapatra Jinanavin | RiFF Studio | CG animation | ||
| TBA | Black Dust | – | Igloo Studio | CG animation |
| Year | Title | Studio | Season(s) | Episode(s) | Technique | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | PangPond The Future World Adventure ปังปอนด์ ดิ แอนิเมชั่น ตอน ตะลุยโลกอนาคต | Vithita Animation | 1 | 10 | 3D animation | ||
| 2003–2014 | PangPond The Series ปังปอนด์ เดอะซีรีส์ | Vithita Animation | 3 | 65 | 2D animation | ||
| 2004 | PangPond The Insect World Adventure ปังปอนด์ ดิ แอดเวนเจอร์ ตอน ผจญโลกแมลง | Vithita Animation | 1 | 8 | 3D animation | ||
| 2005 | 3 Kingdoms Super Fun 3Kok Mahasanook สามก๊ก มหาสนุก | Vithita Animation | 2 | 52 | 2D animation | ||
| 2005–2016 | Paddle Pop Adventures แพดเดิลป๊อป | The Monk Studios | 6 | 72 | CG animation | ||
| 2006 | PangPond The Himmapan Adventure ปังปอนด์ ดิ แอดเวนเจอร์ ตอน ตะลุยป่าหิมพานต์ | Vithita Animation | 1 | 8 | 3D animation | ||
| 2006 | 4 Angies โฟร์แองจี สี่สาวแสนซน | Anya Animation | 3 | 56 | 3D animation | ||
| 2007 | Ramakien Mini Animation รามเกียรติ์ มินิ แอนิเมชั่น | Vithita Animation | 1 | 78 | 2D animation | ||
| 2008 | 4 Comrades 4 สหายล่าไอเย็น | Vithita Animation | 1 | 13 | 2D animation | ||
| 2008 | Bubble Warriors | CKA Chiang Mai | 1 | ? | CG animation | ||
| 2008 | Shelldon เชลล์ดอน | Shellhut Entertainment | 3 | 78 | 3D animation | ||
| 2008 | The Salads เดอะสลัดแก๊งจอมป่วน | Igloo Studio | 1 | 26 | 3D animation | ||
| 2008 | Trio Bunnies | CKA Chiang Mai | 1 | ? | CG animation | ||
| 2009 | DoggaDoop ด๊อกกาดู๊ป | Homerun Entertainment | 1 | 52 | CG animation | ||
| 2009 | Mahosod มโหสถ ปราชญ์น้อยคู่แผ่นดิน | Vithita Animation | 1 | 26 | 2D animation | ||
| 2010 | StarDog สตาร์ด๊อก | Broadcast Thai Animation | 1 | 26 | 2D animation Byrdland | [5] | |
| 2011 | Byrdland Flying With Byrd เบิร์ดแลนด์ แดนมหัศจรรย์ | Shellhut Entertainment | 1 | 52 | CG animation | ||
| 2011 | Dino Master ไดโน มาสเตอร์ ศึกเกมส์การ์ด อสูรล้านปี | Appreciate Entertainment | 1 | 52 | 3D animation | ||
| 2011 | Kobutra The Legend of Sun's Son โคบุตร ตำนานบุตรสุริยะ | Vithita Animation | 1 | 26 | 2D animation | Based on Sunthorn Phu's poem. | |
| 2011 | Papa Panda: Disruptive Family ป๊ะป๋าแพนด้า ครอบครัวตัวป่วน | BeboydCG Studio | 1 | 26 | 3D animation | ||
| 2012 | D-5 Warriors ริวจิไฟว์ | TIGA | 1 | 26 | 2D animation | [6] | |
| 2011 | Papa Panda: As You Grow, Don't Cheat ป๊ะป๋าแพนด้า โตไปไม่โกง | BeboydCG Studio | 1 | 10 | 3D animation | ||
| 2014 | Ayupan x Bloody Bunny | 2Spot Studio RiFF Studio | 1 | 5 | CG animation | ||
| 2014 | Khoo Zaa คู่ซ่าท้าสำรวจ | Vithita Animation | 1 | 13 | 2D animation | ||
| 2014 | The Ultimate Power | Vithita Animation | 1 | 26 | 3D animation | ||
| 2015 | Bloody Bunny: The First Blood | 2Spot Studio RiFF Studio | 1 | 15 | CG animation | ||
| 2021 | Mahanakhon Khanom Thai มหานครขนมไทย | Vithita Animation | 1 | 6 | 2D animation | ||
| 2022–present | Sea of Love | The Monk Studios | 1 | 15 | Flash | ||
| 2023 | My Daemon | Igloo Studio | TBA | TBA | 2D animation | Collaboration between Netflix Japan, Hirotaka Adachi aka Otsuichi, and Igloo Studio |
| Year | Title | Studio | Technique | Type | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Bloody Bunny | 2Spot Studio | CG animation | Short film | ||
| 2011 | Escape of the Gingerbread Man! | The Monk Studio | CG animation | Short film | ||
| 2014 | Coca-Cola vs SF Cinema | The Monk Studio | CG animation | Commercial | ||
| 2014 | Nine | The Monk Studio | CG animation | Short film | ||
| 2014 | RADAR Preparing for Disasters with Mr. Radar พี่เรด้าร์เตือนภัย เตรียมพร้อมไว้เมื่อภัยมา | Vithita Animation | CG animation | Short film | ||
| 2015 | Mahajanaka พระมหาชนก เพื่อผู้พิการทางสายตา | Vithita Animation | CG animation | Short film | ||
| 2015 | May Who? | RiFF Studio | CG animation | Short film | ||
| 2016 | Riku | Vithita Animation | 3D animation | Commercial | ||
| 2017 | Midnight Story | RiFF Studio | 3D animation | Short film | ||
| 2020 | Aomori no Kisetsu | Igloo Studio | CG animation | Commercial | ||
| 2020 | Farmhouse ปิ๊งรักฉบับนายขนมปัง | Igloo Studio | CG animation | Commercial | ||
| 2020 | KIDS SEE GHOST | Igloo Studio | CG animation | Music video | ||
| 2020 | MV-ORBIT | Igloo Studio | CG animation | Music video | ||
| 2020 | The Weather is Lovely | RiFF Studio | CG animation | Short film | ||
| 2021 | A Town Where We Live วันแห่งฝันคืนแห่งแสง | Igloo Studio | CG animation | Short film | Created to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA). | |
| 2021 | Popmart Dimoo X JD: Joy Studio | Yggdrazil Group | 3D animation | Commercial | ||
| 2021 | The Golden Crow | Yggdrazil Group | 3D animation | Short film | ||
| 2022 | Nai Khumkrong | Vithita Animation | 2D animation | Commercial | ||
| 2022 | Mariam and Friend | The Monk Studio | CG animation | Short film | ||
| 2022 | XRB Galaxy | The Monk Studio | 3D animation | Game cinematic |