Characteristics of Thai Film: History, Genres, and the exotic Thainess. During spending my time researching on the characteristics and ideologies of Thai film and Thai Lakorn, Tanyatorn Panyasopon’s stunning research on Thai Film appears to be very interesting as she mentioned “Their ideas were analyzed to find out what factors contributing to Thai movies widely seen in worldwide markets. Nine foreign audiences were also interviewed to reveal what characteristics of Thai movies would be well accepted by the markets.The results showed that major characteristics of Thai movies proving successful worldwide were cultural and exotic Thai movies, outstanding genres, well-known actors, music and songs.” (Panyasopon, 2012). Accordingly, this particular essay will be devoted to discuss about the characteristics of Thai film and Thai soap opera in order to serve itself as a source to help international audiences and those who are interested have a comprehension and understanding towards Thai Film. The first period when Thai movies became blossomed and flourished was in 1947 (even though there was a production of film since 1920s). However, the popularity of Thai movie production declined shortly after. According to Panyasopon’s article, more genres of movies emerged during 1987-1996 AD. and those genres included: horror, action, and teen movies (Young Adult fictions or movies in American terms). Famous directors in this new wave included Nonzee Nimibutr, Pen-Ek Ratanaruang, and Apichatpong Weerasethakul. This new wave and the emerging of a more contemporary genre in Thai film industry tremendously encouraged and bolstered the popularity of Thai film towards both local and international audiences. According to Robert Williamson, The first quantum leap was in 1997, with Nimibutr's crime drama, Dang Bireley's and Young Gangsters (2499 Antapan Krong Muang), earning a record box office take of more than 75 million baht. In the same year Ratanaruang's crime comedy, Fun Bar Karaoke, was nominated to play at the Berlin Film Festival – the very first time in ten to twenty that Thai cinema was internationally present.