The Chinese animated blockbuster "Ne Zha 2" is off to a strong start in Thailand, with impressive pre-sales and reviews set for a promising box office run after much anticipation, said a film marketing professional in the country.
Narute Jiensnong is chief marketing officer of the Major Cineplex Group, Thailand's largest operator of movie theaters. In an interview with CGTN following the official release of "Ne Zha 2" in the country on Thursday, he noted that around 6,000 pre-sale tickets were sold before the film's opening day.
"That's a good sign for that kind of movie that had a good box office prior to the opening date. Let me give you a picture for the first one that we did in Thailand. The first one has crossed about 10 million baht (about 297,400 U.S. dollars) in total box office in Thailand. We expect the second one to double at least about 20 million baht (about 594,800 U.S. dollars). That's our goal for Major Cineplex. And I think nationwide the total Thailand market maybe around like 30 million baht in total box office for this one," he said.
Having already become the 5th highest-grossing film of all time, the international appeal of Ne Zha 2 is evident. According to Narute, there are already signs it will have a particular draw for Thai audiences.
"For the movie, I think it's very appealing. And I think it's a very high-quality production. I saw the trailer, I haven't seen the whole movie yet, but I saw the trailers and I read all the comments online. Yesterday, we had about 200 YouTubers, influencers and bloggers coming to watch the movie, and all positive reviews so far. All them have a very good review toward the themes. The quality is very high in the production value. The script and the story line is very appealing to the Thai market and they think that Thai will love this kind of story line. I think it will do well in Thailand. So basically all the reviewers and YouTubers in Thailand love this movie," said Narute.
He then noted that the shared cultural values between Thailand and China contribute to the appeal of Chinese films, adding that Chinese movies have generally performed quite well in Thailand.
Available in more than 390 cinemas across the Southeast Asian country, "Ne Zha 2" has been screened in a Thai-dubbed version and the original Chinese version with subtitles to cater to different audience preferences.
Pre-sales indicate 'Ne Zha 2' off to strong start in Thailand: industry insider
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
