The objectives of this research are to study cinematic elements expressing Thai characters and analysis of Thai identity that appear in Cherd Songsri’s films, including the relationship between Thai identity in the films of Cherd Songsri and socio-cultural context in various periods of the films. This is a qualitative research, using content analysis of 9 films directed by Cherd Songsri from 2520 to 2544 B.E. The findings of the research are as follows. The director, Cherd Songsri, uses various cinematic elements in transmitting Thai characters, both concrete and abstract. His films contain recurrent characteristics which can be classified into 3 aspects of Thai identity. Firstly, the Thai identity reflects the real self of the director, Cherd Songsri, himself who is attached to the rural and agricultural society, the attachment to Buddhism as the spiritual center, the respect for such traditional values as gratitude, the role and status of male and female in Thai society, including the integration of cultural interest. 2) The emphasis on traditional Thai identity, e.g. housing and simple lifestyle of the past, culture and rituals, rural culture in central plains, traditional Thai performances, including traditional Thai values and belief system. 3) The identity relating to storytelling and mode of film production by Cherd Songsri that is based upon the structure of literature with due respect to the original novels. The film content focuses mainly on the confrontation between Thai and Western cultures, in particular the materialist culture. As regards the cinematic techniques, his films are noted to make frequent use of mobile camerawork and slow pacing in harmony with Thai way of life. Most films also emphasize natural and realistic content conforming to the social and cultural context of different periods.
