Thailand has chosen Pen-ek Ratanaruang's noir thriller Invisible Waves as its official entryfor the best foreign-language film category of the 2007 Academy Awards.

The meeting of the selectioncommittee was postponed from last Wednesday as a result of the military coupthat put Thailand under martial law the night before.

The selection committee isheaded by Chaiwat Taveewongsangthong, the new president of the Federation ofNational Film Associations since March this year. Khan Kluay, Thailand's first 3D animation and the top grossing local filmthis year, was also considered.

Produced by Five Star incollaboration with the Netherlands, Hong Kong and South Korea, InvisibleWaves marks the third time that a Pen-ek film is selected as the Thaicandidate. His previous films Last LifeIn The Universe and Monrak Transistorwere chosen in 2003 and 2002 respectively.

The picture recentlyreceived its North American premiere at the Toronto Film Festival. A US release is scheduled for early 2007 through PalmPictures. International sales are handled by Fortissimo Films.

Meanwhile, Ngo Quang Hai'sdirectorial debut Pao's Story (Chuyen Cua Pao) has been chosen as Vietnam's official entry. The picture tells the story ofPao, a young ethnic Mong girl from the mountainous areas who sets out to findher mother.

It was the big winner atVietnam's Golden Kite award this year, walking away with best film, bestactress for Do Thi Hai Yen who plays Pao, best supporting actress for Nhu Quynhand best cinematography. Do, Ngo's wife in real life, starred in Philip Noyce'sThe Quiet American.

After premiering at theMontreal World Film Festival last month, Pao'sStory is heading next to Pusan in October.

The last Vietnamese filmthat received an Oscar nomination for best foreign film was 1993's Scent Of Green Papaya directed by TranAnh Hung.