Ever been enchanted by the swirling drama and heartfelt narratives
emanating from
the Thai
television
screen? Today, we’re taking you on a delightful journey through the riveting world of Thai
Lakorns - a
place
where
emotions, culture, and vibrant stories come to life.
- Q: For the uninitiated, what exactly is a Thai Lakorn?
- A: In the enchanting realm of Thai entertainment, Lakorns hold a
special place,
often
unraveling
tales of romance, drama, comedy, and even suspense across various episodic series. Known
in Thai as
"ละครโทรทัศน์"
(lakhon thorathat), they spellbind viewers with elaborate storylines, charismatic
characters, and
emotionally rich
narratives that mirror and explore themes pertinent to Thai culture and society.
-
Q: Let’s take a step back in time! When did Thai TV dramas make their
debut?
-
A:
Stepping into the nostalgic aisles of history, the first-ever Thai TV drama to grace
the screens was
"Suriyani Mai Yom
Taengngan" way back on January 5, 1956. This historic broadcast occurred just a mere
two months
after the
establishment
of Thailand's first television station, Channel 4 Bangkhunphrom (now Channel 9).
-
Q: Can international fans enjoy Lakorns as well?
-
A:
Absolutely! With global platforms like Netflix and various streaming sites, Thai
Lakorns,
transcending
genres from
romance to psychological thrillers, have charmed audiences worldwide. Notably,
historical romantic
drama
"Love Destiny"
(2018) has garnered fans from various countries, including Russia. In fact, since
2021, some Thai
Lakorns
have been
concurrently broadcast worldwide on Netflix, just like in Thailand!
-
Q: How do these dramas fit into daily Thai television programming?
-
A:
Lakorns have traditionally been a primetime favorite, typically broadcast around
20:25-20:30 local
time and
offering
episodes ranging from 30 minutes to a whopping two hours, commercials included!
Though changes have
been
seen recently,
with Channel 7, for instance, altering its Friday night schedule in favor of
broadcasting live
combat sports
since
January 20, 2023.
-
Q: What about censorship and ratings?
-
A:
Navigating through the waves of censorship, Thai TV series adhere to stringent laws,
especially
those
concerning nudity,
sexual content, and elements that might clash with religious beliefs. Gambling
scenes are often
accompanied
by
disclaimers, and most of BBTV Channel 7's programs even seek a PG-18 rating,
ensuring content
appropriateness for varied
age groups.
-
Q: International Broadcasts have been highlighted lately. Can you tell us
more about Thai
dramas in
the international
scene?
-
A:
Over the years, Thai TV dramas have melted hearts across Southeast Asia and beyond,
with hits like
"2gether:
The Series"
and "The Gifted" stealing the spotlight in countries like the Philippines, and older
classics like
"Dao Pra
Sook"
beloved in Cambodia. Furthermore, the 2020s saw a Thai wave in Japan, and China
embraced Thai dramas
with
open arms,
with platforms like iQIYI even forming partnerships with Thai production houses!
-
Q: Are there any memorable records set by Thai dramas?
-
A:
Oh, the stories to tell! “Khu Kam”, for instance, remains unchallenged in its
reigning popularity,
boasting
the highest
ratings in the Thai TV industry to date. Meanwhile, "Love Destiny" not only
surpassed a rating of
2.00 for
the first
time in years but also spurred a revived interest in Thai history and heritage
tourism.
-
Q: What about the genres and themes, specifically those related to Thai
folklore?
-
A:
Diving deep into myriad themes, Thai dramas not only explore realms of romance,
comedy, and action
but also
beautifully
intertwine folk stories and local legends, bringing to life spirits and entities
from Thai folklore
in
series like
"Raeng Ngao" and utilizing traditional tales as seen in "Nang Sib Song" and "Thep
Sarm Rudoo".
As we wrap up our entrancing dialogue on Thai TV dramas, we leave you to explore and
become
enthralled by
the tapestry
of tales they weave, inviting you into worlds where the cultural, historical, and
modern facets of
Thai
society entwine
elegantly on the screen. Lights, camera, action - let the drama begin!