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Thai television soap opera

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"Lakorn" redirects here. For other uses, see Lakhon.

Lakorn is a popular genre of fiction in Thai television. They are known in Thai as ละครโทรทัศน์ (RTGS: lakhon thorathat, lit. "television drama") or ละคร (lakhon, pronounced [la.kʰɔːn], or lakorn). They are shown generally at prime-time on Thai television channels, starting usually on, before or approximately at 20:25-20:30 hrs local time. An episode of a prime-time drama is between 45 minutes to two hours long including commercials. Each series is a finished story, unlike Western "cliffhanger" dramas, but rather like Hispanic telenovelas.[1]

The first television drama in Thailand was Suriyani Mai Yom Taengngan (สุริยานีไม่ยอมแต่งงาน, lit. "Suriyani refused to marry") starring Mom Rajawongse Thanadsri Svasti and Chotirot Samosorn with Nuanla-or Thongnuedee from the composition of Nai Ramkarn (Prayad Sor Nakanat) broadcast on January 5, 1956, on Channel 4 Bangkhunphrom (now Channel 9), the first Thai television station. It can be considered the broadcast happened only two months after the establishment of the station.[2]

A series will run for about three months. It may air two or three episodes a week, the pattern being Monday–Tuesday, Wednesday–Thursday Monday-Thursday (weekday slots) or Friday–Sunday (weekend slot). A channel will air three soap operas simultaneously at any given time (each producing their own series by separate production houses). Channels will compete for the most popular stars as they attract the most viewers. Some examples are Channel 3, 5 and 7 as well to a lesser extent on Channel 9.[3]

While the "best" series are shown at night right after the news, the ones with a smaller profiles (and shorter run times) will be shown in the evenings from 17:00–18:00. In some cases, the most popular prime-time series are shown on re-runs a couple of years after their initial release, generally in the afternoon.[4]

A lakorn episode is normally 1 hour or 30 minutes. When broadcasting internationally, the running time is around 45 min. per episode.

Since January 20, 2023, every Friday night after the evening news (second edition), Channel 7 stopped broadcasting the television series as it became familiar. The station has turned to live broadcasts of combat sport matches of the ONE Championship instead, which is one of the great revolutions in the Thai television industry.[5]

And since September 6 of the same year, Channel 7 has been given a new television series broadcast time of 20:30–21:30, a total of only one hour, and there will be only one television series broadcast from Monday to Thursday. As for Saturday–Sunday will broadcast another television series. When after 21:30, the station will broadcast Korean drama starting from Ghost Doctor (2022).[6]

Genre

Romance, Comedy, Thriller, Action, Psychological, etc. Apart from Lakorn, Boys Love or BL series are booming across the globe.

Folk stories

Thai television soap operas have contributed to popularize the spirits and legends of the folklore of Thailand. Some soap operas, such as "Raeng Ngao", include the popular ghosts in Thai culture interacting with the living, while others are based on traditional Thai legends and folk tales such as "Nang Sib Song", "Kaki" and "Thep Sarm Rudoo".

Law

Further information: Censorship in Thailand

Thailand has strict censorship laws on films containing nudity, sexual intercourse, smoking opium, or which might offend religious sensibilities. There are no classifications to rate films for different ages so censors often obscure scenes by scratching the celluloid or smudging it with a translucent gel. When actors are playing cards in TV series, a sentence displays that playing cards with money is forbidden by the law.

On Thai television, Chinese, Japanese, American, and Indian films are broadcast.

Some series are subject to a rating. Most of BBTV Channel 7 programs are usually rated as PG-18 (children under 18 should seek parental guidance).

International broadcasts

Prior to the 2000s, Thai TV soap operas were primarily popular in neighbouring countries such as Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos.[7] Several Cambodian television channels aired Thai soap operas instead of their local ones. Dao Pra Sook was the most popular series for Khmer viewers. Occasionally, due to historical conflicts between the neighbouring countries, the content of these television programs would lead to offline political conflicts. For example, a plot line concerning Angkor Wat led to riots at the Thai embassy in Cambodia and Thai lakorn were banned in early–2003.[8] However, in 2015, Thai content rapidly returned to popularity amongst Cambodian viewers and while they're mainly viewed on online platforms, many television stations were also broadcasting Thai dramas.[9]

Apart from their immediate neighbours, Thai dramas have become increasingly popular in other Southeast Asian countries. Over the years, several Thai TV soap operas have begun to become popular in Singapore as Nang Tard and Love Destiny aired successfully in that country. They are usually broadcast in Singapore one or two weeks after airing in Thailand, primarily on Mediacorp's Channel U. In 2020, Mediacorp announced that they will be airing a comprehensive set of Thai television content to their streaming platforms with English & Mandarin subtitling option.[10] Several Thai hit series have also been broadcast on major national public or commercial television channels in Malaysia (TV3), Indonesia (Rajawali TV), and Vietnam (VTV1).[11] Likewise, Thai content has also gained considerable following in the Philippines, with numerous Thai series such as 2gether: The Series and The Gifted ,regularly topping Twitter trends in the country.[12] In 2018, GMA announced that they will be broadcasting more Thai series and exploring collaboration options for production and talent development.[13] ABS-CBN have also announced that they will be airing multiple Thai series on the Kapamilya channel and their streaming platform, as well as further partnership with GMMTV.[14][15] Filipino newspaper Daily Tribune stated that "Thai lakorn (“television play”),...is slowly inching its way to the top of the tier."[16]

Outside Southeast Asia, Thai television content has also gained popularity in the broader Asian region, particularly China and Japan. In the 2000's, many Thai soap operas aired in China, were dubbed into Chinese language.[17] With the advent of online and digital media, Thai television content continued to gain popularity in China through word of mouth and viral hits on social networking sites such as Bilibili & Weibo. By the late 2010's, Thai content became a mainstay in Chinese streaming platforms, which led to many Chinese companies forming partnerships and collaborating with Thai production companies, such as iQIYI forming a partnership with RS Television to remake Thai content for Chinese audiences.[18][19] Over the years, numerous Thai series were adapted and remade for Chinese audiences through such collaborations as Project S: The Series & My Husband in Law.[20][21] In 2011, Thai dramas quickly became popular in China, with a high performance-price-ratio, passing South Korean dramas as the second most popular country of origin for foreign shows in China, following Hong Kong dramas.[22] The rise of Thai entertainment in China has had an effect in other aspects of Thai-China relations, with Thai dramas credited as being partially responsible for the popularity of Thailand as a tourism destination amongst Chinese travellers and being consistently awarded as 'Weibo's most popular destination' award.[23][24]

Meanwhile in Japan, Thai dramas experienced a boom in 2020, with Yahoo Japan stating that "the Thai wave is coming after the Korean wave."[25] While the initial boom was led by Thai BL dramas such as 2gether: The Series and SOTUS, the introduction of Thai entertainment to the Japanese market led Japanese consumers to explore other Thai entertainment content as well.[26] After months of sustained popularity, TV Asahi announced a business partnership with GMMTV to "deliver fresh and stellar Thai content to the Japanese market and further unlock the great potential 'Thai style' entertainment holds".[27]

With its rising popularity, numerous streaming platforms such as Netflix, Line TV and WeTV have purchased Thai content to stream to global audiences.[28] Aside from airing the content, many of the streaming platforms have also formed partnership with Thai production houses to develop their own original content for their platforms.[29]

Thai soap operas are available in Nepal alongside English language, Hindi, Korean and Chinese dramas.[30]

Thai soap operas are available to stream with subtitles on Iflix in Sri Lanka.[31]

Recently, a historical romantic drama set in the Ayutthaya Kingdom Love Destiny (2018) became hit across countries including Russia.[32][33]

In 2021, Thai primetime Lakorns have started to broadcast via Netflix worldwide in the same as in Thailand.

Records

  • Khu Kam was based on a novel of the same name by Thommayanti, starring pop star Thongchai McIntyre and Kamolchanok Komoltithi, broadcast on Channel 7 in early 1990. It created the phenomenon by being the highest rated drama in the Thai television industry with ratings up to 40 to this day. In addition to this, the main theme song of the drama Peerapong Polchana and Kamolchanok Komoltithi became a major hit and remains popular to this day.[34]
  • Dao Pra Sook became the most popular series in the 1990s and one of the first of leading the Thai soap opera reputation into aboard screen within the highest rate drama at 1994 including several foreign release. The highest rated country after Thailand, is Cambodia with giving the nickname for Suvanant Kongying as the morning star as well as the title of the series.
  • Susan Khon Pen is a series which mostly remake as at least three times just in only one channel.
  • Sisa Marn is noted the scariest series along with Pob Pee Fa and Tayat Asoon.
  • In 2008, Kom Faek set the record for the highest rated Thai soap opera in history as well as for Channel 7, with almost 15 million viewers.[35]
  • Kaew Tah Pee has proved to be one of the most beloved series amongst international fans.
  • Love Destiny has created many phenomena, for example, the rating surpassed 2.00 for the first time in many years, or make people interested in Thai history, as well as attract tourists dressed in traditional Thai costumes to visit historical places, such as Ayutthaya Historical Park, King Narai's Palace, etc.[36][37]

List of classic/folk-style series

  • Kwan Fa Nah Dum (1983)
  • Thep Sung Warn (1985)
  • Thep Sarm Rudoo (1987)
  • Ban Deang Nang Ay (1987)
  • Jaoying Khuntong (1987)
  • Kaew Na Mah (1987)
  • Pi Khun Tong (1987–1988)
  • Nang Sib Song (1988)
  • Prasuton-Manora (1988)
  • Tida Dao Dum (1988)
  • Uthaitaywee (1989)
  • Gomin (1989)
  • Sung Singh Chai (1990)
  • Malaithon (1991–1992)
  • Janthakorop (1993)
  • Bua Kaew Bua Tong (1993–1994)
  • Bla Boo Tong (1994)
  • Gro Pid Jid See (1995)
  • Kraitong (1995)
  • Mane Nope Gaow (1996)
  • Nam Jai Mae (1997)
  • Pra Rodthasen (1998)
  • Laksanawong (1999)
  • Nang Paya Prai (1999)
  • Nang Sib Song (2000)
  • Si Yod Kumon (2001)
  • Kaew Na Mah (2001)
  • Prasuton Manorah (2002)
  • Uttai Tawee (2003)
  • Thep Sarm Rudoo (2003)
  • Singha Krai Phob (2004)
  • Gomin (2006)
  • Bua Kaew Juk Krod (2006)
  • Pra Tinawong (2007)
  • Sung Tung (2008)
  • Bla Boo Tong (2009)
  • Tuk Ka Tah Tong (2010)
  • Darb 7 See Manee 7 Sang (2011)

See also

References

  1. ^ Fredrickson, Terry. "Thai Soap's Still The Viewers Favourite". Bangkok Times. Retrieved 2014-08-14.
  2. ^ Sine-In (2021-02-09). "ประวัติ ละครโทรทัศน์ไทย ละครไทยเรื่องแรก สุริยานีไม่ยอมแต่งงาน" [History of Thai television soap opera, the first Thai drama Suriyani Mai Yom Taengngan]. Mthai.com (in Thai). Retrieved 2022-12-16.
  3. ^ "รวมละคร-ซีรีส์เด็ด ปี 60 ช่องใหญ่หงายไพ่หวังเรียกเรตติ้ง!!". Thairath (in Thai). 2017-01-02. Archived from the original on 2017-05-06. Retrieved 2017-05-24.
  4. ^ "ละครเย็น...ขุมทรัพย์ใหม่ "วิก3" ขึ้นค่าโฆษณาพรวด". Prachachat (in Thai). 2012-08-24. Retrieved 2017-05-24.[permanent dead link‍]
  5. ^ "เป็นไปได้ "ช่อง 7" ยอมถอดละครหลังข่าว ถ่ายทอดมวย ONE" [It's possible "Ch7" agrees to remove the drama after the news broadcast boxing ONE]. ASTV Manager (in Thai). 2022-12-08. Retrieved 2022-12-09.
  6. ^ "ช่อง 7 HD ปรับอีกครั้ง จัดผังช่วงไพร์มไทม์หลังข่าวค่ำใหม่ ลดละครไทย เพิ่มซีรีส์เกาหลี". Matichon (in Thai). 2023-08-10. Retrieved 2023-09-03.
  7. ^ จิรัฐติกร, อัมพร (2018-12-28). "เศรษฐกิจเชิงอารมณ์ของละครไทยในกัมพูชาและจีน". Journal of Sociology and Anthropology (in Thai). 37 (2): 97–128. ISSN 2651-057X.
  8. ^ "ละครไทยไปเขมร เรื่อง 'น้ำเน่า' ไร้พรมแดน". ASTV Manager (in Thai). 2009-11-20. Archived from the original on 2017-02-11. Retrieved 2017-02-10.
  9. ^ "Thai TV Dramas Making a Comeback". VOA. Retrieved 2021-01-03.
  10. ^ "Mediacorp: Mediacorp and dimsum entertainment to serve up prime Thai content on meWATCH". Mediacorp. Retrieved 2021-01-03.
  11. ^ Brzoznowski, Kristin (2019-10-14). "Thai Drama Love Destiny Sells into Indonesia". TVDRAMA. Retrieved 2021-01-03.
  12. ^ "'2gether: The Series' Philippine Premiere Becomes Hot Trending Topic On Twitter". myx.abs-cbn.com. Retrieved 2021-01-03.
  13. ^ Policarpio, Allan (2018-07-03). "Thailand's 'lakorn' soap operas come to PH". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved 2021-01-03.
  14. ^ TDT (2020-06-16). "Thai drama series to air on Kapamilya Channel". Daily Tribune. Retrieved 2021-01-03.
  15. ^ Corporation, ABS-CBN. "ABS-CBN announces partnership with Thailand's GMMTV | ABS-CBN Corporate". ABS-CBN. Retrieved 2021-01-03.
  16. ^ TDT (2018-07-02). "After 'lakorn,' here comes Turkish drama". Daily Tribune. Retrieved 2021-01-03.
  17. ^ "จีน-ไทยกระชับความร่วมมือในด้านวัฒนธรรมและสังคม" (in Thai). Thai.CRI.cn. 2010-04-28. Archived from the original on 2010-05-07. Retrieved 2010-11-18.
  18. ^ "'Thai wave' in showbiz poised for big splash in China". Nikkei Asia. Retrieved 2021-01-03.
  19. ^ "RS and iQIYI team up for Thai remakes". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 2021-01-03.
  20. ^ "'Project S The Series' Side By Side To Remake Into Chinese TV Series Starring By Connor Leong". Thai Update. 2019-03-17. Retrieved 2021-01-03.
  21. ^ ""My Husband in Law" to be remade into Chinese TV series". Thai Update. 2020-11-18. Retrieved 2021-01-03.
  22. ^ Liu, Haojun (September 2015). "Importing television shows to Chinese Market: The Opportunity to Grow" (PDF). Drexel University. Universitext. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-22354-4. ISBN 978-3-319-22353-7.
  23. ^ Qin, Jielin (June 2019). "The influence of media exposure to Thai drama in Sina Weibo on the perception and intention to travel to Thailand among Chinese tourists" (PDF). The Graduate School, Bangkok University.
  24. ^ Thai, Tourism Authority of (2019-08-12). "Thailand awarded Weibo 2019's most popular destination". Thailand Business News. Retrieved 2021-01-03.
  25. ^ ""タイBLドラマ"がブームの兆し！ 『2gether』主演が表紙の日本初専門誌も誕生（クランクイン！）". Yahoo!ニュース (in Japanese). Retrieved 2021-01-03.
  26. ^ "タイBLがすごい！「2gether」ハマる人続出のワケ｜シネマトゥデイ". シネマトゥデイ (in Japanese). Retrieved 2021-01-03.
  27. ^ TV Asahi (27 November 2020). "Announcement of Business Partnership with GMMTV Thailand". www.tv-asahi.co.jp. Retrieved 2021-01-03.
  28. ^ "Netflix gives Thai dramas bigger stage in Asia with Line deal". Nikkei Asia. Retrieved 2021-01-03.
  29. ^ "Tencent premieres WeTV in Thailand in response to the rise in demand for the video streaming partnering with top-tier local and international original content producers". Techsauce (in Thai). Retrieved 2021-01-03.
  30. ^ "Korean Dramas Captivate Young People in Nepal". koreatimes. February 7, 2010.
  31. ^ "iflix Sri Lanka on Instagram: "Here's the perfect show for all the Shakespeare fans out there.. Catch Will on iflix now! #iflix #iflixlk #letsplay #humpday #will…"". Instagram. Archived from the original on 2021-12-24.
  32. ^ "The Nation - Thailand's News in English". The Nation. Archived from the original on 2014-08-03. Retrieved 2014-08-13.
  33. ^ Wongcha-um, Amy Sawitta Lefevre, Panu (2018-04-12). "Venerating the past, traditional costume fever grips Thailand". Reuters. Retrieved 2021-01-07.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  34. ^ Springnews (2017-02-10). "ที่สุดบันเทิงไทย : "คู่กรรม" ละครไทยที่มีเรตติ้งสูงที่สุด". youtube (in Thai). Archived from the original on 2021-12-22. Retrieved 2020-05-24.
  35. ^ [1] Archived 2009-08-26 at the Wayback Machine:t-pegeat. Accessed January 15, 2008
  36. ^ Suchiva, Nanat (2018-03-23). "'Love Destiny' success fleeting". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 2023-07-07.
  37. ^ "9 ปรากฏการณ์สะเทือนประเทศ จาก บุพเพสันนิวาส". Sanook.com (in Thai). 2018-03-15. Retrieved 2023-07-07.
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