YANGON: Myanmar celebrities are launching a protest campaign against a Thai TV series for portraying Myanmar’s traditional Htamathein costume as Thai traditional attire.
The Thai television series Scarlet Heart Thailand, a remake of the popular series that achieved success in China and South Korea, is scheduled to premiere on November 4.
Objections emerged following the release of the series’ latest trailer and promotional images, which feature costumes resembling those worn during the late Konbaung period of Myanmar and scenes depicting an oil-lamp dance.
Prominent Myanmar actresses, including Soe Pyae Thazin, San Yati Moe Myint, Khin Wint Wah, May Myint Mo and beauty queen Kyaw Kyaw Eaindra, have joined the protest. Singers including Irene Zin Mar Myint, May La Than Sin and Khin Poe Pan Chi have also taken part.
The Myanmar actors and singers participating in the campaign have posted photographs of themselves wearing traditional Htamathein costume on their social media accounts, accompanied by messages in English stating: “Myanmar’s cultural heritage is the heart of its people. Please respect and value Myanmar’s culture. We call on GMMTV to take responsibility.”
They have also been posting messages in English, including “Respect Myanmar’s culture” and “Acknowledge the origins of cultural heritage,” and calling for appropriate recognition.
Amid the ongoing protests, some have also said that the Ministry of Culture, non-governmental organisations and the public should collectively oppose the use of Myanmar’s traditional attire and oil-lamp dance as representations of Thai culture.
Some social media users have also criticised the series by presenting evidence about the origins of Myanmar’s traditional clothing and oil-lamp dance. In response to claims that the elements belong to the culture of the Lanna region in northern Thailand, users have shared photographic evidence arguing that they differ from Lanna traditions.
Some Thai nationals have also criticised the series’ portrayal of Myanmar’s traditional attire and oil-lamp dance as Thai cultural elements.
“Many social media users are criticising this. What we are asking for is respect for Myanmar’s cultural heritage, proper recognition and an accurate presentation of the truth. We are not asking for anything else. People are protesting because our country’s traditional heritage has been adopted and presented in their own style,” one social media user said.
As criticism intensified, Thai television company GMMTV, the producer of Scarlet Heart Thailand, issued a statement on the evening of October 23, saying that the series had drawn inspiration from Myanmar’s culture.
GMMTV stated that Myanmar’s artistic and cultural heritage was one of the important sources of inspiration for the series and that it valued and respected that heritage. The company said it had not intended to suggest that the cultural elements featured in the series represented Thai culture exclusively.
The company said its production team had researched costume designs, artistic elements and cultural references to ensure they were consistent with the storyline and the characters’ personalities.
The company also sincerely apologised for the concerns and dissatisfaction caused by the portrayal of cultural elements in the series. It said it took these concerns seriously and was working to ensure that each culture was represented appropriately, respectfully and thoughtfully.
According to the company, the series draws inspiration from the artistic and cultural heritage of the Lanna region, Tai ethnic groups, China and Myanmar, creatively combining these influences to fit the fictional world of the story.
The series stars prominent Thai actors, including Tu Tontawan, Win Metawin, Nanon Korapat, Phuwin Tangsakyuen and Perth Tanapon. - Eleven Media/ANN
