As a form of entertainment, Thai soap operas, or lakorn, have always been a favorite among the Thai people from different walks of life. While lakorn is usually associated with a melodramatic storyline and over-the-top acting, it remains a significant source of entertainment and a bridge to connect people from different backgrounds. In this article, we will discuss the importance of watching lakorn and its influence on Thai society and culture.
Lakorns are a way to break away from the stresses of everyday life. As the plot unfolds, lakorn provides a temporary escape from reality and serves as a way of relaxation. Watching lakorn after a long day at work is an excellent way to unwind and clear your mind of life’s daily struggles. The stories in lakorns usually revolve around love, family, and friendship, which make them relatable to many and evoke emotions that can be cathartic.
Many Thai lakorns also serve as a reflection of Thai society, culture, and values. They often depict familial relationships, with a focus on the relationship between parents and their children or between siblings. Lakorns also tend to tackle social ills such as corruption, classism, and gender inequality, thereby making them a tool for social commentary. Some lakorns such as “Show and Share” featured a character with a mental health disorder to raise awareness of the issue and decrease stigmatization.
Through lakorns, Thai culture is also preserved, celebrated, and passed down to future generations. Different regions of Thailand are known to have their unique language, customs, and beliefs. Lakorns are an excellent way to showcase these and keep them alive in the consciousness of the Thai people. Many lakorns, such as “Koo Gum,” incorporate traditional dance, music, and attire in their storyline, making them an excellent representation of Thai culture.
Lakorns have also been a significant source of inspiration for Thai fashion and beauty trends. Many of the styles and grooming habits that Thai celebrities flaunt on-screen became popular among the public, who tried to emulate these styles. For instance, many lakorn actresses are famous for their glowing skin, and as a result, Thai cosmetic companies have capitalized on this trend, producing beauty products that promise similar results.
Furthermore, lakorns have played a significant role in boosting the Thai entertainment industry. Lakorns provide job opportunities for actors, actresses, writers, and crew members, and they have contributed to the proliferation of other forms of entertainment such as movies, theater, and music. Lakorns also help promote tourism in Thailand, with many scenes shot in different parts of the country showcasing its rich history and natural beauty.
However, the impact of lakorns is not without criticisms. Some people argue that lakorns are a form of escapism and do not accurately represent the reality of Thai society. Others criticize lakorns for perpetuating stereotypes of gender roles, promoting violence, and normalizing abusive behaviors. For example, many lakorns feature male leads who are excessively possessive and aggressive towards their female love interests. This has led to debates about whether lakorns contribute to toxic masculinity and how they can be improved to combat this issue. Despite these criticisms, lakorns remain popular among a majority of Thais, and they continue to shape Thai culture and society.
In conclusion, lakorns are an essential part of Thai culture, offering entertainment, reflection, and preservation of traditional values. They are a means to escape from everyday life and explore different aspects of Thai society and culture. The impact of lakorns can be seen in various areas of Thai life, from fashion to tourism, and they continue to play a critical role in the Thai entertainment industry. While some criticisms have been leveled against this form of entertainment, lakorns’ influence on Thai society and culture cannot be denied, making them an essential part of the Thai way of life.
