ประเทศไทยในภาพยนตร์ต่างประเทศ

Abstract

                  This article revolves around a fundamental notion on how for-eign films portray Thailand. The article proceeds with 3 major leading questions: (1) How foreign films reflect and/or construct image of Thailand; (2) How representations of Thailand in foreign films result, especially in country’s tourism industry; and (3) to what extent there are any significant value-judgments concealed in the depictions of Thailand in foreign films. The investigation of the first matter points toward how corrupt, lawless and immoral Thailand is in Westerners’ views such as the portrayal of crime, prostitution and drugs. Also, the misconception of various Thai culture and even geography; this could lead to a certain further question of to what degree films should represent reality as it really is. The next question on tourism industry, the study notes that a concern in safety among visitors is truly a consequence of the impres-sion of the country’s infamous sex industry presented through media like films. Whereas positive illustrations of the country could massively benefit tourism revenue, this is the case where a blockbuster-hit Lost in Thailand drew approximately 3 million Chinese tourists to Thailand. The last question is to examine the films whether they are influenced by any powers or judgmental aspects of value. This part focuses on a concept of Orientalism to understand and explore the way that the West perceives the East, Thailand as Otherness. This also raises an interesting argument as to how the East sees the East whether there are any differences and/or similarities compared to the way the West sees the East.