Calls are growing for Myanmar’s Ministry of Culture, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the public to object to the portrayal of Myanmar’s traditional Htamathein costume and Rakhine oil-lamp dance in the Thai television series Scarlet Heart Thailand, which critics say have been presented in the style of Thai traditional dress and dance.
The series is a Thai adaptation of the popular Scarlet Heart drama, which achieved widespread popularity and success in China and South Korea. It is scheduled to premiere on November 4.
Controversy began after the release of the series’ latest trailer and promotional images, which feature scenes of performers wearing Htamathein costumes associated with the late Konbaung era and performing an oil-lamp dance.
Some Myanmar actors and social media users have criticized the scenes, sharing photographs and other evidence to highlight the origins of Myanmar’s traditional costumes and oil-lamp dance.
Although some have claimed that the costumes and dance reflect the cultural traditions of the Lanna region in northern Thailand, others have challenged this explanation, presenting photographic evidence to argue that the elements differ from Lanna cultural traditions.
The portrayal has also drawn criticism from some Thai citizens.
“Many social media users have criticized the portrayal. What they are asking for is respect for Myanmar’s cultural heritage, proper recognition of its origins, and an accurate representation of the truth. They are not asking for anything else. The objections arise because our country’s traditional heritage has been used in a way that presents it as their own,” a social media user said.
There have been growing calls for Myanmar’s Ministry of Culture, NGOs and the public to take a stand against the use of Myanmar’s traditional costume and oil-lamp dance in a manner that could lead audiences to perceive them as exclusively Thai cultural traditions.
Meanwhile, Myanmar actors and models have been posting photographs of themselves wearing traditional Htamathein on social media to highlight the attire as part of Myanmar’s cultural heritage.
Amid the controversy, GMMTV, the production company behind the series, issued a statement on the evening of October 23 in both Thai and English.
The company said the costumes had been designed as artistic creations suited to the characters and that the designs drew inspiration from the artistic and cultural traditions of the Lanna region, Tai ethnic groups, China and Myanmar.
GMMTV further stated that it respected the value and origins of each culture and had no intention of presenting all the cultural elements featured in the series as Thai culture.
However, critics have questioned whether the statement is sufficient, arguing that the company should provide more systematic and explicit recognition of Myanmar’s traditional cultural practices and heritage.
The series features several well-known Thai actors, including Tu Tontawan, Win Metawin, Nanon Korapat, Phuwin Tangsakyuen and Perth Tanapon.
