Channel 7 cancels soap opera about a Thai-Laotian couple after Laotians brand the show offensive

Straits Times
Thursday, February 15, 2007

Bangkok — A top Thai television network has cancelled a planned soap opera about a star-crossed Thai-Laotian couple after Vientiane complained that the show was offensive.

The show, called Love Song On Both Sides Of The Mekong, was already being promoted when it was abruptly scrapped by Thailand’s Channel 7 on Tuesday, in the latest cultural spat between the neighbours, a network official said.

The offending scenes included a shot of Thai actor Kanos Kukolwat dropping Laos’ national flower, the frangipani, in the river as he despaired over uniting with his love, Laotian singer Alexandra Bounxouei, according to Thai media.

Laos was said to be also offended that no family elders were present when Kanos’s character made his marriage proposal.

Thailand and Laos share similar religions and languages, but frequently run into cultural misunderstandings, often because Laotians feel their wealthier neighbours look down on them.

A top envoy at the Laotian embassy said the show was cancelled after a meeting between diplomats and network executives.

“Although Laotians and Thais speak the same language, some things may be acceptable to Thais but not acceptable to Laotians.

“In order to maintain good relations, we expressed our concern that this may cause misunderstandings,” envoy Souvanna Phouyavong said.

Thai filmmakers last year were forced to cancel the opening of a comedy about a fictional Laotian football team, after Vientiane complained that it ridiculed the nation.