HBO's The White Lotus has been captivating viewers since its debut. With its third season set in Thailand, it's causing quite the stir. While the show has people worldwide suddenly wanting to say "sawatdee" in perfect Thai, it's also been critiqued for its portrayal of Thailand, and its use of the Thai language.
Following the launch of Season 3, interest in learning Thai has soared. Language learning platforms have noted a 455% uptick in Thai lessons, and searches for "White Lotus language" have jumped by 523% in just one week 1. This trend reflects the show's influence on viewers who are eager to connect more deeply with the cultural aspects depicted in the series. Experts highlight that learning even fundamental Thai language skills can improve travel experiences by promoting respect and meaningful engagement with locals 1.
Despite this enthusiasm, the show's use of Thai has been met with mixed reactions. In one notable scene, Parker Posey's character attempts to order food in Thai but delivers incomprehensible dialogue that even native speakers struggled to understand 2.
Some native Thai viewers have argued that Tayme Thapthimthong (Gaitok), although of Thai background, was born in Britain and his inability to read Thai informs his accent and performance when using the language. His enunciation sounds, according to native speakers, sounds more like the wealthy Bangkok class that went to international schools, which feels out of place in his role as a local security guard. On the contrary, Mook’s Thai is so natural because it’s just like the way Thai people speak. Yet, when some Thai language learners watched the show, they had a difficult time understanding her. Why? Because it’s colloquial Thai. This is where ICLS can help!
This instance underscores the difficulties Western productions encounter in authentically integrating foreign languages.
Season 3 features prominent Thai actors, including Lalisa Manoban (BLACKPINK's Lisa) and Tayme Thapthimthong, yet their roles remain peripheral. Critics argue that their characters serve as plot devices for the Western-centric narrative rather than being fully developed 3 7. For instance, Lisa's character Mook is relegated to minor interactions and stereotypical portrayals instead of showcasing her identity or talents 3 7.
While the show incorporates elements of Thai culture—such as traditional music and dance, ways of Thai life, and references to Buddhist teachings—it has been criticized for superficial representation. The sepia-toned visuals and reliance on stereotypes evoke Orientalist tropes 7. Additionally, the opening credits feature imagery rooted in Thai mythology, such as Yaksha demons and celestial beings from the Ramakien, which add depth but remain unexplored within the storyline. However, since the majority of people in Thailand are buddhist, the use of the imagery could be seen as a reflection of Thai belief which is that no one will get away with doing something horrible because karma will get you back. This could reflect the actions or behaviors of some characters in the show.
Its use of Thai language ranges from inspiring curiosity to frustrating missteps, while its portrayal of Thai characters and narratives often takes a backseat to Western-centric storytelling. As viewers dissect its cultural layers, the show serves as both a gateway to deeper engagement with Thailand and a reminder of the need for more nuanced depictions in global media.
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