Myanmar Expert Warns of Rising Tensions Over 'Scarlet Heart Thailand' Costume Controversy

Key summary

Asst Prof Lalita Harnwong, an expert on Myanmar at Kasetsart University's Faculty of Social Sciences, warns that anger over GMMTV's drama 'Scarlet Heart Thailand' using Myanmar court costumes is being exploited by nationalists in both countries. She notes that Thai nationalist groups are using the feud to promote a narrative that Myanmar workers are stealing Thai jobs, while the Myanmar regime seeks to encourage young men who fled conflict and conscription to return. Harnwong estimates there are between 6 million and 7 million migrant workers from Myanmar in Thailand. She urges GMMTV to issue a clear statement denying any intention to appropriate Burmese culture and to give due credit in the future, acknowledging that the drama's name includes 'Thailand' without acknowledging Myanmar. Despite the controversy, tickets for the drama's premiere at Union Hall, Union Mall, Bangkok on 4 November sold out in one hour.