Expert warns of nationalists exploiting the ‘Scarlet Heart Thailand’ debate, undermining Thai-Myanmar relations

An expert on Myanmar warns that the ongoing rage against Thai drama producer GMMTV’s “Scarlet Heart Thailand” appropriation of Myanmar court costumes is snowballing and is being exploited by nationalists in both Thailand and Myanmar to the detriment of the good ties between the people of both nations.

Nationalist groups in Thailand are using the latest feud to push a narrative that workers from Myanmar are “stealing Thai jobs” while in Myanmar, the regime wants more young men who fled the wars and military conscription to return, said Asst Prof Lalita Harnwong, an expert on Myanmar at Kasetsart University’s Faculty of Social Sciences.

According to Lalita, there are between 6 million and 7 million migrant workers from Myanmar in Thailand.

“The groups are using the issue to make Thais hate the people of Myanmar,”

Lalita told Khaosod English on the phone.
She said Myanmar people have the right to be angry, but they should also be careful not to let the issue be exploited and manipulated by those with ill intentions on both sides.

As for GMMTV, Lalita urged the Thai company to issue another statement to make it absolutely clear that it had no intention of appropriating Burmese costumes and culture, in order to reduce the tension “as quickly as possible”. She said due credit should be given in the future.

Asked whether she thought a major part of the problem was the name of the drama, with the word “Thailand” there but no acknowledgement of Myanmar, she said yes.

On Saturday, however, ‘Scarlet Heart Thailand’ premiere tickets sold out in just one hour.

The performance will take place on 4 November at Union Hall, Union Mall, Bangkok, featuring the first episode screening with the cast and director, plus exclusive performances by the actors.