Sometimes, we are so intrigued by their ingenious performances that we forget to question if they enjoy the shows as much as we do…
Personal Message
Behind the Siamese Smiles explores in-depth the current situation of Asian elephants in Thailand, in terms of their role and conditions in the Thai tourist trade.
The documentary also investigates the causes of their presence in this booming business, the development of their role as entertainers as well as victims, conflicts, solutions and their possible future in the Land of Smiles.
Apart from investigating the mentioned subject matter, Behind the Siamese Smiles is also a concrete evidence of my accomplishment in the MA Broadcast Journalism programme, where all the relevant techniques and theories acquired throughout the course are integrated and implemented.
The documentary has also been selected as the ‘Film of the Week’ winner for the Once A Week Film Festival, and chosen to screen at the International Short Film Festival in Detmold, Germany.
Background
Given that I am from Thailand, I am determined that my work should reflect my cultural identity, on condition that the content be international enough to reach a global audience. Additionally, it has to demonstrate high journalistic values, while contributing to the society and a better public understanding.
As a result, I decided to produce a TV documentary about the Thai Asian elephant and their part in Thailand’s tourist trade, given that millions of visitors from around the world travel to see Thai elephants each year. Accordingly, this human-interest topic can generate a great impact at an international level.
In fact, it was not until several years ago that I became aware of the maltreatment many elephants have endured. However, I had a chance to learn more about their plight when I was working for a news station in Thailand; and my concern grew.
Since then, I started to question the elephant welfare in my own country and have been startled by many alarming facts, which I felt should be further researched as well as publicised.
Thailand’s National Symbol
Asian elephants are the national symbol of Thailand. Over the past two decades, however, they have been endangered by Thailand’s commercial tourism. At present, thousands of domesticated elephants in Thailand are increasingly subject to overwork, abuse and injuries.
Worse, the problem continues in a vicious circle mainly because the Thai government does not make enough effort to improve the situation. At the same time, the media coverage of the abuse is relatively limited. Extensive report on the matter can be deemed very offensive to the country’s image and its economy, which relies heavily on tourism.
With limited knowledge of the situation of Thai elephants, both Thai and foreign tourists indirectly play a part in their plight by supporting some tourist businesses that take advantage of the animals.
As a Thai journalist, I felt an urgent need to inform the public, both in Thailand and abroad, of the real situation threatening the Thai Asian elephant. I strongly hope that Behind the Siamese Smile will help generate a better public understanding and awareness of these animals’ plight, while encouraging more efforts to protect them from distress they do not deserve.
Despite several documentaries about Thai elephants already circulating in the media, not so many include the negative side of the elephant business. On the contrary, Behind the Siamese Smile offers the audience a wider perspective by exploring the elephant tourist trade through various facets and balancing it with views from both sides.
