Our TV died about 2 months ago and we finally got our free replacement from LG. It amazes me at the absolute crap on Thai TV.  Granted, American TV has tons of crap too, but Thai TV takes the cake.

I understand that advertising allows TV to be “free” – but Thailand takes it to a new level.  Advertisements are everywhere.  If the show takes place in a small store or restaurant, all the products on the shelves are from sponsors.  They even have sponsor logos framed and hanging on the walls.

They also scroll sponsor logos down the side or across the bottom.

During an entertainment show, the logos are visible behind the singers, hanging on the walls, and used to hide whatever prize is being offered.

It seems 90% of the commercials are for female facial products and shampoos.  One must have white skin and shiny black hair or be banished to hell.

“Entertainment/Comedy” shows are dominated by slapstick – lots of slapping and total nonsense.

Soap operas – or – Lakorn – are the absolute worst.  No family values, discrimination, issues resolved by screaming, fighting, or crying, rich kids that are total brats, lots of cheating (well – it is a soap), and screaming, screaming, screaming.

There was an excellent article in the Bangkok Post a few months ago written by Professor Likhit Dhiravegin is a Fellow of the Royal Institute.  Basically, soap operas are ruining Thailand.  You can read it here.

Yet, as much as I try to discuss how bad the soaps are over here, my wife stays glued to the idiot box when they are on.  They do offer comedy relief – but at what cost?

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