Modern Overseas Chinese Image in Thai Literature and Soap Opera

Abstract

The construction of identity can be explained by studying media and literature. In the case of overseas Chinese in Thailand, the Thai-Chinese writers and media industry have contributed many of their works related to overseas Chinese. These Chinese pieces of literature and soap operas reflect the way Thai society views overseas Chinese. In many kinds of literature, Thai-Chinese had to endure a lot of hardships in Thailand to establish their own status yet they managed to preserve their Chinese identity as shown in Letters from Thailand (1969). It also portrays the average Thai-Chinese as the successful businessman with strong work ethics according to the Confucian moral standard, for example, Through the Pattern of the Dragon (1988). Most of these works describe the ability of a Chinese person to become a member of elite in Thailand as a result of struggles and perseverance. Another literature example is the portrayal of family conflicts from a Confucian point of view. For example, Through the Pattern of the Dragon depicts sibling rivalry whereas In Family We Trust (2018) describes how patriarchy suppresses the status of women in society. From a social perspective, Thai society continues to view overseas Chinese as a homogenous group with immutable characteristics. The tales from overseas Chinese literature and Soap Opera continue to show centuries-old stereotypes.