Author Information
Supamonta Supanan, Bangkok University, ThailandAbstract
Spaces or places used for film titling may be a goal of travel for travelers who seek a new experience. In a Thai film called Tha Rae: The Exorcist (Wantha, 2025), Tha Rae refers to a village in Sakon Nakhon Province. This place is well-known as the largest community of Christians in the northeastern part of Thailand, which connects to the story in the film that presents the dimensions of beliefs and culture. This study mainly focuses on spaces in Thai films. Therefore, only Thai films by Thai film creators were selected, with the names of places or spaces in both Thai and English titles. Eight Thai films were selected for analysis, namely Tha Rae: The Exorcist (Wantha, 2025), Halabala (Thairaat, 2025), Bangkok Dark Tales (Onpapliw et al., 2019), Siam Square (Khumwan, 2017), Sam Chuk (Chaisati et al., 2009), Laddaland (Sakdaphisit, 2011), Love of Siam (Sakveerakul, 2007), and OK Baytong (Nimibutr, 2003). The objectives are to analyze their titles, stories, and the meaning of spatial identity presented through these films. The theory “The Production of Space” by Henri Lefebvre (1991) was used for explanation. This research explores how spaces signify symbolic meanings in contemporary Thai films. The study reveals that names and stories of locative Thai films bring new perspectives to recognize spaces in social, historical, and cultural dimensions. It is regarded as the construction of meanings and spatial identity in terms of reproduction and the creation of new meanings. Storytelling through films with locative stories can create an attractive experience in the perception of spaces, and can lead to some changes in the society.
Comments
Powered by WP LinkPress