The new Netflix Thai slate includes a heist comedy, a dark thriller, and more. And the streamer is taking note of the country’s booming local content industry. Unlike subtitles, dubbed versions make it easier to understand the plot. But does that make them better?
Streaming
Streaming services offer a diverse library of Thai dramas, featuring both classic and new releases. GMMTV’s high-quality dramas often tackle relevant and relatable themes, while showcasing the talents of both seasoned actors and up-and-coming stars. English subtitles are readily available, making it easy for international viewers to engage and enjoy these captivating stories. Another popular streaming platform is KissAsian, which offers a wide selection of Asian content with a focus on Thailand and other countries like Korea. In addition to a vast library, the website also provides an easy-to-use interface, making it convenient for viewers to find and ดูซีรี่ย์ฝรั่งพากย์ไทย their favorite shows.
LINE TV is another leading streaming service that provides a variety of Thai dramas in both English and Mandarin. The service is accessible online or through a mobile app, and allows users to create playlists and save episodes for later viewing. It also features an interactive community and a variety of other useful functions, making it a convenient choice for those who want to watch their favorite Thai dramas anytime, anywhere.
Subtitles
Dubbing replaces the original audio with a new one, while subtitles translate dialogue into the viewer’s native language. Subtitles have to be precise while stylistically matching the original script – otherwise, idiomatic expressions can get lost in translation. Many streaming services offer multiple language options allowing viewers to choose between the original audio track and a dubbed version. Alternatively, you can change the subtitles for an individual show or film by choosing ‘Audio & Subtitles’ in its menu or pressing Up on your remote.
There are pros and cons to both approaches. Some people prefer to hear the actors’ voices to experience the performance and emotion, while others feel dubbed versions are less authentic. However, both can add a layer of meaning to the media and help attract a larger audience.
Dubs
Unlike subtitles, dubbing replaces the original dialogue with new translations voiced by actors who speak that language. This can create a more immersive viewing experience, but it also has drawbacks. One of these is that dubbed performances can sometimes be disjointed from the actual film or television show. This is particularly true when it comes to lip-syncing. The over-the-top “aahs” and “oohs” can be grating on the ears, and even more distracting than that is when the lips don’t sync up with the words being spoken.
Lakorn (Thai soap operas) are a popular genre of TV in Thailand. These stories often include romance, comedy, or thriller elements. Many also feature spirits and legends based on folklore. However, the problem with these stories is that they can be difficult to understand if you don’t speak Thai.
The Future
The Thai market has a sizeable local content creation ecosystem, making it an attractive option for foreign streamers looking to ramp up their investment in the country. Currently, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video are both bringing multiple Korean, anime, and Hollywood titles to the Thai catelog with dubs and subtitles. The series follows a female chef who takes on the world of fine dining. Chutimon Chuengcharoensukying, locally known as “Aokbab”, stars in the lead role alongside Gunn Svasti Na Ayudhya (“Diary of Tootsies”) as her sous-chef and Nopachai ‘Peter’ Jayanama (“Headshot”) as her ingenious rival.
This heist-comedy tells the story of five losers united by their mission to retrieve their 30-million-baht winning lottery tickets from a mafia gang that controls a firecracker factory. The film is credited for promoting–and continuing to promote–Thailand’s boxing art and for pushing Tony Jaa into international stardom.
Conclusion
A number of popular streaming platforms offer an extensive selection of Thai dramas with English subtitles. These include Viu, Dailymotion, and Netflix. The Netflix original Once Upon a Star follows a travelling pharma-cinema troupe as they bring cinematic magic to small towns across the country while providing live-dubbing of the films. It is a nostalgic love letter to the old days of distribution.
