Thailand as represented in the Western films: The Hangover Part II (2011) and Pattaya (2016) through the orientalist perspective

Abstract

This study, "Thailand as Represented in the Western Films: The Hangover Part II (2011) and Pattaya (2016) Through the Orientalist Perspective," aims to investigate the idea of Orientalism as reflected in the representation of Thailand through both selected films. The data is analyzed based on the concept of Orientalism by Edward Said and Representation theory by Stuart Hall to determine how Thailand is represented. The data of this study were collected from two Western films, The Hangover Part II (2011) and Pattaya (2016). In both selected films, the discussion focuses mainly on six categories which relate to the representation of Thailand, namely the representation of men, women, the third gender, religious aspects, illegality, and other Orientalist aspects. It is evident that the films contain negative representation of Thailand, especially in ways that Thailand is depicted based upon Western prejudices. Said's concept of Orientalism helps reveal the binary opposition between the West and the East presented in the films. The results show that both Western films depict Thailand based on Orientalist assumptions and stereot yped images. The West keeps portraying the East as weak, barbarous, irrational, and voiceless. Moreover, the Thai culture such as religion is presented in ways that are distorted and disrespectful.