The objectives of this research are to analyze the personality and character of the third gender in Thai films and to study the attitude of the audience towards such characterization during the period of 1997 – 2008. This is basically a combination of qualitative research which consists of textual analysis and quantitative research which consists of data collection from 400 film audiences in Bangkok area. The findings of the research are as follows. The character building of third gender in Thai films reflect the personality and character of the third gender in real life in the Thai society, ranging from their dressing style and occupation to values. Even though they are portrayed as having good human relations, these characters seem to be alienated and often depicted as social outcasts. Consequently, they are shown to have suppressed feelings which eventually lead to aggressive behavior. Most of them are confused about their own gender and try to search for their true identities. They also confront with disappointment in their love affairs. The fact that these characters are expected from the society and family to uphold their gender roles causes them to be in conflict with their sexuality. It should be noted, however, that the filmmakers try to create these characters with due respect to their status of third gender. To them, the third gender people are not different from other male and female since they all are human beings. As regards the attitudes of the film audience, it is found that the audience wants to see the more positive, rather than negative, sides of the personality and character of the third gender characters. The female and third gender audience enjoy the overall presentation of the third gender characters and have a tendency to see more of these films in the future more so than the male audience.
SUBJECT
รักร่วมเพศในภาพยนตร์
รักร่วมเพศกับภาพยนตร์ -- ไทย
เกย์ในภาพยนตร์
บุรุษที่เป็นเกย์ในภาพยนตร์
ตัวละครและลักษณะนิสัยในภาพยนตร์ -- การออกแบบ
Homosexuality in motion pictures
Homosexuality and motion pictures -- Thailand
Gay people in motion pictures
Gay men in motion pictures
Characters and characteristics in motion pictures -- Design
