Dharma Programs on Thai Television: An analysis of Their Narration and Content

Abstract

The objective of this survey research is to examine how contemporary Dharma programs on Thai television present Buddhist wisdom present Buddhist wisdom in terms of narration and content. Two Dharma television programs broadcasted in Thailand having short duration long were studied as qualitative research. The sample was selected by using purposive sampling. The 40 selected episodes Dharma television programs were analyzed by the researcher and 12 of selected episodes were analyzed by the second coder. All selected samples were textually analyzed based on the six narrative elements of film and Buddhist wisdom. The findings revealed as follows: (1) In term of narration theory, Both Dharma programs had their own characteristics and plot. For the Dharma One Minute program, all episodes started off with questions from audience and followed by answering and/ or advising as the typical program pattern. The program of Khom Dharma Prachamwan ended its episodes with today’s Dharma. Each Dharma program assigned a well-known and knowledgeable monk to serve as host of the television program. Both programs had similar scenes by using a natural set as the main scene. Subtitle was also presented during the programs. (2) In term of program content, first of all, the program contents clearly indicate that both Dharma programs do not only present Buddhist matter but also educate the general facts which could corelate to Buddhism such as the COVID-19 situation. Secondly, among 40 episodes of program contents, general facts account for the majority topics, followed by morality, merit, and meditation, respectively. All in all, the program content is quite up-to-date, reachable, practical, and uncomplicated. Program content was not communicated in the ways of Buddhist terms or elegant sentences, but in normal life language that is understandable.