IMAGES OF THE SEX WORKERS IN THE THAI FILM, NA-NHA-THONG

Abstract

Na Nha Thong (2023), or Black Magic Mask, directed by Sathanaphong Limwongthong, depicts the lives of sex workers at a brothel located in a seedy motel in the heart of Bangkok. The characters within the film engage in fierce competition for male clients. To maximize their earnings, these characters resort to mystical rituals. This research employs a text-based analysis, focusing on the content of the film, and utilizes theories of representation and semiotics, as well as gender studies, as the primary analytical tools. The study reveals that the characters in Na Na Thong are diverse in both gender identity and age, including women, men, and individuals of various gender identities, spanning from adolescents and middle-aged individuals to the elderly. The images of these characters are shaped significantly by their gender identities and lifestyles, as well as the film's classification as a horror genre. The research highlights that the hierarchy and status among these special service professionals are conveyed through scripted dialogues, costume design, makeup, as well as the atmosphere and mise-en-scène of the film's settings. The narrative, deeply entwined with elements of mysticism, contributes to the film's marketability. Furthermore, Na Nha Thong is recognized as a cinematic work with potential as a form of soft power in the cultural sphere, particularly in the Southeast Asian film market.