A STUDY OF THE REPRESENTATION OF ELDERLY THAI IN THE FILM HOW TO MAKE MILLIONS BEFORE GRANDMA DIES

Abstract

Introduction: As Thailand transitions into a completely aged society, the representation of the Thai elderly has garnered increasing attention. The film Lahn Mah (How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies, 2024) serves as a significant case study, successfully portraying older adults to national and international acclaim. This research aims to analyze the representation of the Thai elderly through the characters in the film, reflecting the direction of communication regarding older adults within the context of Thai society through the cinematic medium. Objective: To analyze the representation of the Thai elderly in the film Lahn Mah. Methods: This study employs a qualitative research design, focusing on the film Lahn Mah. The analysis is conducted through narrative elements in conjunction with the concept of the social construction of reality and gerontological concepts. Results: The findings reveal that the portrayal of the Thai elderly in Lahn Mah completely diverges from mainstream media conventions in its style and narrative techniques. The film rejects the image of older adults as social burdens, replacing it with a portrayal of them as culturally valuable individuals who possess bargaining power and impact those around them, which aligns with the concept of Active Aging and the theory of the Social Construction of Reality. Furthermore, results indicate a trend in Thai cinema moving away from negative stereotypes toward depicting the elderly with full humanization. Conclusion: The representation of the Thai elderly in Lahn Mah contributes to the social construction of reality, reconstructing the image of older adults and shifting it from conventional perceptions. It demonstrates a trajectory that transcends negative stereotypes toward a more humanized portrayal. Such a shift not only elevates cinematic quality but also opens a space for society to re-examine and understand the value of the elderly without prejudice. If sustained, this direction will serve as a vital driving force in shifting societal perspectives to view the elderly as valuable human resources rather than mere burdens.