Narration and Reflection on Society in the Thai Drama Series Not Me

Abstract

The objectives of this qualitative research were to: 1) analyze the narration of the series Not Me and 2) investigate how the series had reflected Thai society. The research method used was textual analysis based on narrative theory, semiology, social construction of reality, and social reflection using 14 episodes of the 2021’s series Not Me broadcasted on GMM25 Channel as data. The results revealed that each episode consisted five stages of the plot: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. Each shared the common theme of fighting
for justice, and the story used the first - person narrative, embracing interpersonal conflict among the characters and self - conflicts. In addition, well - rounded characters were found in the series, whose thoughts and behaviors were hard to predict. Most scenes were invented and
depicted how the characters lived their lives. In terms of semiology, visual semiology was found to express hidden meaning in the series linked to the theme. Regarding the social reflection, the series was found to reflect social problems arising from social and technological changes
in Thai society. In addition, the series presented poverty, unemployment, and lack of discipline in Thai society.