It's been almost three weeks and Channel 3 is still keeping mum about what they did to our favourite Nua Mek 2. Despite pressure from the public for an explanation, questions like "Why did you ban the series?" and "Which parts of it did you see unfit for airing?" are still hanging in the air.
Perhaps Channel 3 has yet to come up with a good excuse to justify their abrupt axing of the political drama even though it was already very near its conclusion. But never mind that! Everyone seems to know the reason well. And, of course, political interference tops the list of speculation.
Honestly, I rarely watched the series. I'm not a drama viewer. But my sister is a big fan and she briefed me on what the story was all about when I happened to join her in front of the tube one night. I also had a good laugh at a fight scene which saw the sorcerer and our handsome lead discharging psychic beams against each other that night.
I can't imagine anyone would possibly hold a grudge against this action drama. It's not often that we have a good TV soap which casts the good-versus-evil story in such a frank and fun fashion like this. And everybody can even predict the ending from the very start too. Goodness will win, of course.
But when the last three episodes were taken off the air for no good reason early this month, people cried foul and some started to lose faith in the good-trumps-evil concept. Luckily, our "heroine" swooped in to lift up many spirits.
In a bid to voice opposition to the ban in a peaceful manner, prominent actress Sinjai Plengpanich simply posted on her Instagram and Twitter accounts a message which read: "I have faith in goodness. Don't be afraid to be a good person. Don't be shy to do good things."
Even though it was from a part of her script (she plays the bodyguard-turned-wife of the good prime minister who is possessed by a necromancer), the message seemed to capture many hearts. It got a countless number of followers who unanimously showed their moral support for the actress and the production team. Many also vowed to maintain their faith in doing good deeds.
Isn't that impressive feedback? Clearly, this soap opera can inspire some good things among fans. And I think the issue regarding morality it has raised should be further elaborated outside the political sphere, too.
And here is the point _ what does it take to be a good person? Of course, we are quick to refer to the five precepts as they are moral codes of conduct dispensed by the Lord Buddha.
We all know that the five precepts are commitments to abstain from harming living beings, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying and intoxication. We have been taught that by observing them we will find peace in everyday life.
But, in reality, not many people take this seriously. Most prefer to live their lives just the way they want and then keep saying they don't think the principles will do them any good.
According to Buddhist teachings, however, those who abide by the precepts will find themselves changed, spiritually, in many respects.
Gradually, they will learn to cultivate loving kindness and compassion, earn a living only through honest means, practice self-restraint regarding sensual pleasure, have respect for the truth and maintain sobriety and a sense of responsibility. These benefits might sound too good to be true, but they can be experienced individually.
Anyway, some might argue that it is quite difficult to keep good faith in a society where some people are ready to take advantage of others when they get the chance.
Well, I think if people understand the law of kharma well enough, they will not be discouraged from doing good deeds and, instead, feel sorry for those bad guys.
The thing is, just because they don't believe that the law exists, that doesn't mean it's never been there.
People with morality might somehow be regarded as stupid in the eyes of those who care only about personal gain. But time will tell who _ between one with a wholesome and fulfilled mind and one with a hungry soul _ will be happier in the long run.
Now it doesn't matter whether Channel 3 will reconsider their stance regarding the ban or not.
We have enjoyed the fact that there are still many people out there who treasure the value of virtue.
For me, they are like little shining candles whose light can make a difference to a shady world.
Patcharawalai Sanyanusin is a writer for Life section of the Bangkok Post.