Homicidal rich Asians

Homicidal rich Asians

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Homicidal rich Asians
Patsorn, played by Kathaleeya McIntosh, became the prime suspect for her brother's murder in In Family We Trust. photo

Amurder in a rich Thai-Chinese family is all the rage now on our screen, with Leud Kon Khon Jang, or In Family We Trust, a TV series by Nadao Bangkok and 4Nologue which airs twice a week on Channel One 31.

The mystery drama tells the story of the Jira-anan family, the crazy rich Thai-Chinese clan that owns a chain of hotels worth a billion baht. When the grandfather, the revered head of the family, passed away and his will revealed to his children and grandchildren, the family members were pitted against one another due to perceived unfairness. A breaking point is reached when the oldest son, Prasert, is found shot dead in his own bedroom, leading each family member to suspect others of the crime.

Things get all the more complicated when just about everyone has a motive to kill Prasert, who unfortunately made a few apparent enemies right before his death. Some suspect his younger sister, whom he just fired from the family's company, and whom he even slapped publicly following an argument. Her hotheaded sons and police husband are also primary suspects. Others targeted Prasert's wife, who has found out her husband chose to marry his mistress and long-time beau -- with whom he also had an adult son with. Earlier suspicions seem to point to the two women, though of course the real culprit could be someone else altogether.

Aside from giving an opportunity for us to play detective, In Family We Trust portrays and explores the dynamic of Chinese culture that tends to favour sons over daughters -- something those from Thai-Chinese families can definitely relate to. It also offers a refreshing break from all the traditional soap operas -- which often features man-stealing catfights, among other things -- we have on our screens.

Another impressive aspect of the series lies in its ensemble cast, packed with generations of legendary stars and newcomers. Playing the family's patriarch and matriarch are renowned actor/producer Noppol Gomarachun and national artist Patravadi Mejudhon. Their onscreen children are played by some of the most famous stars of the 90s, such as singer/actor Songsit Roongnophakunsri, former showbiz princess Kathaleeya McIntosh, actor Saksit Tangtong and pop singer Supoj Chancharoen. The family's third generation is led by young actors Thanapob Leeratanakajorn and Kritsanapoom Pibulsonggram.

The series is directed by Songyos Sugmakanan, who previously helmed teen drama Hormones and the Rashomon-style murder-mystery series I Hate You, I Love You.

In Family We Trust reflects the culture and ideals held by Thai-Chinese families, which often involve gender-based favouritism. photo:

Catch In Family We Trust and find out who killed Prasert on Channel One 31, every Friday at 8.45pm and Saturday at 8.10pm. Reruns are available on LineTV. Visit www.facebook.com/NadaoSeries

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