The hot issue on X led to the hashtag #BanHongsawadee trending after severe criticism regarding intellectual property arose when someone posted on X about a famous cartoonist who had been approached by a screenwriter seeking to purchase the rights to the cartoon “Ayothaya Oyawadee” for development into another media format, requesting exclusivity for a period. However, the negotiations ultimately fell through.
Then someone compared the cartoon “Ayothaya Oyawadee” with the series “Hongsawadee” and questions arose about possible plagiarism, as some scenes and episodes resembled those in the cartoon—for example, a scene about the scent of Prince Mangjichawa’s perfume, which King Naresuan recalled vividly. The cartoonist wrote that scene inspired by his keen sense of smell without any other intention, yet the same scene appeared in the series.
This sparked criticism and pressure for Channel One 31 to clarify the matter. Recently, Channel One 31 posted a statement explaining the situation, saying
“Statement Regarding the Series ‘Hongsawadee’
In response to information and allegations circulating on social media claiming that the series ‘Hongsawadee’ plagiarized or adapted content from the cartoon ‘Ayothaya Oyawadee,’ Channel One 31 would like to clarify the facts for proper understanding as follows.
Channel One 31 clarifies that after the series ‘Mae Yua’ aired, the channel discussed with Ms. Sirilak Srisukon, the screenwriter, to write a story continuing in the Ayutthaya period. Ms. Sirilak proposed a story about King Naresuan and the Uparaja (Deputy King). Although they eventually fought the legendary Battle of Elephant Duel, King Naresuan had been taken as a captive to Hongsawadee since youth, making it possible they were close.
Moreover, after the elephant duel, there is a legend about a stupa built for the Uparaja, which normally would not be constructed for an enemy. This suggests a bond from childhood, not merely enemies. The idea was to tell this historical event from another angle (as done in ‘Mae Yua’), imagining the two as close like siblings forced to fight for their kingdoms. This human drama concept was approved by Channel One 31.
Ms. Sirilak developed the project further, researching with a key principle of appropriate interpretation, as the story involves real historical figures and requires sensitivity in beliefs and respect.
She found the cartoon ‘Ayothaya Oyawadee,’ which had some concepts similar to the historical facts of King Naresuan and the Uparaja. Channel One 31 assigned Ms. Sirilak to contact the cartoon’s creator to inform them that the channel was developing a similar history-based project about King Naresuan and the Uparaja.
The channel intended to negotiate purchasing copyright from the cartoon creator to avoid future issues, even though Channel One 31 was not producing content based on the cartoon’s storyline. The cartoon creator was agreeable.
The cartoon is a fictional parallel-world interpretation presenting a male-male relationship, while the ‘Hongsawadee’ series references actual historical figures. Interpretations must therefore remain appropriate and sensitive in multiple dimensions. The presentation must be cautious and highly respectful, which the cartoon creator acknowledged and understood.
However, after joint discussions, both parties agreed that the approaches and content scopes were different. Once the cartoon creator understood Channel One 31 would not use the cartoon’s name or storyline, they agreed no copyright sale was necessary. Compensation for the time spent in discussion was made. The talks were polite, transparent, and ended in mutual understanding.
The company recognizes and values creative works, intellectual property, and copyrights of all creators. It has never intended to infringe upon or exploit any creator and remains committed to responsible creation respecting history, those involved, and audiences.
The company thanks all feedback and remains open to constructive opinions from all sides to improve future works.”
Nevertheless, after the statement was released, many people posted numerous comments.
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