Regarding the recent controversy #BanHongsawadee that surfaced on X, channel one31 issued a statement confirming that the series is truly historical and does not copy the cartoon. "Ayothaya Eiyawadee" They admitted that there were negotiations with the cartoonist behind "Ayothaya Eiyawadee" about purchasing the rights, but ultimately only discussions took place. They agreed not to proceed with any rights purchase and compensated the artist for the time spent in talks. The discussions were transparent and ended with mutual understanding. The company never intended to infringe or exploit any creator and remains committed to responsible creative work respecting history, those involved, and the audience.
Recently, Sirilak Srisukon the scriptwriter of the series "Hongsawadee" posted a clarification on social media Facebook regarding the controversy, affirming that the series was not copied. The similarities arise from the same historical data or honest coincidence. She also outlined the timeline of events, stating that
- The series did not originate from the cartoon; it began after the success of the series "Mae Yua." In late October 2024, channel one31 commissioned development of a new series set in the Ayutthaya period.
- The scriptwriter and team researched and found an interesting point: after King Naresuan's victory in the elephant duel, he built a stupa for the Deputy King, which was unusual for an enemy. Records suggest the two may have had a close brotherly relationship.
- This inspired the scriptwriter to create a story about King Naresuan and the Deputy King, focusing on brotherly love where they had to fight for the kingdom, not a romantic male relationship.
- In mid-November 2024, channel one31 approved and supported this project.
- In January 2025, the scriptwriter saw the "Ayothaya Eiyawadee" cartoon posted on X, which also portrayed King Naresuan and the Deputy King but clearly as a male romance. Channel one31 could not produce a male romance version of King Naresuan.
- Interested in the name "Ayothaya Eiyawadee" and impressed by the artwork, the scriptwriter proposed to management at one31 to acquire rights to make a series based on it, replacing the current project, with plans to negotiate with the cartoonist to remove the male romance aspect.
- On 18 Feb 2025, the scriptwriting team met with the cartoonist to negotiate purchasing rights, explaining that only the name and some details would be used, adjusting the content to a historical perspective without the romance or parallel worlds, focusing instead on brotherly love. The cartoonist understood and agreed to the full rights purchase.
- Later, the cartoonist requested rights to produce 2D animation for broadcast, so channel one31 asked for time to revise the contract.
- Meanwhile, "Ayothaya Eiyawadee" rapidly gained popularity as a romantic boys' love cartoon. Channel one31 worried that if the series used the same name but had no male romance storyline, fans might be disappointed and asked the scriptwriter to renegotiate.
- On 19 March 2025, a second discussion clarified to the cartoonist that channel one31 was uncomfortable using the name "Ayothaya Eiyawadee." Since the channel planned a story about King Naresuan and the Deputy King with some similar events, they requested to buy the cartoonist's rights to avoid future issues. Two options were offered:
1. Not to use the name "Ayothaya Eiyawadee" or the cartoonist's name in promotion, but the cartoonist would be credited as the original author in every episode and retain all legal rights over the work.
2. If the cartoonist wished to use "Ayothaya Eiyawadee" for other revenue streams, the channel would return the rights.
- That night, the cartoonist requested the rights back with the condition that none of the original creative elements or events from "Ayothaya Eiyawadee" be used, including the Mon rose symbolizing the love between the two kings. The "Hongsawadee" series did not mention the Mon rose. This allowed the cartoonist to develop their work without overlap.
- On 20 March 2025, the scriptwriter reimbursed the cartoonist 10,000 baht (12,000 baht before tax) for travel from Chiang Mai to Bangkok.
- The payment was recorded as a consulting fee because the accounting department labeled it so; "consulting" covered undefined work including discussions. This was an internal company record unrelated to rights purchases, as no transaction occurred.
- The scriptwriter apologized for not explaining this clearly, which caused misunderstandings.
- Everything ended amicably and negotiations concluded smoothly. The scriptwriter stopped reading "Ayothaya Eiyawadee" after only seven of over 60 episodes to avoid mental influence.
- Afterwards, the scriptwriter resumed writing the "Hongsawadee" script initially proposed to channel one31, focusing on the sibling relationship between two cities.
- The scriptwriter also addressed criticisms about some scenes in the aired series resembling the cartoon, explaining:
Regarding the scent of perfume: It was used in a suspense context for spying, not in an intimate boys' love relationship scene.
The term "Jao Pee" (older brother): References literary work "Lilit Taleng Phai" and social familiarity.
The scene of Tak Sinotok's water pouring: An essential historical event that cannot be omitted.
The name of the chicken "Jao Luang": Named after the Yellow Tail White breed; the scriptwriter acknowledged the coincidence with the cartoon and apologized for this point.
- The scriptwriter reaffirmed that the series did not plagiarize; similarities stem from coincidence and shared historical sources. She accepted responsibility and apologized for earlier communications causing discomfort, requesting that this issue not affect the cast and crew.
Click to readEntertainment newsMore