The Uphill Climb of Thai Cartooning
AbstractThis article is a synthesis of data the author gathered through interviews, observation, textual analysis and secondary literature searches, most of which were conducted in August 1993. Comic art in Thailand is treated from macro and micro perspectives, beginning with a brief history of, and contemporary insights about, the politics and economics of cartooning. Because political cartoonists have figured prominently in the country's often turbulent times, they are discussed in sections that highlight their professional concerns and their relationship with the government. The background and current status of the comic book industry is also presented, ending with a case study of the largest comics publisher in Thailand, Bun Lour Sarn.