Abstract:
The objectives of this research are to examine fantasy sources and the methods
of communication through visual symbols in relation to inhuman characters in television folk tale drama in an attempt to understand fantasy themes of television folk tale drama as perceived by child viewers. The conceptual framework for this study includes Symbolic Convergence Theory and Fantasy theme, concepts relating to intertextuality and group interview. Basically, this is a qualitative research using textual analyses of three television folk tale dramas, namely, Thep Sam Rudoo, Komin and Singha Kraipob aired during 2003 2005 in addition to group interviews of four sample groups of primary school students in
order to study fantasy themes as perceived by child viewers.
The findings of the research are as follows. The methods of communication
through visual symbols that are unique of inhuman characters in television folk tale drama are: 1) visual presentation by making reference to traditional Thai mural painting, 2) connotative meanings derived from visual icon specific to the television medium, 3) the use of context to govern meanings which are unique for specific characters, 4) the use of intertextuality and 5) the application of cartoon codes. The fantasy sources that relate to inhuman characters as perceived by child viewers are: 1) mural painting and sculpture in religious places, 2) literary work for children and youth, 3) mass media and 4) socialization process within the family and school. The fantasy themes of child viewers towards folk tale
drama are 1) fantasy themes emphasizing fact and reality, 2) fantasy themes emphasizing social values and 3) fantasy themes emphasizing individual and social interests.