Popular Historical Series Under Fire for Alleged Animal Abuse

A high-profile Thai television drama has found itself at the center of a growing controversy after airing a scene depicting a cat convulsing, leading to widespread accusations of animal abuse and prompting an official investigation.

The controversial scene

In a recent episode of “The Empress of Ayodhaya,” one of Thailand’s most anticipated dramas of the year, viewers witnessed a disturbing scene where a cat was shown writhing on the ground after being forced to drink potentially poisoned tea. The scene, intended to demonstrate a poison test, has ignited fierce debate about animal welfare in entertainment.

Production team’s response

Amid mounting criticism, Thai television channel One31 and the show’s director, Sant Srikaenlaw, rushed to defend their production methods. They claimed the cat was administered anesthesia under expert supervision, with Srikaenlaw stating, “The cat had regained consciousness,” and promising subsequent health checks. The production team also released photos and videos attempting to demonstrate the cat’s well-being.

Official investigation and expert response

The controversy has drawn the attention of multiple authorities:

• The Veterinary Council of Thailand has issued warnings about the dangers of animal sedation
• Thailand’s Livestock Department has launched an official investigation
• PETA released a strongly worded statement on Monday, declaring: “The public is rightly outraged, especially knowing that today, anything is possible with CGI, AI and animatronics. If you can’t make a TV show without risking the lives of animals, you’re in the wrong business.”

Cultural context

“The Empress of Ayodhaya” dramatizes royal intrigue during the Ayutthaya period, drawing inspiration from a 16th-century Siamese queen’s story. Despite its historical significance and high production value, the show now faces a growing boycott campaign on social media, with both public divs and viewers expressing their disapproval.

As investigations continue, this incident has sparked a broader conversation about animal welfare in Thailand’s entertainment industry. The controversy threatens to overshadow what was meant to be one of the year’s biggest television events and may lead to stricter regulations regarding animal use in media production.