Scarlet Heart Thailand

Synopsis

Transported through time by a mysterious sequence of events, Naboon (Tontawan Tantivejakul), a woman from the modern era finds herself abruptly awakened within the body of Fongnuan, a high-born young woman from the city of Ullavee. As she grapples with the unfamiliar customs and societal norms of this distant era, she becomes ensnared in the fierce competition among rival princes, each hungry for the throne's coveted power. Amidst the intricate tapestry of courtly intrigues and ever-shifting alliances, she discovers an unexpected allure drawing her towards these princes. Despite the chaos and uncertainty surrounding her, she finds herself increasingly captivated by their presence, navigating a delicate balance between burgeoning romance and the perilous realm of politics.

Cast and characters

Main

Tontawan Tantivejakul (Tu) as Fongnuan / Naboon

Metawin Opas-iamkajorn (Win) as Mueang Fah

Korapat Kirdpan (Nanon) as Saen Thep

Tawan Vihokratana (Tay) as Intharach

Nattawat Jirochtikul (Fourth) as Chom Han

Phuwin Tangsakyuen (Phuwin) as Fah Ham

Tanapon Sukumpantanasan (Perth) as Kong Thai

Jiratchapong Srisang (Force) as Pha Wiang

Supporting

Pansa Vosbein (Milk) as Hong Kham

Chanikarn Tangkabodee (Prim) as Bua-sai

Nachcha Chuedang (Parn) as Dao Kaew

Rutricha Phapakithi (Ciize) as Laa / Ava

Sarunchana Apisamaimongkol (Aye) as Maneethip

Songsit Roongnophakunsri (Kob) as King Phya Chai Saen Lue

Apasiri Nitibhon (Um) as Queen Su-khantha

Rasee Wacharapolmek (Organ) as Queen Chiang La-or

Pitisak Yaowananont (Tae) as Phrom-ya (Royal astrologer)

Sueangsuda Lawanprasert (Namfon) as Hom Chan

Napasranch Mittiraroch (Tuck) as Meun-in

Production

Scarlet Heart Thailand is the third television adaptation of Startling by Each Step. The novel was first adapted into the Chinese series Scarlet Heart in 2011, starring Cecilia Liu and Nicky Wu, and later into the South Korean series Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo in 2016, starring Lee Ji-eun and Lee Joon-gi. The Thai adaptation was announced on 23 April 2024 at the GMMTV Up & Above Part 2 event held at Union Hall, Union Mall, where the network revealed the main cast and a minute-long video trailer. Pre-production began later that year, and in September the cast undertook training in horse riding, archery, traditional dance, and sword combat to prepare for their roles. The first script read-through was held on 19 May 2025. Principal photography began on 26 August 2025.

Cultural Controversy

The Thai television series Scarlet Heart Thailand, produced by GMMTV, sparked controversy and criticism among Myanmar audiences following the release of its official trailer and promotional images. The costumes and dance performances featured in the series were criticized for resembling royal court attire from Myanmar's Konbaung dynasty and Yadanabon Periods , as well as Myanmar's traditional oil-lamp dance. The perceived similarities prompted widespread debate and discussion about cultural representation and heritage among Myanmar viewers.

Criticism and Demands from Myanmar Audiences

Myanmar viewers pointed out that the costumes worn by several female lead characters in the series' trailers resembled traditional Myanmar royal court clothing, particularly Htaingmathein blouses and garments featuring puffed sleeves. Some dance performances in the series were also criticized for bearing strong similarities to Myanmar's traditional oil-lamp dance, particularly the Rakhine traditional oil-lamp dance performed during Buddhist ceremonial celebrations.

Concerned that international audiences might mistakenly identify elements of Myanmar's cultural heritage as exclusively Thai traditions, Myanmar fans called on GMMTV to clearly acknowledge the origins of the cultural elements used in the series and issue an official explanation. On 20 October 2026, fans launched an online petition calling for recognition of Myanmar's cultural heritage. By 23 October 2026, the petition had gathered more than 34,000 signatures.

GMMTV's Official Statement and Apology

Following the growing criticism, GMMTV issued an official statement on 23 October 2026.In the statement, the production company explained that Ullavee, the city featured in the series, was entirely fictional. It said the costumes and artistic designs were inspired by several cultural traditions, including the Lanna culture of northern Thailand, Tai ethnic cultures, Chinese culture, and Myanmar's cultural and artistic heritage.

GMMTV further stated that it had no intention of portraying all elements of the series as exclusively representative of Thai culture. The company emphasized its respect for the value and origins of each culture and apologized for the concerns and distress caused among audiences by the cultural representations in the series.