Thai PBS adapts MediaCorp’s The Arena

Thai Public Broadcasting Service has localised MediaCorp’s successful debate format The Arena, producing a 12×55-minute local version.

The show sees students from a variety of schools debating against each other while the judges and audience decide who deserves to win. A total of 40 teams from 30 schools tried out for The Arena Thailand; of these teams, only 10 were selected to participate in the TV rounds, TV Asia Pacific reports.

Julie Sim-Chew, the senior executive producer of MediaCorp Studios at MediaCorp, commented, “It is always challenging when introducing a new format, especially so for The Arena, a debate that differs from the traditional institution of debate. But Thai PBS has been extremely forthcoming and supportive in working through this format and capturing the essence of this new debate. The quality of the teams that made it to the TV rounds are very high. The fervor they displayed during the delivery, their style and their confidence assured me that they got the format to the tee. I am glad that Thai PBS sees the value in this format because it gives a chance for young Asians to take center stage and be heard. The Arena aims to set an example of how intelligent discussion of social issues can be properly debated with tact and style.”

Suwit Sasanapichit, the director of the program department at Thai Public Broadcasting Service, commented, “The Arena is a very innovative debating format. We believe that the production of The Arena-Thailand will help bring changes to the Thai society. This program will allow us to recognize the importance of communication based on reasoning, to learn to listen thoughtfully and to express ideas with a sense of respect for each other, and to prepare ourselves to be part of the global community.”