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You may be someone who has just moved to Southeast Asia or someone who has lived in this region for their entire life. Either way, you must be familiar with the perpetual bustle of life in the big cities and the vibrancy of even the small, everyday moments. We’re here to present you with some stories that you may never have heard, no matter how long you’ve lived here.
Coconuts TV on iflix: Episode 4, “Animals and Us”
For starters, did you know that the oldest pure breed of dog (according to this study) lives in Bali, Indonesia? They roam the streets of a small village, which is precariously situated on the side of an active volcano that’s about to erupt. Animal activists from the Bali group called Bali Animal Welfare Association (BAWA) bravely drove up to quarantined and already-evacuated areas to feed the dogs, who depend mostly on humans to provide food, all while Mount Agung threatened to erupt at any moment, spilling hot lava and toxic ash on anything in the vicinity. The Coconuts TV team risked their lives as well in order to document the whole thing. The dogs are ostensibly still alive thanks to this brave group — and the BAWA activists were rewarded in full for their efforts by healthy, happy dogs that greeted them.
Coconuts TV on iflix: Episode 2, “Marginalized”
All over the world, little people are still facing problems with lack of representation and lack of proper facilities, which hinder their acceptance in society. But in Manila, Philippines, these problems exist to a greater degree for little people, who have a hard time finding work. Coconuts TV investigates the social dilemma and what solutions do exists, such as the Hobbit House, a unique and lively bar in Manila staffed wholly by little people that’s gained a worldwide reputation. People come in from all over the world to experience the one-of-a-kind bar.
Coconuts TV on iflix: Episode 4, “Animals and Us”
Another standout story is one of compassion and hard work in Thailand. There’s nothing quite like saving animals and people in the same community. Seated comfortably in green and hilly Chiang Rai, Thailand is Archa Thong Forest Monastery, where the legendary Phra Kru Ba saves horses from the slaughterhouse while also saving people from drug addiction. He’s a former soldier, Muay Thai fighter, and was commissioned by the Thai government to be the spiritual leader of the effort to alleviate the hold that drugs have on the communities in Northern Thailand. He’s become somewhat of a national legend, and people travel from all over Thailand to crawl under the belly of his horse for good luck (hey, don’t knock it till you try it.) Don’t take my word for it, watch it on iflix yourself!
Coconuts TV on iflix: Episode 3, “Needles N’ Knives”
Not all stories are pleasant, and not all communities affected by drugs in the series are lucky to have someone like Phra Kru Ba to look out for them. In the fishing community of Tanjung Lumpur, Malaysia, needle-sharing among fisherman has led to an outbreak of HIV. Despite the severity, this crisis is not being talked about out of fear and shame. Long, unfilled hours in ten-day long fishing voyages and peer pressure lead fishermen to experiment with drugs. The problem stems from some of these drugs being highly addictive, not to mention the lack of education about the consequences of sharing needles. They are open about their drug use, but are as hush-hush as can be about their HIV status from frequent needle-sharing. Coconuts TV visits the boat docks to investigate the root of the problem and to interview the people who are trying to help.
Coconuts TV on iflix: Episode 1, “Sexy Time”
Finally, in the ultimate story of globalization and merging influences, two dangdut stars in Jakarta, Indonesia discuss with Coconuts TV why dangdut is an iconic music genre in Indonesia and how it rose to such stature. The King of Dangdut himself is even interviewed on the subject. But how has the genre changed since its founding days? The rise of a subgenre named dangdut koplo has brought controversy to the genre because it features more sex appeal and eroticism than is the norm in the conservative country. It has given rise to a competition of sexy dance routines, with rising stars trying to outdo each other. On the other hand, the constantly evolving nature of the music genre only serves to reaffirm its established spot as a nationally-loved genre.
Coconuts TV has paired with iflix to bring you this unprecedented docuseries that turns to the underside of Southeast Asia’s glittering metropolises in order to find the true and shocking stories that don’t the attention they deserve. The docuseries focuses on a variety of subjects, people, and locales, throughout Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Hungering for more? Then watch the entire series (for free!) on iflix now.
