Karaoke Discourses: A Case Study of Mekong Border Karaoke Settings

Abstract

This case study provides scene surveys and discourse surveys of the Mekong border karaoke bars in three districts; Khemmarat, Nataan, and Khong Chiam, of Ubon Ratchathani province. This study will illustrate contrastive characteristics of city zone karaoke bars, unique attributes of the Mekong border karaoke bars, as well as highlight the uniqueness of the Mekong border karaoke business. The case study will explore discourses circulating in the Mekong border karaoke communities. The findings reveal that the characteristics of city zone karaoke bars and the Mekong border karaoke bars are different. The Mekong karaoke bars sustain their business viability on hidden sexual services. Khong Chiam karaoke bars are more touristic and systematically managed, however, the sexual service available in the karaoke bars is similarly highlight. The lived experiences of young Laotian karaoke service girls who live and work in the karaoke bars are confined within conditions of their karaoke service and sexual service work. In terms of discourses, there are various discourses produced, maintained, and reproduced within the complex Mekong karaoke communities. In term of instruction, this case study demonstrates fieldwork processes according to Nexus Analysis method.