Channel 3's primetime soap opera "Nua Mek 2" has abruptly been taken off the air on Friday, citing "inappropriate" content, and many reckon that the ban is "politically motivated".

The storyline of Nua Mek 2 (Beyond the Clouds or Beyond Comparison) above the cloud (literal Thai translation), focuses on a corrupt politician keen on profiteering on a satellite launch and a sorcerer who performs black magic to manipulate politics.

The series, produced by Chatchai Plengpanich, who also acted as the sorcerer, and directed by Nonzee Nimibutr, was on air since Dec 14, and was cut short before airing its final episode on Friday night.

The series concluded last Sunday, despite having three episodes yet to be aired.

According to reports, Channel 3 executives and representatives from the government had a meeting and decided that the series should be taken off the screen right away because of its "inappropriate" content.

The reports also said Channel 3 told the series' director not to comment on this issue to the media. The director and some of the cast members have already booked international flights for this weekend, the reports added.

Reports said the Nua Mek 2 director and some of the casts have already booked international flights for this weekend.

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"Channel 3 would like to apologise to its viewers for not being able to broadcast Nua Mek 2 because its content is deemed inappropriate," read an on-screen message on Channel 3.

The channel said it would like the viewers to watch a new romantic drama Rang Prathana, which replaces Nua Mek 2.

Thai netizens on Facebook and other social media websites criticised Channel 3 as well as the government for the unexpected ban.

"This is not democracy. So Channel 3 people are slaves owned by politicians," said a Facebook user.

Another commented, "This show does not deserve to be banned. There are other soap operas that set bad examples for viewers, are less productive and more violent, but not this one."

One of the posters commented, “I’m disappointed with the decision and I'll never watch Channel 3 again."

"Nua Mek 2 must return because goodness will never die," another netizen said.

Another poster said all episodes of Nua Mek 2 should be uploaded to YouTube so people can watch the series unaltered.

One of the commenters sarcastically asked, "Can't they tell the difference between reality and a soapie or did it affect anyone in particular?"

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