Well what I mean deggers, is that the red standby button is on but the tv isn't responding to pressing the on button or hitting it... or shouting at it :P .... and the batteries are working !
You can check the remote is sending out an infra red signal by viewing the end of it ( the end that you aim at the tv, ) through a digital camera / phone camera. Press a button on the remote while viewing through the camera and you should see the remote output IR diode pulsing.
Can you see any light in the tv such as a red light meaning power.
This could possibily mean that your remote control is not working.
I ll advise you to open it it a screwdriver and clean the rubber botton inside not touching the circuits. Probably some buttons are stuck due to humidity level in this country and this is causing it not to power on if you press on.
Just the rubber buttons.