Protest Over Thailand Portrayed as "Worn-Out" in Apple Ad Video
"Intended to Show Thai Culture," Explanation Given
Apple has deleted and apologized for an advertisement video that was criticized for depicting Thailand as old-fashioned and stereotypical.
According to Bloomberg and the Bangkok Post on the 3rd, Apple stated in a press release, "We intended to showcase Thailand's culture and optimistic aspects, but we apologize for the advertisement not accurately representing Thailand's present-day reality."
The Apple advertisement video "Underdogs" series "Out Of Office," released on the 18th of last month, has been removed from YouTube and other platforms. The video humorously depicted the challenging journey of employees who suddenly traveled to Thailand for business. Set in Bangkok and Rayong, Thailand, it showed characters facing unexpected situations and solving problems using Apple devices.
However, the video sparked backlash from Thai people. The approximately 10-minute video featured outdated airports, cramped and dirty hotels, old buses and taxis, and Thai people dressed and expressing themselves in somewhat strange ways. Thai netizens complained that the video distorted Thailand as if it were decades in the past.
The political sphere also joined the backlash. The House Tourism Committee announced plans to invite Apple and government agencies for discussions regarding the controversy. Satra Siphan, spokesperson for the Tourism Committee, said, "Thai people are very displeased with this advertisement," and added, "We recommend that Thai people stop using Apple products and switch to other brands."
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