Snapping a Photo with Workers in the Background While Wearing Luxury Goods... Criticized as a "Human Zoo"

Thai Executive Takes Photo with Factory Workers in Background
Criticism Grows over "Violation of Workers' Rights"

A Thai company executive has sparked controversy online after posting a photo on their social media showing factory workers at work in the background.

Suadi Puntpanich, a member of the Thai Sang Thai Party and Executive Director of Thonburi Healthcare Group, posted a photo taken at a cafe with workers in the background, sparking public attention. Photo by Puntpanich Instagram

According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP) on May 8, Suadi Puntpanich, a member of the Thai Sang Thai Party and Executive Director of Thonburi Healthcare Group who resides in Chiang Mai, Thailand, posted a photo on her social media on April 23. The photo was taken at a famous cafe in Thailand.

In the photo, Puntpanich is seen spending time enjoying coffee and dessert placed on the table. Behind her, through a large glass window, tobacco factory workers can be seen sitting on the floor working. Along with the photo, Puntpanich wrote, "This cafe was created by converting a section of a tobacco leaf sorting factory. You can get a glimpse into their way of life."

However, after the post was made public, Puntpanich faced a flood of criticism. Some netizens compared the cafe to a "human zoo" and pointed out that she does not understand the suffering of the poor. Another netizen commented, "The glass window divides the classes. The rich sit in air-conditioned comfort drinking coffee, while the poor work hard to entertain the wealthy."

As the controversy intensified, Puntpanich responded by saying that the "human zoo" criticism reflects a shallow way of thinking and actually demeans the honor of factory workers. She also added that her grandmother used to sort tobacco leaves, and that the scene at the cafe reminded her of childhood memories playing in a tobacco factory.

The cafe also explained that the factory has been operated by the cafe owner's family for generations. Through social media, the cafe stated, "We converted part of the factory space into a cafe and installed glass windows to share the story of the tobacco factory and the work of its laborers." The cafe added, "We aim to create a place that conveys the story of this historic profession while respecting the dignity of all workers," and emphasized, "The factory employees receive fair compensation and are not hired merely for 'show.'"

Despite these explanations, the controversy continues. Online commenters have criticized, saying, "Watching workers and taking photos of them without consent to post online is a violation of human rights," and, "It is even more cruel that people have to sacrifice their dignity for a living."