"Citing Potential Boycott, Coca-Cola Terminates Advertising Contract with Cambodian Rapper"

Coca-Cola Terminates Contract with VannDa
Cambodian Rapper Faces Backlash Over Political Posts on Thailand-Cambodia Dispute

Amid armed clashes triggered by border disputes between Thailand and Cambodia, Coca-Cola has terminated its contract with an advertising model who made political statements related to the conflict.

According to local media outlets such as Khmer Times and The Nation on the 18th, Cambodian rapper VannDa recently posted a series of updates on his social networking service (SNS) accounts regarding the dispute between Thailand and Cambodia. He shared a message saying, "I will always stand with my homeland," along with a video claiming that Thailand was the first to attack Cambodia.

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However, VannDa's posts sparked backlash from Thai internet users. Coca-Cola determined that VannDa had violated a contractual clause prohibiting political statements and decided to terminate the advertising contract. Coca-Cola emphasizes that its advertising models should avoid controversy and maintain a positive image.Local media reported that the decision to terminate the contract was also influenced by concerns that VannDa's remarks could potentially trigger a boycott of Coca-Cola in Thailand.

The response of Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian Senate, to Coca-Cola's decision has also drawn attention. Although Hun Sen, considered the de facto leader of Cambodia, has often strongly criticized Thailand, this time he expressed support for Coca-Cola's decision.

Through Facebook, he stated, "Coca-Cola contributes to the national economy through its local production facilities in Cambodia," and added, "If the company withdraws due to a boycott, it could harm Cambodia's economy and benefit the 'enemy'." Addressing VannDa, he said, "Regardless of the reason for the contract termination, I hope you will endure and understand for the sake of the country," and described him as "a symbol of the spirit of sacrifice for the nation."

Meanwhile, Thailand and Cambodia engaged in armed conflict for five days starting on July 24. During this period, at least 43 people from both sides lost their lives, and more than 300,000 refugees were displaced.