Apple's commercial that depicts outdated and stereotypical Thailand has been withdrawn and apologized after receiving backlash from local lawmakers
Apple's ad drew strong criticism from local lawmakers and the tourism board for portraying a stereotypical Thailand and using a full sepia filter to make Thailand look like a developing country. Apple apologized and removed the ad.
Apple Pulls Commercial After Thai Backlash, Calls for Boycott - Bloomberg
Apple is apologizing for one of its ads again - The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2024/8/2/24212005/apple-thailand-ad-pulled-underdogs-out-of-office
Apple apologizes for another ad that missed the mark
https://www.engadget.com/apple-apologizes-for-another-ad-that-missed-the-mark-220045564.html
You can watch the commercial in question at the link below. It's a lengthy video of 9 minutes and 57 seconds, and shows the characters enjoying Thailand while using Apple products.
The Underdogs: OOO (Out Of Office)
https://1thegioi.vn/video/embed/ifnojz596q
The footage, which is largely rendered in a sepia filter and shows the characters riding tuk-tuks and staying in dilapidated hotels, has sparked outrage from locals who say it uses outdated language and is too stereotypical.
'Thai people are extremely unhappy with this ad and I would encourage other Thais to stop using Apple products and switch to other brands,' said Satra Sripan, spokesman for the Thai House of Representatives' Tourism Committee.
Following a backlash from locals, Apple apologized for airing the ad, stating, 'We worked with a local production company to create this ad. Our intention was to celebrate Thai optimism and culture. This ad will no longer air.'
Bloomberg points out that the Thai government is aiming to improve its status and image as a global tourist destination, and the tourism industry is a key driver of economic growth. Thai Prime Minister Seta Taweesin has declared that he will 'make Thailand an aviation and logistics hub,' and is working to increase the number of foreign tourists to revitalize the economy.
Prime Minister Taweesin, who was pushing the commercial, reportedly said, 'Every coin has two sides. Let's look at the positive side. Apple has expressed its intention to do business in Thailand.'
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in Video, Posted by log1p_kr