The Tourism Committee is set to summon Apple for a hearing next week following the release of a controversial advertisement that has sparked backlash in Thailand.
The advertisement, part of Apple’s “Underdogs” series, has been widely criticized on social media for its portrayal of Thailand’s infrastructure and safety standards, which many feel damages Thailand’s reputation, particularly in the tourism sector.
Sastra Sripan, MP for Songkhla and spokesperson for the committee, expressed concerns over the ad’s negative portrayal of Thailand, depicting it as outdated and unsafe. This portrayal contradicts the government’s efforts to promote the country’s image through Soft Power initiatives.
The committee plans to invite officials from relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, and Apple Thailand’s managing director, to address these concerns. The MP also mentioned that continued dissatisfaction could lead to a call for boycotting Apple products in favor of other brands.
The move aims to address public grievances and ensure that Thailand’s image is accurately represented to support the tourism industry’s growth and development. The committee will seek to understand Apple’s perspective and work towards a resolution that aligns with Thailand’s promotional efforts and national interests.
The hearing will also serve as a platform for discussing measures to prevent similar incidents in the future and to reinforce positive portrayals of Thailand in international media.
