TapTechNews August 2nd news, StraitsTimes reported that Apple issued an apology statement today after its latest advertisement caused widespread criticism for negatively portraying Thailand.
In Apple's latest video advertisement of 'The Underdogs: OOO (Out of Office)', it depicted an outdated image of Thailand, including an old airport, congested traffic and a run-down hotel.
This advertisement sparked strong opposition from local people on social media, accusing Apple of damaging Thailand's image. Many people claimed that the video was edited to seem old-fashioned with a faded sepia tone, and the camera focused on dilapidated buildings.
Apple apologized for this: 'We apologize that the advertisement failed to show the lifestyle in Thailand in a complete and appropriate way.' Apple said it cooperated with a local company in Thailand to produce the advertisement with the aim of revealing Thai culture and perspectives in a positive way. The advertisement has now been taken down. TapTechNews noted that the YouTube views of this advertisement had exceeded five million before it was taken down.
The Tourism Committee of the Thai House of Representatives said yesterday that it will convene the executives of relevant institutions such as the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Creative Economy Agency and Apple Thailand to clarify this issue next week.
The spokesperson of the committee said that the government has a policy to promote soft power, but this advertisement has seriously affected Thailand's image.