Thailand Video News: Apple Ad Backlash Sparks Boycott Threat in Thailand

[Video News]

 

 

The transcription below provides an overview of the Good Morning Thailand program, hosted by Alex. The news stories cover incidents from across Thailand and Southeast Asia, ranging from the Apple ad backlash sparking a boycott threat in Thailand to Russia supporting Malaysia’s BRICS bid.

 

Apple Ad Backlash Sparks Boycott Threat in Thailand

A recent Apple advertisement has sparked outrage in Thailand, leading many locals to threaten a boycott in favour of Samsung products. The ad, "The Underdogs: OOO (Out Of Office) | Apple at Work," portrays Thailand in an outdated and negative light. English teacher David William, with a significant social media following, criticized the ad for depicting Thailand as backward and old-fashioned. The 9.57-minute video, showcasing Apple products, uses antiquated imagery that many feel misrepresents modern Thailand. William's critique has gone viral, prompting demands for more respectful portrayals of the country.

 

Steel Plate Injures Woman on Expressway

Pranee Rungsuksai was injured when a steel plate flew through her car's windshield, cutting her neck and cheek, on the Burapha Withi expressway in Samut Prakan around 6 pm on July 28. Driving to pick up her daughter, Pranee was in the middle lane when the plate pierced the right side of her windshield. Despite her injuries, she exited the expressway and waited for help. Authorities are investigating the incident, and Pranee was treated at a nearby hospital. The steel plate was found inside her car.

 

Untaxed Cigarettes and Vapes Shop Busted

Two women, Sarinya Phonkaew and Chonlada Chuewong, were arrested for selling untaxed cigarettes and illegal vaping products at a shop in Soi Pha-niang, Ratsada, netting over half a million baht in three months. The Phuket City Police seized 487 packs of untaxed cigarettes, 64 packs of vaping liquids, and 4,840 baht in cash during a raid on July 28. The women admitted to the charges and were charged under the Excise Act 2017 and the Customs Act BE 2017 for possessing and selling smuggled goods.

 

Bhumjaithai Party Dominates New Thai Senate

The new Thai Senate is dominated by allies of the Bhumjaithai Party, significantly influencing political power and constitutional amendments. With at least 150 senators aligned with Bhumjaithai, the party holds substantial leverage. Although senators no longer help elect the prime minister, they still participate in law passage, constitutional amendments, and overseeing the executive branch. Amending the constitution requires support from one-third of the 200 senators. Opposition to changes in Chapters 1 and 2 of the Constitution and Section 112 of the Criminal Code is strong. The blue camp, comprising Bhumjaithai-linked senators and former officials, aims to maintain their power and prevent laws undermining their privileges.

 

Wildlife Rescuer Comatose After Cobra Bite

Jakrin Nilkamhaeng, a Thai wildlife rescuer, remains comatose five months after a king cobra bite. Bitten in a vein, Jakrin experienced severe complications, including heart stoppage for over 30 minutes, leading to significant brain damage. Now in a vegetative state, he is cared for by his mother at home. The Nick Wildlife Facebook page provides updates on his condition, balancing frequent posts to avoid accusations of seeking attention. The team has launched the SEP project to promote snake safety and reduce snake bites. Jakrin's critical situation has garnered widespread support and donations, emphasizing the importance of awareness and safety.

 

Thailand’s Longest Train Tunnel Closed for Cleaning

Thailand’s longest train tunnel, the Pha Sadet tunnel in Saraburi province, has been temporarily closed due to passenger complaints about thick dust. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has mandated a 14-day clean-up by the contractor. The tunnel, part of a new double-track railway to northeast Thailand, spans 5.4 kilometres and has just opened. Dust, blown back inside by strong winds after initial cleaning, caused discomfort for passengers. During the closure, trains will revert to the older route, increasing travel time. The SRT plans to reopen the tunnel on August 12, ensuring it is thoroughly cleaned and safe for passengers.

 

Indonesian President Tests New Capital’s Palace

Indonesian President Joko Widodo spent his first night in the new eagle-shaped palace of the proposed capital, Nusantara, to push forward the infrastructure project before his term ends in October. Despite multiple delays, lack of foreign investment, and managerial issues, Jokowi emphasized the project's long-term nature, potentially taking up to 20 years. Located on Borneo island, the $32 billion project aims to relieve Jakarta's burdens. Jokowi, who admitted to a restless first night, highlighted improvements in water, electricity, and internet. Although foreign funding is absent, Jokowi remains committed, with his successor, Prabowo Subianto, expected to continue the development.

 

Russia Supports Malaysia’s BRICS Bid

Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry announced that Russia supports Malaysia’s bid to join the BRICS economic bloc. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov assured Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during his visit to Malaysia. Anwar revealed that Malaysia has already submitted its application to join BRICS, which promises significant benefits and highlights Malaysia's commitment to international collaboration. BRICS membership offers financial access and a political platform outside of Washington’s influence. Malaysia's bid follows Thailand’s similar move. In 2023, Russia was Malaysia’s eighth largest European trading partner, with bilateral trade increasing by 15.6%. Enhanced cooperation in various sectors was also discussed.

 

[Bday Prang]

Why are these netizens so touchy , every country has a past and a history, and every where has changed since  what are they so ashamed of ? I think they are just unable to cope with the fact that others do not share their own distorted vision of this place   Or is this , as I suspect, just a case of the "permanently offended community" maintaining their social media presence

 Many adverts for tourism to the UK have a historical theme and milk our heritage for all its worth  and every advert for christmas is set around 100 years ago or more, I never heard of any outraged netizens wetting the bed over it

Others are perfectly at liberty to produce videos portraying Thailand however they wish and as long as they do it overseas I don't think there is much anybody can do about it. Which is exactly how things should be

[Bday Prang]

 According to the guy presenting the vid in the OP     

             "within the first few minutes of the video they go through a nightmare at the airport,  suffer weird mis communication problems, then suffer a dirty Taxi and crazy taxi driver. ending up at a nasty hotel"   Is that supposed to be a negative experience here, many suffer worse fates

               So its obviously based on real life experiences then, but by the sound of it things could have been a lot worse ! good luck with any attempts at suing for  libel, even in Thailand 

                Its rather nauseating to see the video presenter virtue signalling his outrage and the offended english teacher looks equally pathetic, both need to get over themselves, and the Thai netizens should spend some time visiting this website if the want to see some more negative opinions of their beloved  motherland