The Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) campaign, featuring pop icon Lisa of BLACKPINK at the Red Lotus Sea, has ignited a viral trend, prompting people to share photos of themselves at the site or photoshop Lisa out and their own images in. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool joined the trend, editing herself onto the same promotional boat, expressing gratitude to visitors and joy at “joining” Lisa’s virtual ride. The campaign, part of TAT's "Feel All the Feelings" initiative, positioned Lisa, a globally recognized Thai artist, as Amazing Thailand Ambassador.

This campaign faced mixed reactions, with critics lamenting the use of artificial intelligence rather than capturing Lisa at the actual location, arguing it undermined her role. Users, including the Government Savings Bank, started replacing the AI-generated version with genuine photos of her or various mascots to express dissatisfaction. This initiative aimed to boost tourism by leveraging Lisa’s international fame but was perceived by some as a missed opportunity due to presentation issues.

The trend has sparked widespread interest and participation, with many sharing captions like "I am following the trail of Lisa." It reflects both public engagement and critique of TAT's methods. Social media remains abuzz with creative iterations of the campaign image, increasing interest in the Red Lotus Sea as a tourist destination.

Looking ahead, TAT will need to assess the campaign’s impact on actual tourist numbers and address concerns about their promotional strategies. The feedback might influence how TAT deploys AI and celebrity endorsements in future promotions. The continued public engagement suggests the campaign achieved visibility, even if not universally praised, reported Thai PBS.

Key Takeaways

• The campaign with BLACKPINK's Lisa prompted a viral photo-sharing trend.

• Criticism focused on the use of AI instead of real images of Lisa.

• Public engagement could impact future TAT promotional strategies.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai PBS 2026-01-22

 

 

waste of money from TAT.. they could spend it better which would have a better impact on the sector instead of paying a K pop star...Lisa is star for teenagers

Too much A.I. plastic.

Not interested.

"All are welcome"! ... "Exterminate! Exterminate!"

"All are welcome!"

"Welcome to the Trump Lotus Sea!"

"We have the best sea, everyone says so, that's what they're saying."

"It's incredible, noone could believe how maganificent!"

It's all a bit too silly, even by Thai standards

"I am following the trail of Lisa."

The sad time we live in