"If You Keep Ignoring, I'll Buy a Samsung Phone"… Thai Netizens Angry at Apple's New Ad

Thailand Prime Minister: "Apple Ad Will Help Boost Tourism Industry"
Local Netizens: "It Portrayed Thailand Negatively"

Apple's new commercial video is facing criticism in Thailand, where it was filmed. Prime Minister Seta Tawisin stated that the video set in Thailand would help revitalize the tourism industry, but local netizens pointed out that Apple portrayed Thailand negatively.

According to local media such as Thai PBS on the 30th, Prime Minister Seta expressed gratitude to Apple for choosing Thailand as the filming location. The Apple commercial video mentioned by Prime Minister Seta is the fifth episode of the 'Underdogs' series, released on the 18th. 'Underdogs' depicts ordinary citizens completing assigned missions using various Apple devices during crises. In this approximately 10-minute video, Apple comically portrays the difficult journey of employees who suddenly have to travel on a business trip to Thailand.

Apple commercial video. [Image source=YouTube·Yonhap News]

The video shot with an Apple iPhone shows a rundown airport, narrow and dirty hotels, and old buses and taxis. Additionally, the Thai people the protagonists encounter during their trials are depicted somewhat comically and with untidy appearances.

The controversy intensified especially in the later scenes where a sepia filter (a filter that gives photos a yellowish tint) is used. Some Thai viewers argued that this made Thailand appear underdeveloped, and criticized that the color adjustment made Thailand look like it was 30 to 50 years in the past.

Part of an Apple commercial video. [Image source=YouTube]

David William, a TikTok influencer who has been living in Thailand long-term, also criticized the commercial. He pointed out that the ad makes Thailand look unattractive and portrays it as outdated. In a video posted on his social media, he said, "This video that makes Thailand look terrible sharply contrasts with Apple commercials beautifully filmed in New York or Chicago," and criticized, "If Apple continues to ignore Thailand like this, I will run out and buy a Samsung foldable phone." The Apple YouTube commercial has about 5.3 million views as of this day, and comments are currently disabled.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.