Apple’s decision to withdraw a seemingly controversial ad filmed in Thailand has triggered a backlash against the expat who criticised it – a continuation of a long standing grudge against Apple and their products.
David William, an English teacher living in the kingdom, first brought the ad to the attention of Thai netizens in a video on his TikTok page. In the clip, he slammed Apple for an “outdated” portrayal of Thailand in an advert titled “The Underdogs: OOO (Out of Office)”. David is fluent in Thai.
David also repeated this criticism when he spoke with CNN recently, saying the Apple ad portrayed Thailand in a negative and inaccurate light. His views on the ad initially received broad, but not unanimous, support from Thai netizens who expressed gratitude for his defence of the kingdom.
VIDEO: YouTube/David William
The tide quickly turned, however, when Apple decided to pull the ad. Now netizens are pointing out that this could have a negative effect on foreign investment in Thailand.
Khaosod English reports that Vichai Matakul, a writer in the creative industries, says Apple’s decision to withdraw the ad is a loss to Thailand from a creative standpoint. He has praised the ad for showing Bangkok in a new light, going beyond the typical footage of temples, Chinatown, and Cowboy Alley seen in more cliched portrayals.
“The loss of such a reference is significant because future filmmakers would have used it for their research. This movie had excellent footage for future projects. Now Thailand could be discussed as a problematic filming location because of the problems Apple has had in the past. Other locations might be preferred to Thailand.”
Vichai also questions if William, who describes himself as “the foreigner with a Thai heart” fully comprehends the seriousness of Apple’s decision.
It’s not just Vichai criticising the American teacher, with several Thai netizens accusing William of seeking likes and followers on social media, as opposed to having the interests of the Thai people at heart.
The expat has responded to the backlash, expressing his dismay, and saying he cried on reading the criticism. He says he feels more Thai than American and has always defended Thailand in his online content.
“My only question today is: What do I have to do for the Thai people to accept me? This has really shaken my self-confidence and hurt my feelings. I want to tell Thai viewers that I am serious about this content. I stood up for Thai people on CNN because I thought it would make them love me and accept me as one of their own. I apologise to anyone who was offended.”
SOURCE: Khaosod English
