Thailand Sparks Controversy With ‘Creepy’ Tourism Ad That Condones Stalking
Jackie Reddy March 03, 2015
Cute, clumsy or just plain creepy? The latest promotional video from the Tourist Authority of Thailand is drawing harsh criticism for condoning stalker-like behavior.
The latest promotional video from the Tourist Authority of Thailand may be memorable for all of the wrong reasons. The film — entitled “Love en Route” — sparked controversy with what many have argued is a naïve portrayal of relationships and online stalking.
“Love en Route” tells the story of an infatuated American man who tracks down the object of his affection via her Instagram account. The film, produced by the country’s Ministry of Culture and the National Federations of Thai Film Associations, was intended to highlight Thailand’s culture and encourage tourists to share photos documenting their visit with friends via social media.
While the “love story” unfolds against some of Thailand’s most iconic sights, viewers and news outlets have called the film “creepy” and described it as a “clumsy” marketing ploy.
Jennifer Perry, CEO of Digital-Trust, a British charity that helps victims of online abuse, explains that the film underestimates the complexity of modern relationships and online stalking. “To suggest that you can go to Thailand and stalk the woman of your dreams is sending the wrong message,” Perry told The Telegraph.
A representative from the Tourist Authority of Thailand defended the video, telling The Telegraph that the film was “primarily aimed” at Asia’s domestic and regional markets.
“The creative concept, a love story, is similar to that of a Thai or Korean TV series … It is most certainly not the intention of the producers to portray or encourage ‘stalker-like’ behavior,” the representative explained. “In an age of digital media the Ministry of Culture has simply drawn on a modern way of life where people use social media to seek inspiration and make new friends with common interests.”
[Video: Natheewat Wongchariyawat Youtube]
You’re Reading
This video shows the power of connecting people all over the world. The connections and people you can meet are endless where a decade ago it was not nearly possible to meet the people who you do "stalk" on line. I look at a lot of people's instagram photos that I don't personally know. But is that not the point? People like #Yogagirl post and gets people to fly around the world to join her on yoga retreats. The intention when finding someone is not to scare or be creepy, but to find connection in this big world of ours.
The film is made from asian perspective of tv drama. This kind of stories are loved by most asians. This ad would work well if it is aired in asian countries but western culture just does not dig this kind of poppy love stories.
it's kind of creepy when she refused at 2.16... i stopped watching there.. why didn't make it like they fall in love right away. .would be less creepy
Thais are weary of us farang. While one must absolutely travel there to have a real opinion, most tourists do not get very far behind the smiles, even after a few visits. If they were, they would find that Thais really find westerners odd and are becoming increasingly impatient with outsiders. They love us economically for tourism but beyond that, they would prefer if many of our habits were not there. i.e., drinking heavily, fostering the bar girl culture or our lack of sensitivity to their beliefs - which are stronger and more passionate than most of SEAsia.
Seems less "creepy" than the current reputation of Thailand for sex tourism. Rightly or wrongly, Thailand is a destination for men (mostly) seeking the bar girls and entertainers. This seems mild compared to reality.