Why was the ‘Sorry Thailand’ TV ad banned?

Earlier this week we have reported on the banned TV commercial “ขอโทษประเทศไทย” (Sorry Thailand). For those, who haven’t seen it yet, here’s the video with English subtitles:

The ban has created some considerable public uproar and the censorship board, which consists of representatives of the free-TV channels and other ‘experts’, has gotten itself into the crossfire of criticism.

The ad was made by a group called “Positive Network”, which is made up by “people from many professions such as advertising, PR, event, regional community representatives, [corporate] companies, government officials and academics from all across the country.” During the launch event on June 16, the group states that their main goal is to “terminate the divisions in society”. One of the executives of the network has mentioned the launch of an advertising campaign, even though this one was called “ต่อไปนี้ถ้าเธอพูด ฉันจะฟัง” (“From now on when you talk, I will listen”). Daily News has more about the launch of the group (article in Thai).

Asian Correspondent