Shadine Taufik · · 1 min readLazada faces backlash from Thailand for ‘insulting’ monarchy
Singapore-based ecommerce firm Lazada released a promotional video angering royalists, triggering a warning from Thailand against the creation of online content that could disrespect the country’s monarchy, CNA reported.
Any offenses of defamation, insults, or threats against King Maha Vajiralongkorn and his family can lead to 15 years of imprisonment.
“This is inappropriate and will not only upset every Thai in the country but also destroy the image and reputation of the brand. It could also be against the law,” government spokesperson Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said in a statement.
Lazada has since issued an apology, citing the “emotional damage” its clip had caused.
The now-deleted video portrayed a woman in a wheelchair wearing a traditional Thai costume, being accused of stealing her daughter’s clothes. Viewers complained that this character was intended to reference a member of the royal family, though no explicit mention was made.
Editing by Deepti Sri and Lorenzo Kyle Subido
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