The trouble at Creative Juice is one such story. A number of the people who make it the witty, human and genuinely unique creative force it has become have left, because the agency can’t afford to keep them.
As Thailand’s economy continues to falter, the agency’s fortunes may worsen. But it’s not alone. Every agency has been hit as local advertiser spend and consumer demand have headed south since the coup last year.
Yes, the economy grew faster than expected in the second quarter of 2007, thanks to strong exports. But this could reverse overnight if the elections set for 23 December are scuppered. The date has been agreed on. But there aren’t many Thais who, with atypical pessimism, really believe the elections will happen.
At least not before 2008. This is trying Thai resolve. Agencies say dealings with Government-linked advertisers have become at best unpredictable, at worst chaotic. They are companies in a state of “decision paralysis”, says one observer.
The Kingdom’s biggest review of the year - the US$80 million Tourism Authority of Thailand account - was supposed to happen this month. Not likely. Even if it was, what sensible agency would go near it? Perhaps not even weakened incumbent Creative Juice.
Worst-case scenario, one agency boss has suggested, is that the elections don’t go ahead, something happens to the much-revered King and the economy goes into freefall. “Thailand could become another Zimbabwe,” he warns.
An absurd suggestion, perhaps. Thailand has weathered stormier waters. Even so, the future of its uniquely creative minds is under threat as the country grapples with its current crisis.
Virgin out to win on power of personality
If ever a brand was made for a market, then it could well be Virgin and India. The British company’s airline brand is already present in the country, but the upcoming launch of a mobile offering is likely to be considerably more appealing to India’s youth demographic. Virgin’s cheeky, irreverent positioning should play well among this audience - even if certain boundaries will have to be respected.
As ever, given India’s soft spot for celebrities, the brand’s trump card will probably be the iconic Richard Branson himself. Which could mean that the country’s self-styled ‘King of good times’ - Kingfisher Airlines supremo Vijay Mallya - may face some competition.
