Thais crack down on gay advertising

<p>BANGKOK: Gay advertisements with sexual connotations have been </p><p>banned in Bangkok by interior minister Purachai Piumsombun as a part of </p><p>a wider campaign to protect the national image. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>The move is part of a number of austere initiatives the minister has </p><p>undertaken to rid the country of its raunchy image, with particular </p><p>regard to the tourism industry. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>The advertising community has applauded the move that is believed to be </p><p>targeted at classified ads for gay saunas and massage parlours, but is </p><p>left open to interpretation. "If this is related only to classified </p><p>advertising, I agree it is a good thing," said Advertising Association </p><p>of Thailand president Parames Rachjaibun. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Some in the industry fear that if the draconian campaign to curb social </p><p>vices - particularly sex and violence - continues in Thailand, it could </p><p>hinder the creative freedom enjoyed by ad agencies. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>A noticeable lack of controversial advertisements have appeared this </p><p>year, compared with previous years when such commercials as GS Battery's </p><p>spoof of Friday the 13th movie by the agency now known as Far East DDB </p><p>Public led to a public uproar. However, while admitting that there had </p><p>been a move to "tone down" advertising, Parames rejected the long-term </p><p>impact. "I do not think it will limit creativity. Thai law and ethics </p><p>are simply being implemented," he said. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Leo Burnett managing director Thailand and Indochina, Pornsiri Rojmeta, </p><p>suggested that there had been a rise in self-regulation in the </p><p>industry. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>"Since people are more reactive and expressive than before, we have to </p><p>be more attentive to them," she said. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>"We have to be better corporate citizens and responsible to society. We </p><p>are now more concerned with issues such as human rights and </p><p>discrimination." </p><p><BR><BR> </p>