A Highly Inappropriate Magazine cover from Thailand

magazinecover

A controversial magazine cover hit the stands in Thailand this week that features popular Thai actor James (Jirayu Tangsrisuk) and child prodigy Nong Wanmai. I know I have a Western mind and some Thais will complain to me that this isn’t my culture, but to my eye, this is highly inappropriate. You just don’t do that kind of thing. Certainly when it is not even your own child. And anyway, is this seriously accepted in Thai culture? I always thought that Thai people were big on the so-called “sniff kiss”. But this is a kiss on the lips to a young girl.

Judging by this Facebook page, many Thais thought this picture was “really cute”. Others said that they wished it was them kissing James.  However, I am glad to see that there were just as many Thais that were shocked like me. Now, I’m not putting the blame straight on the shoulders of James. I am sure there were no bad intentions. Indeed, if you watch this short Instagram video, you will hear people egging her on to kiss James. No, I put the blame solely on the photo editor who set this situation up and the headline writer who wrote something that was inappropriate to the situation and age of the child.

What do you think? Innocent or something more sinister?

[tweet https://twitter.com/RichardBarrow/status/478815297743228929]

4 thoughts on “A Highly Inappropriate Magazine cover from Thailand

  • June 18, 2014 at 8:44 pm
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    My wife and I are divided opposite to your poll. Me, the falang, says so what, and my thai wife says it’s not appropriate in this country. Frankly it disturbed me not in the least and I saw nothing surprising about it. As a photog these events happen on set tween two people who know they are on camera. It was the AD’s decision to run this particular photo out of the presumably hundreds shot. I’m surprised it raised any eyebrows at all.

    Reply
    • June 18, 2014 at 8:51 pm
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      Even though the caption says “ideal couple separated by age”?

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      • June 18, 2014 at 9:04 pm
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        Ahh that I didn’t see as I can’t read Thai. Seems the AD and Copywriter should be worried about their jobs as that is wrong. The photo is innocent enough to me, but w/a quote/headline like that, not so much.

        Reply
  • June 18, 2014 at 8:22 pm
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    But, did he give her the tongue?

    Reply

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