BANGKOK – The Tourism Authority of Thailand’s official new slogan for the 2008 tourism campaign, “Thailand – Fuck the Poor” was unveiled yesterday at a press conference and will be appearing soon in a full media campaign and on collaterals and souvenirs.
“Following our successful campaigns of “Amazing Thailand” and “Thailand Grand Invitation,” we believe this new slogan will build on our strengths and bring in more tourists by expressing the heart of our Thai-ness,” said Suraphon Svetasreni, TAT’s marketing director.
“Throughout the many changes our country has experienced in recent decades, two things remain unchanged – our complete denial of equal rights and civil power to anyone without money, and the availability of Thai prostitutes created by crushing, chronic economic disparity. This slogan unites both pillars of our culture and reminds foreigners why Thailand is such a great holiday destination.”
With annual tourist arrivals projected to grow to 16 million in 2008, Suraphon says it is more important than ever to maintain Thailand’s cultural identity and traditions. The TAT hopes to support the international media campaign with a domestic program, distributing 30,000 “Fuck the Poor” T-shirts to be worn by agricultural migrant workers, underpaid service sector employees, homeless beggars, and any woman under 25 who can’t afford university.
