A 48-year-old Thai social media personality has issued a public apology for a marketing stunt he pulled off to promote grilled pork at his restaurant in Phetchabun province.
This is after the man, Charoensak “Tony” Phosichai, known affectionately as Uncle Tony, received nearly universal backlash for a video where he wore traditional Arabic attire commonly associated with Muslims while promoting grilled pork at his eatery.
A Thai influencer receives backlash for promoting grilled pork while wearing traditional Arabic attire
According to the Thai-based publication The Thaiger, in the controversial video, Uncle Tony can be seen wearing a white Arabic robe known as the thobe (jubah in Bahasa Melayu) and the Keffiyeh headgear, traditionally associated with Muslims, particularly during prayers and religious ceremonies.
While wearing the Arabic attire, Uncle Tony showed off the grilled pork dish available at his restaurant and even served the dish to a customer. For context (in case you somehow don’t know this), pork is considered HaramĀ or prohibited in Islam.
In the video, Uncle Tony can be heard saying,
“Hi! Happy Songkran! Wishing you all wealth and good health. Let’s celebrate the Thai New Year! Anyone interested in trying grilled pork can visit us at Krua Long Tony.”
The video has since gone viral, drawing criticism from both Muslims and non-Muslims alike in Thailand.
Uncle Tony removed the video and issued a public apology
Following backlash online, the Thai influencer deleted the video and issued a public apology on his Facebook page.
In the apology video, Uncle Tony said that he had no intention to insult anyone or any religion. He added that the Arabic clothes were purchased in Dubai, and he had previously worn them during a photoshoot in the desert and decided to wear them for fun during Songkran.
He asserted,
“I’m Tony and I would like to apologise to all Muslims for wearing the clothing while promoting grilled pork. I had no intention to insult anyone or any religion.
“I have friends in the Muslim community. I have already removed the video. I sincerely apologise again for what I have done,”
So, what do you guys think of the whole situation? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.Ā
