It’s meant to be a funny-ha-ha, but some Thais say it’s a definite-no-no.
Irritated netizens on Facebook yesterday requested Sahamongkol Film to remove a scene they deem offensive from the upcoming comedy movie “Oh my Ghost,” which releases tomorrow.
In the controversial scene, the main character Kitty attempts to provide her ghost friend with some fashionable luxury in the form of lady under-things. One of her attempts is to attach lingerie to traditional wish lanterns and release them to the sky, hoping her semi-dead friend will receive the goods, as seen in the trailer at 1:03-minute mark.
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A Phayao local posted the screenshot from the movie teaser on his Facebook, stating that a wish lantern is an expression of respect to the Buddhist Chula Manee Shrine in the heaven. The belief runs deeply through Lanna locals which include people of eight provinces: Chiang Mai, Lampoon, Lampang, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Phrae, Nan and Mae Hong Son.
So it has come to no surprise that tying pink panties to the lantern would piss many people off.
The post has been shared among thousands, as netizens request the producers to remove the scene from the movie and agree the the movie makers should just know better.
“It’s inappropriate, no matter for what reasons. Such an act disrespects ancient Lanna belief, and displaying women’s underwear on the lantern shows how immature and inconsiderate the film creators are,” says Sunit.
Meanwhile one of the commenters doesn’t seem so surprised when he saw the film’s teaser, “So tell me. Who actually started disrespecting our culture? It’s all of us. Wish lanterns have become a trend instead of an expression of respect. We don’t tell our kids why such tradition exists, and this is what we end up with,” Deejay commented.
Bombarded with messages and comments on their Facebook, Sahamongkol Film is reported to respond to a private message from a Facebook user, claiming the firm “will think about it and is apologizing to those offended.”
The movie ‘Oh my Ghost’, starring comedian star Sudarat “Tukky” Bootprom and Cris Horwang tells a story about Bee, a top model who is put in a coma after car crash. While her body lies unconscious in the hospital, Bee’s spirit wanders and seeks for help from an equally popular celebrity Kitty, who is the only person she can communicate with.
Maybe they have gone a bit too far for some, but we’ll see if one tiny detail will keep theaters empty or audiences will shrug it off and reach for more popcorn.
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