Thai Health Promotion Ad: Replacing Alcohol with Productivity Sparks Mixed Reactions

A 2020 Thai health promotion ad titled "Replacing the Alcohol Bottle" has generated considerable buzz on Reddit. This thought-provoking video encourages viewers to substitute drinking with productive activities, especially during challenging times. The ad suggests various alternatives to alcohol consumption, such as working, cooking, or taking up delivery jobs, aiming to highlight the financial benefits of sobriety.

The ad's message, "ช่วงวิกฤษนี้ ลองเปลี่ยนลาวให้เป็น โผลุ จอ แล้วเอาจอไปทำงานหาเงิน หรื่อ ลองเปลี่ยนลาวให้เป็น กะท่ากัล เฮ้ยดื่มกะท่ากันอยู่ได้ มาช่วยเมียผัดข้าวขายดิ หรือ ลองเปลี่ยนลาวให้เป็น บอลากร บอลากรสัย แล้วหลับส่งคนส่งของ เป็นรายได้เสิร์ม เห็นไหมครับ แค่ไม่ดื่มลาวก็มีเงินชาย พร้อมสู้ทุกวิกฤษ มีสติสู้วิกฤษ หมดลาวเข้าพันศา," translates to suggesting that in times of crisis, one should replace alcohol with productive activities to earn money and better face challenges.

However, viewer reactions have been mixed. Some comments reflect a critical stance towards the ad's focus on productivity over health. One user pointed out, "We heard you want to have a good time, but what about working instead hmm?" while another lamented, "I really prefer the old one where he becomes a farmer." The sentiment that the ad promotes excessive work was echoed by another comment, "replace your relaxation time with more work, work, work is probably not the best way to get people to stop drinking."

There's also a humorous side to the responses. One user joked, "Mrs. Box just randomly show up lol," and another remarked, "Why it sounds German ????" These light-hearted comments highlight the varied ways in which the ad was received.

Some users expressed disappointment over the ad's approach. "I don't like it's about earning more money and not a health or time waste thing, nowadays it seems everything is just to earn more money," commented one viewer. Another user added, "They need the same people who do the Thai life insurance commercials for max impact," suggesting that a different creative direction might have been more effective.

The ad's attempt to address sobriety during crises did resonate with some viewers, as indicated by the comment, "Sobriety is my crisis." However, this was juxtaposed with more cynical takes, such as, "Sounds more like 'you poor? Try getting a job?'"

The Thai health promotion ad is a compelling example of how public health messages are received differently by diverse audiences, sparking debate on the best ways to encourage healthier lifestyles.