ThaiBev denies role in viral ‘ads’

24 CELEBRITIES TO BE QUESTIONED AFTER ONLINE BEER BROUHAHA

The company behind Chang beer has sought to distance itself from a viral internet controversy, denying it paid celebrities to promote its products online.

Edmond Neo Kim Soon, chief executive officer for beer at Thai Beverage Plc, yesterday denied the singers and artists who posted photographs with Chang beer were part of the company’s advertising.

The controversy started after a photograph of Pakorn “Dome” Lam with a bottle of Chang went viral online last week. In total, 24 celebrities have been found to have posted similar images online, and police are investigating whether they have broken the law.

Mr Soon said the company had no policy as such actions would be in breach of the law.

“We affirmed that the company has no policy to promote our drinking products, such as beer or whisky, with famous Thai artists, as we understand about business ethics and Thai law,” he said.

The denial came as Office of the Consumer Protection Board secretary-general Ampon Wongsiri said yesterday authorities will investigate whether alcohol manufacturers were responsible for the circulation of the photographs.

Twenty-four celebrities and entertainers will be summoned for questioning in the wake of the scandal, deputy national police chief Pongsapat Pongcharoen has said.

Pol Gen Pongsapat said all 24 had posted photos of alcohol products on social media sites and would be questioned to determine whether their actions violated the Alcohol Control Act.

Speaking after a meeting with the Consumer Protection Police Division, the Consumer Protection Board and the Excise Department, Pol Gen Pongsapat said any display of alcohol brands or logos is prohibited under Section 26 of the act.

The offence is subject to a maximum one-year jail term and a 100,000-baht fine.

He also warned members of the public that posting a photo of an alcohol product that clearly displays the label is against the law. It does not matter whether they intend to show the brands or not.

He said the group will face an additional charge under Section 32 of the legislation if their photos were accompanied by remarks deemed to be promoting the products. The section bans anyone from advertising alcoholic drinks and imposes a maximum oneyear jail term and a fine of 500,000 baht.

Among the 24 people in question are Pakorn, an actor, and prominent VJs Waranchaya “Ja” Chindarakwong and Virithipa “Woonsen” Pakdeeprasong.