Hey folks, we are back with another segment of #FunnyFridays where we bring to you some of the most hilarious commercials from the history of advertisement. And while we have covered funny commercials from almost all parts of the world, there is something particularly unique about Thai commercials. Let’s just say that their obsession with outward appearances reflects quite boldly in their advertisements too. And the high number of ads pertaining to weight loss and fairness brands bear ample testimony to that.
However, that’s not what the Thai ad space is all about. Some of their ads are genuinely funny and wacky at the same time. Don’t believe me? Well, take a look at these 5 insanely funny Thai commercials.
1. Naturegift Instant Coffee
Now, didn’t I tell you how obsessed Thai brands and commercials are with external beauty? This 5-minute spot by Naturegift Instant Coffee would prove it.
The commercial shows the plight of two single female office workers who are both smitten by the same office jerk. The two agree to make changes to their looks so that they can land themselves a handsome man and finally get a shot at the forever elusive happiness.
However, instead of featuring any underlying positive message, the girls binge on slimming instant coffee sachets, attain instant beauty, happiness, and loads of criticism for the commercial’s blatantly fat-shaming elements.
2. Security Pants
Thai commercials often have insane storylines and some of their products are absolutely ridiculous and offensive. However, the way they present those products often makes the commercials incredibly funny. And this ad from Security Pants is an example of that.
This banned commercial by Security Pants claimed to ward off unwanted attention from men by helping women hide in plain sight as cross-dressers. The subtle bulge in the front of these tight pants was passed off as a lifesaver for women as it would create the illusion that they were actually men. If that wasn’t enough, one of the “potential rapists” also comes on camera and claims that he wanted to rape one of the women in the commercials but thanks to the bulge, he wouldn’t do it.
Wow, these people are really onto a very noble cause, aren’t they?
3. KA Lip Care
This Thai lip balm ad by KA Lip Care revolves around the emerging popularity of Yaoi- a Japanese genre that focuses on the romance between male characters.
The commercial starts like any Thai drama where a schoolboy confronts another for fooling around with his sister. Little did he know that the other lad was not as much into his sister as he was into him. And if that wasn’t enough, he is also urged by the guy to use the balm regularly so that he can know what those lips feel like! It almost felt like the hunter was about to be hunted while watching this ad.
4. Oishi Slimming Green Tea
And here’s another gem that showcases the high popularity of diet products in Thailand. And the messaging is anything but subtle!
This commercial from Oishi shows two women in a public bathroom in front of the mirror. While both women are visibly out of shape, one of the women suddenly starts to poke and prod at her belly, which channels the world’s weirdest superpower- pushing the fat into one’s breasts. And the woman in the commercial does exactly that while the other woman is left with her mouth wide open.
How the commercial connects to the product is open to interpretation, just like most Thai ads.
5. Thailand Department of Rural Roads
Speed thrills, but kills!- that’s exactly what the Thailand Department of Rural Roads aims to tell us through this 45-second spot.
The ad shows a couple on a bike who is about to crash into a truck coming from the front when the two riders pause time to ponder upon their next course of action. Unfortunately, life doesn’t give us so many chances. But if we were to not think about the context of the ad, it does seem quite funny, especially when the riders discuss ways to avoid the collision with the truck.
Wrapping Up
And that was a wrap of yet another segment of #FunnyFridays. Unlike the western ad world, Thai commercials don’t believe in subtlety and concise messaging. Instead, their commercials are long-form, complex, sometimes commercial, and downright confusing. But who cares as long as it gets you the results?
We’ll be back next week with more amazing commercials for you. Till then, stay tuned!