As we tweeted earlier this week, we've been subscribing to Twitter feeds and reading blogs to see what other competitors are doing in preparation for the semi-finals and possible becoming the Ultimate Thai Explorers. Amber and I think we're the best representatives the Tourism Authority of Thailand could ever have, but it never hurts to scout the competition.
One couple, who will remain anonymous, wrote in a blog of one's knowledge of "the tricks of the Thais who prey on tourists to cheat them out of money." This person elaborated in writing of unscrupulous tuk-tuk drivers and raised prices for foreigners.
One couple, who will remain anonymous, wrote in a blog of one's knowledge of "the tricks of the Thais who prey on tourists to cheat them out of money." This person elaborated in writing of unscrupulous tuk-tuk drivers and raised prices for foreigners.
What a negative portrayal! This person wants to win a trip at the expense of TAT and "sell" Thailand to foreign visitors but writes something so derogatory? I can promise you, you'll never see anything negative from us. Once something is in print, it's there forever, my friends. And once you post it online, it's everywhere forever! The Ultimate Thai Explorer competition is about extending Thailand's brand awareness around the world. The brand has little equity because it lacks salience. (how's that for a marketing perspective?) We understand that not everything in Thailand will be exactly to our liking. But we will not use the blogs, tweets, status updates, and vlogs as a forum in which to air those grievances. We're never going to portray Thai people or Chiang Mai in a negative way. It's not us, and nor should it be anyone else.
When I was in Japan, I was hospitalized for a few weeks after having an appendicitis and my gall bladder removed. I later wrote a column about the experience for The Gaijin Journal, entitled "Hospital Hospitality." While I can't claim that everything about being in the hospital was a pleasant experience, I never presented any negative experiences I had as systemic or endemic of Japan or her people. Instead, I used the experience as an opportunity to discuss the differences between the American and Japanese health care systems to my readers back home.
Amber and Theo will bring you the best content and the best stories in a completely positive manner. In fact, this post will be the most negative I'll ever be! We want to represent Thailand in a positive way, and we'll promise that here, now, and forever.
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