The debate surrounding the proliferation of gambling advertising is rife at the best of times. Yet, pillow-based marketing efforts have awoken turmoil at an unlikely venue in Thailand.
Local reports state that members of the MOU, or Miss Universe Organization, gave instructions to several candidates. They allegedly told them to pose with a pillow. The pillow featured the logo of Playtime, a Philippine-based online casino.
This activity violates Thai law as gambling is illegal in the country. Police confiscated the branded pillow and filming equipment, and questioned members of the MOU.
Miss Universe Thailand, the event’s host, quickly distanced itself from the promotion. It clarified that only the MOU was responsible for organizing it.
A war of words has erupted between Nawat Itsaragrisil, CEO of Miss Universe Thailand, and Raul Rocha Cantu, Co-founder of the MOU. The dispute has shifted the competition away from its usual friendly atmosphere.
Cantu attacked Itsaragrisil’s company, MGI (Miss Grand International). In response, Itsaragrisil said the MOU blocked him from running promotional activities with his own sponsors. He also shared a screenshot on Instagram showing MGI’s declining stock price.
Tensions rose further when several pageant contestants walked out of a meeting with Itsaragrisil. He had berated Fatima Bosch, Miss Universe Mexico, for working with the casino sponsor and refusing to participate in promotional activities organized by Miss Universe Thailand.
The incident caused a major stir. The Mexican Embassy in Thailand stepped in and released a statement offering support to Bosch and her family.
The controversy comes at a time when Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of Thailand, has continuously reiterated his anti-gambling stance.
Charnvirakul has consistently dismissed the chances of gambling legislation returning since replacing Paetongtarn Shinawatra, previous Prime Minister.
