The reason why this Vietnamese coffee shop became the focus of controversy arose from the poster hung in front of the door during the construction period.
Marketing team printed a large slogan: "In the past, I criticized me poor, now I opened a big Vietnamese cafe in the heart of Bangkok. Have you regretted it?" (Originally Thai: เมื่อก่อนเธอว่าเราจน ตอนนี้ฉันเปิดร้านกาแฟเวียดนามใหญ่โตกลางกรุงเทพฯ เลยนะ!).
Previously, in Vietnam, many shops have applied this promotion method effectively, with content such as: Linh a! In the past, I criticized you for being poor. Now he opens a bakery. Linh! Have you any regrets?", "In the past, Trang criticized me for being poor. Now I open 2 hair salons in the city center. Does Trang regret it? Immediately reduce 30% for customers named Trang"...
However, this approach makes many Thais feel uncomfortable. The post about the coffee shop attracted tens of thousands of interactions and comments on social networks in Thailand. Some were angry, thinking that the restaurant did not respect customers and lacked understanding of local culture.
One person expressed his opinion: "It's like a message mocking someone. Luckily, I have never spoken ill of anyone. And luckily, I didn't drink coffee. But... even when I drink coffee and happen to see this type of advertisement, I prefer to go to another store.
Even with a poster this big, they still dont hire Thais, but use Google services. Thai is a language that Google Translate cannot process. In addition, they use the shape of Tahoma, an account that left a comment.
Local people read the slogan with the feeling of being disregarded for economic conditions. Personally, I think that the store does not research but only focuses on saving money and simple translations with Google Translate, one person expressed.
Responding to Lao Dong, a coffee shop representative in Bangkok admitted the shortcomings: "We do not avoid it. Currently, we are cooperating with a number of partners who understand Thai - Vietnamese culture and language to cooperate together.
"The incident occurred due to negligence in censorship by a communications staff member while using Google Services. We don't have any bad intentions, we just want to bring a happy story to attract passersby. No one in the business ever speaks ill of their customers, this person said.
To correct the mistake, the coffee shop covered the signboard with black fabric; at the same time, publicly apologized on the fanpage.
This move was supported by many locals and encouraged the restaurant to be completed soon to welcome guests.
As a Thai person, I find that sentence quite harsh... but funny. Sometimes an error translated accidentally spreads strongly - and becomes the most cost-effective but cost-effective form of promotion!, one person expressed.
Please consult Thai friends - those who understand the market and advertising. I love Vietnamese coffee culture, and believe that the restaurant will bring better ideas, one suggestion suggested.
In addition, the restaurant representative revealed that this is a project that has been cherished for 2 years. The founders wish to introduce coffee, banh mi and other Vietnamese specialties to diners in the land of the Golden Temple.
