Controversial Vietnamese cafe in Bangkok apologizes after furore!

Controversial Vietnamese cafe in Bangkok apologizes after furore!

A Vietnamese café is causing a stir in Bangkok. The establishment has put up a controversial poster while it carries out interior renovations. The poster reads in Thai, roughly translated: "You used to say I was poor, but now I've opened a great Vietnamese cafe in the heart of Bangkok! Do you regret it yet?" This reports Vietnam.vn. Such signs are popular on Vietnamese social media and are often meant to be humorous, but some locals in Thailand find the language inappropriate.

The reaction on social networks was intense. Many users commented that the statement was disrespectful, and one user commented that it was derogatory to customers' economic situation. The incident is also being discussed in the context of the Hue-based coffee brand AK, which already operates four branches in the region. Dan Tri reporters attempted to reach the company but received no response regarding the controversy.

Cultural sensitivity is crucial

The café has since covered the poster with black fabric and publicly apologized. Mr. Tran Trung Hieu, an expert in the F&B industry, highlights the importance of understanding local cultures for businesses. He criticizes the cafe's sloppy communication, particularly the use of jokes that do not fit the local culture. Hieu warns that cultural misunderstandings can lead to extremely negative consequences. A bad first impression can seriously damage the trust of the local population, which is particularly critical for foreign brands.

Hieu points to the example of a Chinese milk tea brand that failed in Vietnam due to an inappropriate approach. He emphasizes that a brand's behavior can also influence the image of its country of origin. Therefore, when expanding abroad, it is crucial for Vietnamese brands to keep both the business and the image of their own country in mind.

Lalitta Cafe in Chiang Rai

Aside from the controversies in Bangkok, Thailand also has interesting cafe experiences like Lalitta Cafe in Chiang Rai. It has a unique concept inspired by an Imagination Forest and Snow Forest. The cafe features an artificial forest landscape with various plants and flowers and attracts visitors with its attractions, including a bridge, a waterfall and an artificial river. The magical atmosphere is rounded off by fog effects, which make the café also known as Alice in Wonderland Café or Gods Wonderland Café.

Near the waterfall are Thai statues depicting fairies or nymphs. Lalitta Café offers both outdoor and indoor spaces: the outdoor area has a rainforest feel, while the indoor area is aesthetically designed with colorful paper ornaments and wooden elements. The opening hours are daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and the menu is also varied: from Tom Yum to Pad Thai to beef steak, there is something for everyone. The entrance fee is 60 Baht for adults and 17,500 IDR for children, which can be redeemed for food or drinks.

Overall, these two examples show the importance of understanding and responding to cultural contexts, whether in a turbulent urban environment or in the relaxing atmosphere of a café.