The big thing on social media earlier this year was a viral clip about a Thai model that posed as a nude waitress for a coffee shop. The stunt was intended to attract more customers and to raise the profile of the owner, and it certainly achieved that, although not in the way that he wanted!
The owner of the coffee shop faces obscenity charges after the suggestive photos and videos went online. The waitress was not actually ‘naked’, but there wasn’t a lot left to the imagination. Model Arisa Suwannawong wore nothing but an apron. She posed as a gesture of goodwill, hoping to promote Nina Coffee Shop, located in Thailand’s Chonburi’s Sattahip district.
Not All Buzz is Good
Her colleague, Minggomut Ming Kongsawas also tried to be a good Samaritan, going commando for some saucy photos. According to Coconuts Bangkok, a media outlet, the pair came up with the idea themselves and then did the shoot for free.
The owner uploaded the photos from the racy shoot, and when the police got involved, he admitted to charges of uploading obscene materials to publicly accessible computer systems. According to a statement from the police, the owner says that he just wanted to publicise his shop, which had opened the week before, and since the model in the photos was not completely naked, he thought that he was not acting in breach of the law. If he is charged, then he could face a prison sentence of three to five years or a fine of 100,000 BAHT.
Not All Viewers Appreciated the Shoot
While some viewers thought that the shoot was a lot of fun, and it attracted a lot of publicity, there are some that disagreed. The publicity did not go down well with Baristas. One complained that it has made female Baristas like herself be viewed in a negative light, and said that foreigners now see Thailand as a place full of brothels, while there are many hardworking people in the barista profession who are now not perceived with the respect that they deserve. Others said that people come to a coffee shop to drink coffee and that there is no need for such marketing.
Be Mindful of Cultural Differences
There’s some truth to those statements, and for mainstream marketing, it is important that you consider your audience. However, if you’re planning an event where people just want to let their hair down, then you can certainly have a lot of fun with a little suggestive dress, especially if you can walk the line well and find professional, classy models that will take on the task. Working with professionals ensures that you have control over your brand.
The shoot in question attracted 21,000 reactions – incredible for a coffee shop that has just opened. That’s the kind of marketing power that many companies can only dream of.
We know first hand how powerful a good model and a creative shoot or video can be. We’ve helped many brand owners to grow their business and to improve their reach with some mascots, booth staff and smiles – and we’re pleased to say that we aren’t in the habit of having our clients face jail time either! If you’re planning a bucks party or event, then have a chat with us and meet some of our models. You’ll find that they’re approachable, friendly and fun and that they’re eager to help make your guests welcome in the best possible way. They’ll get to know your brand and understand the type of business that you want to put forward, and then they’ll work with you to create the atmosphere that you would like.
The good news is that if you’re in Australia, you don’t have to worry about facing jail for hiring awesome models. If you’re hosting an event and you want a great model to show up to it, then get in touch with us. We can help you find the perfect model, and you can have your own eye-catching topless waitresses for your corporate event or party. So, take this chance to try something a little different and generate some buzz for your own Instagram. We bet it will be worth it!
