Netherlands issues formal apology for Buddha images on portable toilets

News > Local News

Dutch apology for Buddha toilet images

Published: 23 Jan 2013 at 15.39
Online news: Local News

The Netherlands has issued a formal apology over images of Buddha displayed on portable toilets.

Photos of public toilets in the Dutch city of Brunssum, displaying pictures of Lord Buddha, quickly went viral after they were uploaded by Thai Facebook users.

The images were met with strong condemnation from Thai and Buddhist communities yesterday.

This article is older than 60 days, which we reserve for our premium members only.You can subscribe to our premium member subscription, here.

Forum

Your comments

rva
Post : 166
Send message

Discussion 12 : 24 Jan 2013 at 07.2212
Post this to my Facebook
D9: The swastikas that D2 is referring to IS the Nazi/Hitler one, not the one from the cemeteries. One look around Silom or Sukhumvit would have taught you that....
Like dislike 0 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
buster
Post : 220
Send message

Discussion 11 : 24 Jan 2013 at 04.0211
Post this to my Facebook
Italian Hans

I am sure your well connected in the diplomatic scene, might even have "very influentual, powerful friend"
My account on facebook tells a complete different story, but as in this incident, its the mindset of looking at a painting.

please do not be offended when i suspect that "bad experience in the past" are related to your comment and really makes no sence at all when related to the facts.

Btw.Fact is that the minister of tourism never aopologized to then victim nor family for his scandelous remarks about the krabi rape case.
so be it, life goes on.
Like dislike 2 people liked / 1 people disliked this comment
hanspost
Post : 1
Send message

Discussion 10 : 23 Jan 2013 at 21.4810
Post this to my Facebook
Dear Editor, you are misinforming your readers. There is till now no formal or official apology from the Netherlands (government, parliament, foreign affairs) issued towards Thailand. The Dutch embassy on its website just relayed the apology from the company that owned the socalled Buddha toilets and gave in to the protests of some Thai people. As you undoubtedly will understand there is a big difference between the two types of apologies.
Like dislike 5 people liked / 1 people disliked this comment
Modin
Post : 40
Send message

Discussion 9 : 23 Jan 2013 at 20.559
Post this to my Facebook
After looking at the photos I am not really sure what the point of the advertising was... I cannot believe a fellow countryman of mine could be so utterly stupid as to run that on a WC of all things. They would never have dared have some islamic photo on one.

I would like to apologize for the stupidity of my countryman and hope the view of thais towards my people hasnt been too badly affected. We love thailand!

P.S. for #2 the swastika was around far before hitler usurped it as his symbol... one look around the cemetaries of SEAsia would have taught you that
Like dislike 5 people liked / 8 people disliked this comment
VC

Discussion 8 : 23 Jan 2013 at 20.318
I wonder why this toilet designer used the Buda image for the Toilet, and did not think about the negative effects on others people feelings?
from iPhone application.
Like dislike 4 people liked / 3 people disliked this comment
tony_n
Post : 99
Send message

Discussion 7 : 23 Jan 2013 at 18.347
Post this to my Facebook
Yet again, religious people and organizations up in arms about other people 'offending' them. It's so boring and repetitive. You have your beliefs, and I have mine. Personally I find it offensive that a person's religion is something people are supposed to respect without condition. Go ahead and believe in fairy tales if you will, but please don't expect others to tread on eggshells in order to avoid 'offending' you.
Like dislike 27 people liked / 4 people disliked this comment
OldThaiHand
Post : 652
Send message

Discussion 6 : 23 Jan 2013 at 18.096
Post this to my Facebook
I suppose an appology was in order. But, the way the issue turned so angry is what annoyed me, given the Thais' complete insensitivity about things that offend western sensibilities, such as mention by discussion 2.

One only needs to recall the Thai school that allowed it's students to parade around in Nazi regalia last year, to be reminded of the ignorance of Thais to sensitive issues that concern considerably more people than constitutes the population of Thailand.
Like dislike 33 people liked / 2 people disliked this comment
nitnoi
Post : 574
Send message

Discussion 5 : 23 Jan 2013 at 17.575
Post this to my Facebook
Imagine this happen in Thailand, it could break two nations relationship and the man could be jailed may be 9years and 11 months . USA gardeners should appologize to me atleast one neighbor has one Buddha head as garden decoration, the second one is on the display in living room. Dutch always do things unconventionally, it is more liberal than the rest of the world's nations and yet it appologized Thailand , very classy. I extend my love beyond its bulb flowers to people this time.
Like dislike 14 people liked / 5 people disliked this comment
CMfarang
Post : 645
Send message

Discussion 4 : 23 Jan 2013 at 17.554
Post this to my Facebook
Thailand could use some portable toilets at public events. They have blank space on the outside, that is sold for advertisments. Some people need to relax.
Like dislike 14 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
tomb
Post : 383
Send message

Discussion 3 : 23 Jan 2013 at 17.273
Post this to my Facebook
Unlike other countries, Holland knows when to apologise...
Like dislike 27 people liked / 3 people disliked this comment