Why did Japanese punk-rock band Wat Wayhem Orchestra apologise to their Thai fans?
A) Because they refused to perform in Bangkok.
B) Because they parodied the army’s “Returning Happiness to Thailand” tune.
C) Because they ripped off molam songs.
D) Because their lead singer wore a Buddhist monk robe onstage at a concert in Japan. After photos of Yamauchi Takaya donning the saffron garb went viral on Thai social media, the singer apologised with this Twitter post: “I did not have any intention to insult Buddhism. I admit that I don’t know Thai customs so well. I ask all Thai people to forgive me.” Despite his remorse, Khaosod English reports that the National Office of Buddhism has written a formal letter of protest to the Japanese Embassy to warn them about “blasphemous action against Buddhism”. We guess they haven’t seen the reports about all the bad Buddhist behaviour taking place right here in Thailand.
HOTEL
How can you get a free stay at the Nordic Light Hotel in Stockholm, Sweden?
A) By saying you know the owner.
B) By offering to help wash dishes in the restaurant’s kitchen.
C) By bringing your pet with you.
D) By being really popular on social media. The Swedish luxury hotel has launched a “Your Social Network as Currency” promotion, which grants those with a large online following a free stay of up to seven nights. Those with more than 2,000 friends on their personal Facebook page, 100,000 likes on a Facebook fan page, or 100,000 followers on Instagram are eligible for the deal. In exchange, the social media stars must share posts about the hotel. Hmm, we wonder if we’ll also get the freebie by promoting the hotel in this space? Just in case, do check out www.nordiclighthotel.com and #NordicLightHotel!
CRACKDOWN
What item is the South Korean government cracking down on?
A) North Korean propaganda.
B) Whitening cream.
C) Kimchi-flavoured gum.
D) Uncertified “selfie sticks”. The country’s science ministry has classified the photo-taking device as a type of communications equipment based on its Bluetooth functionality, thus must be certified by the government. The Korea Times reports that officials are seeking to find and confiscate unapproved selfie sticks, saying that unlicensed ones may cause other electronics to malfunction. Those caught selling illegal selfie sticks will face a fine or even prison time of up to three years.
Or just crack down on the silly stick altogether!