Ayutthaya netizens are up in arms about a Filipino shoemaker’s promotional Instagram photo. The internet commenters are insisting that the photo makes disrespectful use of a series of five-century-old, bell-shaped chedis, which it employs as a background in an ad for a pair of loafers.
According to Khaosod, the Filipino footwear brand Suelas has been taking heat for a promotional snapshot it took at Wat Phra Srisanpetch, one of the former capital’s most famous tourist destinations. Suelas placed a pair of black loafers in front of the famous Wat, then used the image as an advertisement.
“Is this photo appropriate?” one netizen commented. “Shoes and national chedis. I am not sure what the picture owner wants to convey. But as a Ayutthaya resident, this photo is very disrespectful.”
Coconuts Bangkok checked into the company’s Instagram account (@suelasonline) and found that the controversial photo had been removed.
