They have directly addressed the matter that was brought to light following the circulation of recent clips, including compilation video that showed past occurrences.
In the past day, several Thai actors and actresses made successive issuance of apology statements on their respective social media accounts.
Chiefly, the apology was done for the misuse of the hand gesture created to call for help when a woman, or any other person, experiences domestic violence.
It came into the public view following a recent Instagram story uploaded by actor Force Jiratchapong, where he was with Win Metawin and a fitness influencer at the gym.
In the said short clip, the two actors were seen using the said gesture, with the “SOS” emoji also embedded.
As the context is different for the situation, many called them out over the matter.
First to issue a statement is Win, who wrote in a statement posted on his account: “Hi everyone, I’ve been reading your messages and comments about the hand signal I used in my recent post.“
“I’m truly sorry for using a gesture without fully understanding its meaning or the sensitivity behind it. I misunderstood the gesture, thinking it was simply a general sign for asking for help in any situation,” he continued, adding that he did not have prior knowledge that the gesture carries a specific meaning.
“This experience has reminded me to be more mindful when using hand gestures and symbols, and I’ll be more careful in the future,” he noted. “Thank you for your kindness and understanding. I’ll continue to be more thoughtful in my actions and what I share.“
Meanwhile, Force also issued a similar statement on his own account and noted, “I sincerely apologize for not fully understanding the deeper meaning and sensitivity behind that gesture. I mistakenly believed it was simply a general hand sign used to ask for help in any situation, and I genuinely didn’t know that it carries a specific meaning.“
He also went on that he has also seen many people use the hand gesture in everyday situations in Thailand, something thet he “misunderstood” as something common without knowing its significance.
“That was my mistake, and I take full responsibility for it,” the actor took accountability.
“This experience has taught me to be much more careful when using hand gestures and other symbols, and I’ll make sure to be more thoughtful in the future,” he added, before closing his message to by thanking those who explained it to him and promised to be “more mindful” about what he shares in the future.
Following the circulation of the said story by Force, some netizens also brought up past instances of other personalities also doing the same hand signal, with many explaining that they, too, were unaware of its meaning.
Thus, several others have also shared their public apologies such as Nani Hirunkit, Sky Wongravee, Tu Tontawan, Love Pattranite, Charlotte Austin, Aou Thanaboon, and Ohm Thipakorn.
Aside from them, Namtan Weerawatnodom, Film Rachanun, Jan Ployshompoo, and Bonnie Pattraphus Borattasuwan have also aired their side on the matter.
Gemini Norawit also shared his message and told, “I sincerely apologize for using the domestic violence hand signal. I didn’t understand its true meaning or the seriousness of the signal at the time. I now realize how important it is, and I am truly sorry to everyone I hurt, disappointed, or worried. I really didn’t mean any harm to anyone.“
“And also, thank you to everyone who spoke up and educated me. I’ve read your messages and deeply appreciate your feedback. I will learn from this mistake and be much more thoughtful in the future,” he added.