Snack rules

I opened up the English language newspaper The Nation in Bangkok on Sept. 7, and one of the lead stories in the business section is headlined “TV producers, advertisers protest snack ban”
The story’s lede says that “producers of children’s programs may suffer heavily from a loss of revenue following the ban on some ads.”
The head of Thailand advertising association said revenues could drop 10% as a result of the new regulation, which is effective Sept. 1 in trial form.
From the story: “He (head of the advertising association) suggested the government try educating adults on the danger of letting their children grow fat and remind them to read the ingredients on every package.”
That’s pretty funny. I can hear that conversation with a 5-year old. Remember, son, always read the nutrition label. Always.
An alternative, Mr. Ad Guy, would be to limit junk food advertising to kids by “adults.” Thailand’s regulation is not that draconian, as it only limits advertising to children to 10 minutes per hour, it doesn’t eliminate it totally. All cartoon characters are not allowed in food advertising targeted to children, and advertisers must spend two minutes for every ten on the “right way” to consume snacks.
Rising obesity is a problem here in Thailand and every other Asian country. Trying to get out ahead of the issue is not a bad idea, notwithstanding the shallow objections of the junk food advertisers. They should pitch their talent to fruit and vegetable marketers and everyone would be better off. Speaking of, be sure to check out the poll question this week on pitching fruits and vegetables to kids.