BANGKOK, Thailand -- A Buddhist group says it successfully convinced a
French factory to stop printing Buddha's face on toilets, but failed
in a lengthy campaign to censor a Walt Disney movie series featuring a
dog named Buddha.
The Bangkok-based group, Knowing Buddha
(
Knowing Buddha), also targets the "disrespectful" use
of Buddha's face or iconic appearance on dildos and other sex toys,
clothing, tattoos, furniture, statues and souvenirs.
"No progress on Disney, they have not responded at all," said
Acharavadee Wongsakon, the Thai founder of Knowing Buddha, referring
to the "Buddies" movies.
"Also, the U.S. Embassy has not been helpful," she said in an
interview on March 20.
"It is pathetic. We have been trying to push the [Thai] government to
arrange a seminar for government bureaus, including tourism and
hotels, to show the serious problem that is happening, and to address
a solution. Our effort is fruitless."
Mrs. Acharavadee launched the anti-Disney campaign in June when she
led 200 supporters on a "Stop Disrespecting Buddha" protest march