Social media revel in April 1 pranks
Each year, many people tend to forget April Fool’s Day and often fall prey to the many pranks reserved for that day. Social media make it even easier and have even more people participating in this annual ritual.
The most popular joke this year came out of the US Embassy in Bangkok.
The US mission yesterday posted an announcement that it was recruiting a Feline Welfare Specialist.
Applications would be accepted only on April 1.
Among the requirements were the ability to exercise judgement in dealing with felines with sharp claws and the ability to efficiently take photos of felines for social media use.
Applicants were asked to submit a portfolio of their selfies with cats and a recommendation letter from a cat along with the application form.
On Facebook, They Call Me A Cat commented: Dear U.S. Embassy
I am interested in this position but I can’t wear a tie since I have no neck.
Ps. I don’t have writing skill so would you mind receiving my five rows of talisman instead?
He got a reply: Sawasdee kha. Now we only accept humans for the post. We have many feline officers. We will inform you when we are open for more positions. PS. Mostly, our feline officers wear Birthday Suits [naked], they don’t need a tie.
Other popular jokes, which people always notice as a joke, are wedding invitations and about big fortunes such as winning lotteries or big prizes.
Veena Thoopkrajae wrote: Don’t fill up your tank today. Hang on, oil prices will decrease by Bt5 tomorrow.
Not surprisingly, many Thais made jokes about politics.
Writer Teepagorn Champ Wuttipitayamongkol posted a drawing of a ballot box with a person voting. On the box was written “April Fool”.
On Line, a message was circulated that former premier Thaksin Shinawatra had announced he did not want to come back to Thailand but wanted to open a Northern Thai food restaurant in Dubai.
Meanwhile, Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva has quit politics and dedicated his life to teaching poor kids in a northern forest. People’s Democratic Reform Committee leader Suthep Thaugsuban goes back to his oyster farm in Samui while former
premier Yingluck Shinawatra has opened a cafe and salad shop in Mon Chaem.
“General Prayut [Chan-o-cha] resigns and returns happiness to Thai people during Songkran Festival, and also produces a patriotic drama featuring [Korean actor] Song Joong Ki, Mai Davika [Hoorne] and Beer The Voice as main characters.”
Reporter Namsifa Nam wrote on her Facebook: “Thai people should name this day as a National Recheck Day,” and it would be scary if real tragedies happened and people failed to realise.
Nanthasit Nitmetha wrote: “Although someone may speak 100 per cent truth, people around will still doubt. This is how scary ‘a lie’ is.”
Actually in Thailand, April 1 is also the anniversary of many events and organisations.
The media also reminded the people that April 1, 1905, was the day King Chulalongkorn (King Rama V) announced the abolition of slavery.
A lot of Thai social media users and even foreigners wrote their appreciation for his kind and brave decision.
However, Titipong Makeakagon wrote, “But nowadays, the poor are returning to be slaves. They are suppressed by the governing class, elites and the rich to not stand up for the basic human rights they possess.
Prawat Sombatwong wrote: “And when will Thais stop being slaves of politicians?”
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