(CNN)<\/a> It’s hard to imagine anything more blatant than this.<\/p>\nA new Thai beauty ad claiming white skin is the key to success has unleashed a storm of criticism in Thailand, especially online, where people complain the ad perpetuates damaging, racist ideas.<\/p>\n
“Just being white, you will win,” says Cris Horwang, a smiling pale-skinned actress, in the 50-second spot by Seoul Secret, a Thai beauty company.<\/p>\n
Without the advertised pill, “the whiteness I have invested in, will just vanish,” she warns.<\/p>\n
On screen, the actress’ expression turns despondent as her skin is digitally altered to turn black.<\/p>\n
Horwang promises that the product, called Snowz, “will help you not to return to being dark.”<\/p>\n
“Eternally white, I am confident,” she adds.<\/p>\n
On Friday evening, Seoul Secret pulled the video from its online platforms and issued a statement.<\/p>\n
“(We) would like to apologize for the mistake and claim full responsibility for this incident. Our company did not have any intention to convey discriminatory or racist messages,” it said.<\/p>\n
“What we intended to convey was that self-improvement in terms of personality, appearance, skills, and professionality (sic) is crucial.”<\/p>\n