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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider BL/GL Updates devider Win Metawin, other Thai stars apologize for misusing domestic violence 'Signal for Help' gesture

Win Metawin, other Thai stars apologize for misusing domestic violence 'Signal for Help' gesture

Published Jul 17, 2026 09:29 am  |  Updated Jul 17, 2026 01:00 pm
Thai stars Win Metawin (center) and Force Jiratchapong Srisang (right) doing the hand gesture (Screenshot from Force's video uploaded by netizen on X)
Thai stars Win Metawin (center) and Force Jiratchapong Srisang (right) doing the hand gesture (Screenshot from Force's video uploaded by netizen on X)

Thai stars, including actor Win Metawin, have apologized after being called out online for misusing the Signal for Help hand gesture.

The Signal for Help was created by the Canadian Women's Foundation and launched in April 2020 to help people experiencing domestic or gender-based violence.

"It’s a simple one-handed gesture (palm forward, tuck thumb, trap thumb) someone can use without leaving a digital trace to communicate they need someone to safely check in and support them," according to the foundation.

The controversy began after actor Force Jiratchapong Srisang uploaded an Instagram Stories video showing himself and Win Metawin using the Signal for Help while at a gym.

A netizen later reposted the video on X and wrote, "Did these actors think it was appropriate to use a HELP SIGNAL as a trend or a joke? This may seem harmless, but this gesture was created for a very serious situation: to help women in situations of violence ask for help without having to say a word. When this sign becomes a trend or meme, it loses its power. And worse, a real cry for help may end up not being taken seriously."

Following the backlash, netizens also shared photos and videos of other Thai stars using the same hand gesture while greeting fans.

Win Metawin, who starred in "2gether" and "F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers," said he used the Signal for Help "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. I didn’t realize it 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 said.

Thai actress Film Rachanun Mahawan also apologized on X.

"I would like to offer my sincere apologies for using the Domestic Violence Signal. At the time, I mistakenly believed it was merely a general gesture for asking for help, and I was completely unaware of its true meaning and the serious context it carries," she wrote.

Most of the Thai stars who apologized said they were unaware of the gesture's true meaning.

Others who have also apologized are Nani Hirunkit Changkham, Sky Wongravee Nateetorn, Tu Tontawan Tantivejakul, Love Pattranite Limpatiyakorn, Charlotte Austin, Aou Thanaboon Kiatniran, Ohm Thipakorn Thitathan, Namtan Tipnaree Weerawatnodom, Jan Ployshompoo Supasap, and Bonnie Pattraphus Borattasuwan.

Thai actors Win Metawin (right) and Force Jiratchapong Srisang (Instagram)
Thai actors Win Metawin (right) and Force Jiratchapong Srisang (Instagram)
Thai stars doing the hand gesture (Screenshot from BL News video on X)
Thai stars doing the hand gesture (Screenshot from BL News video on X)
The Signal for Help hand gesture (Screenshot from guide issued by the Canadian Women’s Foundation)
The Signal for Help hand gesture (Screenshot from guide issued by the Canadian Women’s Foundation)

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Thai stars BL stars GL stars Win Metawin
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