“I’m not a terrorist – I would never wear those clothes. I’m a fashion blogger!”
Former Macleay College journalism student Sunny Burns has drawn parallels between himself and Schapelle Corby after being suspected of being this week’s Thailand bomber.
The 26-year-old model and actor teaches English in Thailand and has spent six hours being interrogated by police after turning himself in to police following an internet post drawing similarities between himself and the bomber, who was photographed wearing round specs and a garish yellow t-shirt.
Last night Burns posted on his Facebook page: “Still at Police Station. Police are looking after me. No idea what’s happening…I’m not a terrorist and the photo of the terrorist looks nothing like me. I would never wear those clothing – I’m a fashion blogger…I’ll keep you posted but please pray for Thailand. I’m Australian and we are battlers…I still love you Thailand.”
He is urging fellow Westerners to visit Thailand and help them rebuild the city and an hour after his first Facebook post followed up with: “Now in a police car and they are going to search my house for bombs. Police are great, doing their job and allowing me to use my phone. I really need a protein shake and a big hug. This is all because of social media and some jealous hater spreading gossip. Mum I’m safe and more worried about the people injured in the attack. Stay safe everyone and pray for Thailand.”
The bomb explosion went off in a shopping area called Central Word and ripped through he Erawan Shrine in the Ratchaprasong district of Thailand’s capital on Monday, killing 22 people and injuring more than 120.
No one has claimed responsibility for the attack yet but a post comparing Burns to the suspect, who was wearing the yellow t-shirt and a rucksack, started doing the rounds after CCTV footage was released.
Burns, who has walked runways all over the world and is represented by Vivien’s Model Management in Australia, found fame in Thailand after he started in TV series Keep In Touch with Gam The Star. He told Sunrise this morning he was so panicked about being a suspect, he didn’t even get legal advice before turning himself into police.
“I had to go straight to the police because they were looking for me,” he said. “It was that stressful that I had to go straight to the police and basically say ‘Hi I’m Sunny and I’m not a terrorist’. When I arrived [at the police station], I only know a bit of Thai, and the big scary boss he came and started screaming at me and I thought ‘oh my God, this is a set up. I’m going to be like Schapelle Corby but the terrorist version’.”
Meanwhile Thai junta chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha has said the bombing, which was closely followed by a second hit, is the “worst ever attack on Thailand” and believes the suspected bomber is from an “anti-government group based in Thailand’s north-east”, the heartland of the kingdom’s anti-coup Red Shirt movement.
Latest News
Telstra Calls In ABC Comic Mark Humphries To Hilariously Debunk 5G Conspiracy Theories
B&T finds the 5G conspiracy theories truly laughable, except Bill Gates wanting to microchip us all. That appears legit.
The Mint Partners Wins Pernod Ricard, Cemoy & Little National
Independent communications consultancy The Mint Partners has bolstered its integrated client roster and signed a number of premium lifestyle brands to kick start the new financial year. With an array of new products, services, and a focus on insight-led and creative integrated communications, MINT has enjoyed recent success with an expanded portfolio across new categories including fintech, […]
Activist Who Wanted Coon Cheese Shelved Now Wants Paul’s Smarter White Milk Renamed
B&T suggests new, less offensive names for Smarter Milk could be Udderly Delicious or the Liquid Lactose Lash.
University Of Tasmania Appoints Pivotus To Digital Advertising Strategy, Buying & Analysis
University Of Tassie set to debunk rumours its courses only include woodchopping, cider maker and a PHD in David Boon.
Aussie Agencies Top AD STARS 2020 Shortlist, With Ogilvy, M&C Saatchi Sydney And VMLY&R On Top
Aussie agencies dominate AD STARS shortlist, sending a clear warning to the likes of Bhutan & Kiribati in the process.
“I’d Rather Die Than Do This For A Day!” Influencer Lampooned For Job Ad From Hell
Who doesn't love to laugh at a "job ad from hell" story? Unless you once answered one and now have the job from hell.
Rumour Has It James Corden Will Replace Ellen If She Steps Down
Ellen set to join the list of ex-TV villains that also includes Ryan Phelan, Kerri-Anne Kennerley & Humphrey B. Bear
Indie Industry Body IMAA Launches First Radio Campaign With ARN
In what no one is calling a delicious irony, independent advertising body puts money where its mouth is by advertising.
opr Adds DocuSign To Client Roster
Sure, it might not be a Coke or a Qantas, but opr think this win significant enough to send well-meaning press release.
Stan Acquires Heckler Co-Produced Biopic On F1 champion Sir Jack Brabham
A feature length documentary on the extraordinary racing career of Australia’s first Formula 1 champion, Sir Jack Brabham, co-produced by design, animation and visual effects house Heckler, will be available on Stan exclusively from this Friday – 7 August. Directed by Ákos Armont (Aurora Films) in association with Heckler, whose co-founder Will Alexander served as […]
Monday TV Wrap: Bells Ring For Seven As Farmer Wants A Wife Continues Good Run
Farmer Wants A Wife does the business for Seven & we're yet to get to the neutering or the dagging part of the series.
Is This The End For Cash? 62% of Aussies Now Use Card Payments For Just About Everything
Dodgy tradies, international drug cartels and fountain wishing-wells set to be most effected by move away from cash.
ET Collective Announces 2020 Winner Of WomenKind X ET Initiative
Much like a winner's envelope that refuses to open, get past this confusing headline to reveal the winner inside.
“Notable For Its Exotic Plumage!” David Attenborough Loans Voice To Hilarious Anti-Trump Campaign
You rarely equate humour with political ads, & that just proves what a wonderful anomaly the Trump presidency truly is.
Seven Turns To Hit UK Format Beat The Chasers Comes To Find Australia’s Smartest
Seven unveils plans for a quiz show that sadly doesn't include a dunking machine or electric shocks for a wrong answer.
Adrian Farouk Appointed CEO Of Publicis’ Epsilon In ANZ
Adrian Farouk now guaranteed a spot in the Publicis' staff car park after promotion to Epsilon CEO.
“Now That’s A M***** F***** Burger!” Provocative Ad Sells Merits Of Going Vegan
The many advantages of veganism is getting to tell people 147 times a day & annoying the crap out of restaurant chefs.
Hays: 39% Of Job Applicants Have No Idea How To “Gain A Place On An Interview Shortlist”
Here's top tips for job applicants that include excluding juggling, the bagpipes and your Bali arrest on your resume.
Study: 1.5 Million Aussies Watch Netball On TV (& Third Of Those Are Men)
Study finds men are increasingly watching netball. Not helping with the housework, but definitely tuning-in to netball.
Hindus Rage At Unsavoury “Namaste Mother F@cker” T-Shirts
Sure, this T-shirt is kinda witty. Yet not appropriate for job interviews, a visit to nan's or Hindu cremation ceremony.
Would TikTok Be Missed?
Columnist poses the question - would TikTok be missed? B&T says not as much as vanilla Paddle-Pops or Best Of Red Faces.
NextMedia’s frankie And Gardening Australia Magazines Report “Surge In Sales”
Reports say frankie & Gardening Australia mag sales are soaring. Further proof that frankfurts & potted annuals are hip.
Mag Closures & The New Landscape For Earned Media
This columnist argues that fortune favours the brave. And that's from a media perspective, not a dragon fighting one.
“Worst Year In Living Memory!” Aussie Ad Spends Plummet 14.7% In 2019/20
As expected, 2019/20 ad spends make for very difficult reading indeed. Even more so if you've forgotten your glasses.
Jamie Whincup And A Host Of Aussie Personalities Star In Club Marine Series
In a first for the Australian insurance market, Club Marine, Australia’s largest provider of boat and pleasure-craft insurance, has released a new series of videos to help explain insurance cover. With a few familiar Aussie personalities to help out, Club Marine is helping its members, as well as the broader boating community, to understand the […]
Ultimate Edge Communications Welcomes Michaela Fulop Back As Client Success Manager
Sydney, July 31st, 2020: Sydney-based media marketing consultancy Ultimate Edge Communications (UEC) announces a new hire in the company’s media team; Michaela Fulop returns to fill the vacant role of Client Success Manager, to be the go-to person across the full client roster.
No Change At The Top! Initiative Remains Top Performing Media Agency For June
June's new business wins is pretty much the same as May's, just with a few less factual inaccuracies this time around.
DDB Still Top Dog For New Business Wins For June
DDB still top agency for new business wins. Sadly, has postponed celebratory rooftop effigy burning due to high winds.
Australian Advertising Students To Compete In Advertising Capstone Challenge
Ad grads set to compete in the Capstone Challenge. Which sadly doesn't appear to include a hotdog eating component.
Harold Mitchell Wins Legal Battle Over Australian Open TV Deal
Harold Mitchell wins his battle with ASIC. Which is top news for the lucky restaurant in which he chose to celebrate.
