Unilever accused of racial bias over ad for Thai whitening product Citra
Critics say the advert discriminates against dark-skinned people
The "Citra search for clear, soft and glowing skin" asked female students to submit photographs of themselves in their university uniform along with a bottle of Citra Pearly White UV body lotion, for a reward of 100,000 baht (HK$25,000). Citra is a Thai subsidiary of Unilever.
The advert - broadcast on Thai TV and YouTube - showed two female students, one lighter-skinned and another darker-skinned, who were asked what could make them "outstanding in uniform".
The darker-skinned girl seemed incapable of answering, while the fairer one - whom presenters described as "beautiful" - said Citra products could help.
The advert sparked a debate over skin tone and education levels. Many believed the inference to be that darker-skinned students are less intelligent than lighter-skinned colleagues in a country where fairer skin has long been equated with higher class - as a whiter complexion suggests a life not spent toiling on a farm.
Although the advert was withdrawn last week, the scholarship competition still stands.
Contestants have until 31 October to enter, and their skin will be judged on "product efficacy", with winners allowed to spend the funds as they choose.
Skin-whitening products abound in Thailand, as they do across much of Asia, with pale models advertising cosmetics, pills and diet supplements to lighten dark complexions.