The official uniform, which Thai athletes will wear during the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, was unveiled yesterday on the Facebook page of ‘Stadium TH’ and immediately drew mixed reactions from netizens.
The uniform, showcased by Thai national badminton player Sapsiree Taerattanachai, is modelled after the Phraratchathan (Royally bestowed) long-sleeved suit, which is frequently worn by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, his cabinet ministers and senior government officials. It is made of light blue Thai silk with a mandarin collar.
One unnamed user commented: “Is this the Olympic uniform or a uniform worn by a provincial governor to preside over a national sports event?” The second commented: “Paris Tambon Administrative Organisation (TAO), Sawasdee.”
Another said she appreciated the use of Thai fabric, but suggested that the design of the uniform should be more modern, adding that the uniform looks like a uniform for attending a TAO event.
Two people were more critical. Pansak Vinyaratn, former advisor to several former prime ministers, opined in his Facebook post: “This is the uniform of a waiter in a restaurant of a two-star hotel or a district-level restaurant.”
Well-known architect Duangrit Bunnag said: “All my friends complained last night. So sad.” He suggested that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin mobilise designers to help change the design, adding that there is still enough time to do so.
