BANGKOK — As the 33rd Olympic Games in Paris, France, draw near, from July 26 to August 11, a hot topic concerning the Thai national team has emerged. Surprisingly, it isn’t about the athletes’ preparations but rather the design of their ceremonial uniform.
The controversy began when the ceremonial uniforms with the traditional Thai patterns were introduced. Critics mocked the design, calling it outdated and comparing it to the dress of local government officials, some even likening it to a waiter’s uniform.
On 19 July, Thailand’s top mixed doubles badminton player Popor Sapsiree Taerattanachai, who modeled the ceremonial uniform, responded to the criticism with a smiling emoji, a heart, a peace sign and the Thai flag.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin replied reporters on this issue: ‘It’s all a question of individual taste. Some may say my shirt is outdated, others may find it beautiful. Let’s focus on more important things.’
Mr. Thana Chaiprasit, head of the Thai national athletes’ delegation, explained that the purpose of creating this suit was to promote Thai fabric. The Olympic Committee of Thailand, under General Prawit Wongsuwan’s direction, commissioned Songsamai Shop, Saphan Sung Hi branch, an old and established Thai tailoring shop, to design and tailor the suits.
They have been using this shop’s services for no less than 20 years. The suits will only be worn for royal audiences and during the opening and closing ceremonies.
However, after receiving criticism, Mr. Thana stated that the athletic team is planning to make adjustments and improvements for better suitability. Additionally, considering that Paris is quite hot and athletes need to cruise along the Seine River during the opening ceremony, they will likely use the warm-up suits from Grand Sport.
This solution seems to align with the opinion of many internet users who suggested that the Thai national team switch to wearing jackets from Grand Sport company instead.
Previously, in response to the criticism, the prime minister praised the design team of Grand Sport for incorporating Ban Chiang art from Udon Thani — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — into the uniforms.
Thiti Phruekcha-um, Vice President of Grand Sport Group, the official uniform supplier, explained that the design concept “Be Our Spirit” aims to blend Thai heritage with global elements. The collaboration involved the Creative Textile and Design Center (FTCDC) at Udon Thani Rajabhat University, the Ban Chiang Museum, and the local Ban Chiang community, focusing on traditional weaving and dyeing techniques.
Grand Sport also emphasizes sustainability by using carbon-neutral fabrics produced with green energy and made from recycled plastic bottles. The jerseys are made from flexible, lightweight Micro Spandex and Poly Spandex as well as easy-care Polymild fabric with antibacterial technology for athlete hygiene.
“The Olympic Games are being watched by the whole world. We have made sure that the uniforms fit perfectly and allow the athletes to perform at their best,” said Thiti.
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