Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has defended the new uniforms for Thai athletes in the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games, stating that the design was inspired by Ban Chiang, a World Heritage Site.
Mr. Srettha was responding to widespread criticism from social media users who described the design as “outdated.”
He urged critics to respect the design team, saying, “When you say your clothes or mine are outdated, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, isn’t it?”
His remarks came during a visit to the Office of the Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo) on Thursday.
He emphasized that respect should be given to the uniform designers and that people should avoid focusing on trivial issues.
On Wednesday, Mr. Srettha took to his Facebook account to defend the ceremonial uniforms designed for Thai athletes to wear at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics on July 26.
He wrote, “Patterns from the Ban Chiang Archaeological Site have inspired the design team. The outfit reflects a combination of Thai cultural heritage and internationalization.”
Mr. Srettha noted that the design team engaged in extensive research, including meetings with the head of the Fabric and Textile Creative Design Centre at Udon Thani Rajabhat University.
They consulted with the Ban Chiang National Museum, the Fine Arts Department, and local communities skilled in traditional weaving, indigo fabric dyeing, and pottery, incorporating these elements into the uniform design.
The team integrated these patterns, indigo dyeing techniques, and insights from their research to craft modern, world-class uniforms.
They also utilized polo shirts made from recycled plastic bottles to enhance environmental sustainability.
Additionally, Ban Chiang motifs are featured throughout the various uniforms and competition attire.
“The uniform represents not only a costume but a fusion of historical reverence and a sustainable outlook,” Mr. Srettha added. “It encourages the younger generation to value Thai culture while embracing progress.”
His statements followed social media backlash after images of the uniform surfaced on the Stadium TH Facebook page.
Among the comments were: “(The design team) had to please senior figures; otherwise, the design would not get approval,” “Soft Power on the Rock,” and “Is this all you can do?”
However, some social media users expressed positive feedback, appreciating the unique design.
