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Thaksin Asks Naomi Campbell To Help Train Thais As Models

Supermodel Naomi Campbell is scheduled to visit Thailand next month to consult with Thaksin Shinawatra on his initiative to develop Thai individuals into world-class models, part of a campaign aimed at utilizing cultural influence to enhance his citizens’ wealth, according to the former Thai prime minister.

Speaking at Nakhon Phanom University, Thaksin revealed that Ms. Campbell would be in Thailand from February 8-10 to share her insights on achieving global success in modeling.

The effective leader of the Pheu Thai Party stated that potential models of all genders would be selected from local communities to undergo training to achieve international modeling standards, under the stipulation that they maintain a natural appearance without cosmetic enhancements.

During a rally in Muang district of Nakhon Phanom province, he announced the selection criteria for the campaign, stating, “We will screen Thais who are born beautiful by nature, without cosmetic surgery,” in support of Pheu Thai’s Anuchit Hongsadee for the role of provincial administration organization president.

“Anyone inspired to become a world-class model can come out of their small hut to join the scheme,” the ex-prime minister said.

Local government chiefs nationwide are slated for election on February 1.

Thaksin called on community members to identify potential male, female, and LGBTQ candidates within their localities who could excel as models and participate in the project.

The initiative, spearheaded by the National Soft Power Development Committee under the leadership of chairman Surapong Suebwonglee, requires approximately 20 million baht for successful implementation, Thaksin noted.

Mr. Thaksin revealed that after discussions with Dr. Surapong, he chose to fund the project personally and seek additional support from potential sponsors.

He explained that the purpose of the supermodel search was to enhance the skills of rural residents and provide them with opportunities to earn more than the typical daily wage.

“The prime minister announced that this year is a year of opportunity. I would like to offer opportunities in all aspects,” he noted, referencing a New Year’s wish from his daughter, Paetongtarn.

Thaksin introduced this initiative at a Pheu Thai seminar in December, initially focusing on women from the northeastern regions. He expanded on this idea on January 5 in Chiang Mai province, expressing his desire for Thai women possessing natural beauty to enter beauty contests.

However, his comments during the speech led to allegations of racism, particularly when he discussed African models.

“African people, with their black skin and flat noses that make it difficult to breathe, are hired for millions of baht to be models,” he said. “Thai people look much better. There’s no need for [our people to get] nose, jaw, or breast augmentation.”

“It’s time to encourage more Thais, including those from ethnic groups like the Karen, who possess natural beauty, to become international models,” he added.

In response to the controversy, his daughter defended him, asserting that her father did not intend to make any discriminatory remarks.