Badminton star Sapsiree Taerattanachai strikes a pose in the stunning uniform that Thai athletes will proudly don at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games’ opening ceremony on July 26. The outfit, which has ignited both admiration and controversy, draws its essence from the intricate patterns of ceramics found at the Ban Chiang Archaeological Site, a World Heritage gem, according to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. (Photo: Stadium TH Facebook page)
In the face of a digital maelstrom of criticism, Prime Minister Srettha stepped up to defend the fresh and bold look, emphasizing that the design is inspired by Ban Chiang’s hallowed historical motifs. “When you say your clothes or mine are outdated, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, isn’t it?” he retorted, advocating for a broad-minded appreciation of design during his visit to the Office of the Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo) on Thursday.
Breaking the social media silence, Srettha pivoted to his personal Facebook account on Wednesday to champion the uniform’s design. He lauded the blending of Thai cultural heritage with modern international flair, a testament to the meticulous efforts of the creative minds behind it.
According to Prime Minister Srettha, the brainchild team delved deep into research, engaging in insightful collaborations with the head of the Fabric and Textile Creative Design Centre at Udon Thani Rajabhat University. Their journey also led them to gather pearls of wisdom from the Ban Chiang National Museum, the Fine Arts Department, and local communities who keep the rich traditions of weaving, fabric dyeing with indigo, and crafting pottery alive.
This treasure trove of traditional knowledge culminated in a design that weaves Ban Chiang’s timeless motifs with state-of-the-art fabric technology, resulting in modern and environmentally-conscious attire. Impressively, polo shirts made from recycled plastic bottles underpin the theme of sustainability, further enhancing the uniform’s narrative prowess.
The end result is not just any ordinary costume but a harmonious fusion of Thailand’s storied past and a sustainable future, as Srettha aptly described. “It inspires the new generation to appreciate Thai culture while moving forward,” he penned, signalling a clarion call for cultural pride and modern ingenuity.
Of course, the reveal wasn’t without its share of detractors on social media, unleashing a spectrum of comments. Some skeptics questioned the motivations behind the design approval, hinting at pandering to senior figures or dismissing it as “Soft Power on the Rock.” Others lamented, “Is this all you can do?”
Yet, a silver lining glimmered as positive sentiments also poured in, with several netizens acknowledging and celebrating the thoughtful integration of traditional designs.
Despite the mixed reactions, one thing remains clear: the Thai opening ceremony uniform for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games is more than fabric and threads. It’s a visual dialogue between Thailand’s ancient artistry and forward-looking innovation, embodying a legacy that is rich, proud, and ultimately, inspired.
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