Nectec's director Pansak Siriruchatapong said the project aims to survey the size of people in Thailand to create a standard database. The study starts this month and will be finished within one year. The project will measure body sizes of around 10,000 men and women who are representative of Thai people in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phitsanulok, Phuket, Surat Thani, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Ubon Ratchathani, Chanthaburi, Ratchaburi and Suphan Buri.

The project uses three-dimensional body-scanning technology to measure a body size in just 20 seconds. It scans 140 points on the body surface in three dimensions. The new technology is now replacing the old method of body measurement, which took time and needed a specialist. It will be useful to various industries such as textiles, fashion, automotive, furniture and heathcare. The information will be used to develop a national anthropomorphic database for use by local industries.

The technology was developed by Textile Clothing Technology, a US-based textile technology company, and it has been used in Britain and the United States to do size surveys under SizeUK and SizeUSA projects.

Natcharinthorn Pongsupachitapa, director of Thai Wacoal, said the information from the survey will update the size of Thai people so the company will be able to develop underwear to match current body sizes. It will use the information for future development of its products.

Somsak Nuntajovajana, vice president of Toyota Technical Centre Asia Pacific (Thailand), said the firm will use the database to design cars and components. It will be able to develop cars which are more comfortable and safer for drivers and passengers.

Surat Komindr, head of the nutrition division at Ramathibodi Hospital, said the body-size database would be useful in health promotion and rehabilitation for many people.

The body-size database could be a guide for local doctors or specialists in various fields to develop products under the same sizing standards.

Jirapan Boonnoon

The Nation