Ministers urged to wear only Thai fabric

The Culture Ministry will file a proposal with the Cabinet today suggesting that Cabinet ministers wear only clothes made from Thai fabric.

Culture Minister Sonthaya Kunplome said the measure would conserve energy, preserve Thai culture and promote the local textile industry. He has assigned permanent secretary Prissana Pongthadsirikul to notify all ministry offices to start a campaign urging that the public also wear Thai fabrics.

Five patterns have been designed for men and women to wear at work, as well as casual and semi-casual attire. The fabrics will include the "Ban Rai Phaoi Ngam" natural-dyed cloth designed by National Artist Saengda Bansith in Chiang Mai; chequered cloth from Nakhon Ratchasima's Pak Thong Chai district; and the "Lukkaew" pattern from Songkhla. These fabrics are easy to maintain, are suitable for the local climate and can be worn at all occasions, the minister said.

Sonthaya said he would also call on leading designers to come up with styles that are "very Thai".