The parody music videos of Bangkok's Trasher party collective has not only made the Thai public laugh, but even captured the attention of global artists like Madonna and Katy Perry. But there is one group of people which is most definitely not laughing at Trasher's latest stunt: the followers of Thailand’s controversial Buddhist sect leader Phra Dhammajayo, abbot of Wat Phra Dhammakaya.
A Facebook user named Ko Langwat (โก๋ หลังวัด) has threatened the group with legal action over images of Phra Dhammajayo displayed at Trasher's latest event last Saturday, themed “Trasher Bitch You Better Work It Work Work Work It Out."
The images, which came to Ko Langwat's attention after being posted to social media by various Trasher fans, show Phra Dhammajayo photoshopped into flamboyant dress along with images of the iconic Wat Phra Dhammakaya golden dome.
"For a party team that focuses on bringing together all sexualities, you should understand the feeling of being ridiculed, oppressed and stigmatized. The fact that you use something that millions of people pay high respect to as a source of ridicule is truly unacceptable," read Ko Langwat's post.
Wat Phra Dhammakaya's legal team is currently gathering evidence to launch a legal suit against Trasher, according to further posts from Ko Langwat.
According to Tichakorn “Jojo” Phukhaotong, one of Trasher's founding members, Trasher has yet to hear directly from Dhammakaya's lawyers, though he does acknowledge the incident and says he is ready to contest any legal action.
"This incident really shows the Thai culture is still not open for parody like Western society," said Jojo. "Especially with public figures that many people admire."
Already, Trasher's Facebook page has been inundated with support from their fans, while the party's organizers say they will not run away from any legal fight, thanking fans for their legal advice: "We love that Trasher fans have legal knowledge like Legally Blonde," read one comment.
Despite the tense situation, Trasher is already planning to host its next party. Scheduled for June, the event will move away from Trasher's usual focus on '90s hits and instead play a more age-inclusive selection of songs from the '60s, '70s and '80s, inspired by gay bars from abroad.
In other news from Saturday's party, it was reported that an elevator broke due to the huge volume of pary-goers, trapping 19 people inside for an hour before they were rescued.
"For a party team that focuses on bringing together all sexualities, you should understand the feeling of being ridiculed, oppressed and stigmatized. The fact that you use something that millions of people pay high respect to as a source of ridicule is truly unacceptable.
"Trasher X Shark X Zen Bitch you better work it work work work it
8pm at Zen event gallery @ CTW screened a photoshopped image of his holiness Phra Dhammajayo and the Dhammakaya temple. We ask you to step up within the next 24 hours, otherwise we will proceed with the legal procedures. For now, we will tag the profiles of those officially listed as organizers from the Trasher Facebook page."
