The Ministry of Culture has rolled out a campaign encouraging young people to dress in “traditional” Thai clothing. Central Group and The Mall Group are now both offering discounts to people who dress in antiquated Thai costume, and even Burger King is giving out free hamburgers to those wearing national dress. Cheewachon “Naam” Piyason, 34, and Chada “Chancha” Wannapong, 30, belong to Taeng Thai Sabai Ngam Siam Phusa Niyom (Siamese Fashionista), a group dedicated to promoting Thai traditional clothing. We met up with them to see exactly how they interpret “traditional,” and what relationship this clothing bears to modern Bangkok life.
