The operators also agreed that even in the unlikely event that voters put the Democrat Party in the driver's seat, the BFC project is well worth continuing.The 18-month-old BFC project is aimed at converting Thailand from being a notorious producer of cheap fashion knock-offs into a regional hub for Asia's fashion industry.

The project's management committee, composed of public and private sector members chaired by Panlert Baiyoke, a former vice-minister of Industry, has pledged to carry out an 11-point development plan backed by a hefty budget.Mr Panlert, also a prominent textile and garment entrepreneur, said the Bangkok Fashion City Office, the agency established to run, monitor and assess the project, intended to forward all details of relevant activities and funding requirements to the Budget Bureau for later disbursement.Funds totalling 773.14 million baht have already been approved for activities from January to June 2005, with the remaining 1.05 billion baht to be spent on promotional efforts from June to July 2005.

All of the activities planned will focus on developing personnel, assisting businesses and building BFC's image centres for the local garment, footwear, leather, gem and jewellery trade.Earlier this year, the government kicked off the project with its first official gala event, dubbed the ``Silk Road on the River of Kings'', the high point of which featured a fashion show on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.That event was later followed up by the 50-million-baht ``Bangkok Fashion City Extravaganza'', a fashion carnival which has been credited with succeeding in creating greater awareness of the Thai fashion industry across the globe.Industry insiders said that BFC has a good chance of accomplishing its goals. Schle Wuthanant, the founder of Pasaya Textile gallery, said the project would certainly help the entire fashion industry move forward.

``The vision of Bangkok becoming a fashion hub could be possible if all parties lend a hand and help the project succeed,'' said Mr Schle, who has a seat on the BFC committee.Somchai Songwatana, the CEO of Fly Now, a leading local fashion house, believes Thailand's fashion industry is already the regional leader.For years, many foreigners were surprised by the formidable strength of the Thai fashion industry, with its abundance of small fashion houses.``We've got some fashionable gear at reasonable prices here.

Over 50% of the earnings from Thailand's fashion houses come from tourists,'' Mr Somchai said.He also urged operators to get on board, since the project is the first time that the government has tried to get fashion operators heading in the same direction.Mr Somchai said that with the government's support and full co-operation from the private sector, the industry could become a unified force working together to create a stronger local image.To date, the government's policy could already be called a success, with the number of local brands doubling from the total two decades ago.As well, the government has helped Thai fashion houses penetrate the international market, with five Thai design firms recently invited to join the ``White'' trade fair, an annual international fashion showcase held in Milan.The five fashion houses, which are Senada, Issue, Greyhound, Kloset and Sretsis, said that without help from the BFC project, they would not have been able to take part in the event.Valuable feedback gained from the ``White'' event shows that the project stands a good chance of achieving its goals.

New hope for designers

THE LOCAL fashion industry would be hard pressed to make a name for itself in the international market without government backing, according to local designers and entrepreneurs.``It is a fact that our industry is getting better, but government help could be a shortcut to improving some of the skills we need,'' said Klyduan Sukhahuta, who founded Sretsis two years ago.

The Bangkok Fashion City (BFC) project which aims to promote Thailand as the world's new fashion capital, has helped her get a head start.Miss Klyduan said that the local fashion industry had been neglected by successive government administrations for decades.``Without their support, it would be so difficult for a young fashion house like us to take part in a prestigious Milan trade fair,'' she said.Sretsis is one of five local brands which have been selected to join ``White'', an important fashion trade fair annually held in Milan.She said that the valuable experience they earned from the show had helped her learn how the international market operates.Somchai Songwatana, the owner of the local fashion house Fly Now, agreed, saying since Thai fashion had already established its own unique style, its fortunes would continue to improve.``Thai fashion already has a solid foundation.

Our products at Chatuchak market, Siam Square and a number of Thai brand names are gaining popularity among foreigners,'' h