The military has come out in quick defence of its new reconciliation mascot Nong Kiao Koi, denying it cost millions of baht, in the face of social media comment the girl-like doll had a "creepy" face and expensive price tag.
The mascot, whose name is the Thai term for a child's little-finger handhold and has also been dubbed "Miss Pinky", got off to a bad start, with widespread criticism even before authorities take her on a Bangkok "social unity" tour this month.
Some even claimed the doll had cost millions of baht.
"She must feel bad about that accusation," defence spokesman Kongcheep Tantravanich said on Friday.
He said the mascot cost the Defence Ministry only 8,000 baht, and the money was used to give a new look to the same doll the army used to present a friendly face to the people after the coup in May 2014. (continues below)
An official cleans the face of Nong Kiao Koi. Critics say the mascot's face shows the dirt too readily, giving it a frightening appearance. (Photo by Wassana Nanuam)
Instead of having a brand-new mascot made, which would have cost about 30,000 baht, officials decided to instead do a bit of mending and sewing, and bought it some new clothes, he said.
Lt Gen Kongcheep, who chairs the panel publicising the government's national reconciliation efforts, said Nong Kiao Koi will continue to be used to promote social unity, which had unreeled during the long-running conflict between pro- and anti-Thaksin groups.
He optimistically chose to view the many comments by netizens as a reflection of public interest in the mascot.
Some said Nong Kiao Koi looks much like the wife of Gen Preecha Chan-o-cha, younger brother of the prime minister. They both have similarly chubby cheeks.
Others said the doll's face had quickly became grubby looking after only a few appearances, making her look "frightening" or even "creepy" rather than adorable as intended.
The ministry quickly gave her face a scrub after that comment.
Nong Kiao Koi is scheduled to accompany officials when they go out to meet Bangkokians this month in a campaign for national reconciliation. The planned venues include Hua Lamphong railway station, Chatuchak weekend market, Victory Monument and Phahurat shopping areas.