It's a year-end tradition for Thai media to anoint figures in the political world with nicknames (with a varying degree of sarcasm). On Monday, their nicknames were revealed and -- in case you had been busy with the New Year celebration since Christmas -- I'm here to explain the idea behind some of them. g
The nickname: ตู่ไม่รู้ล้ม (Tu-mai-roo-lom)
Unofficial translation: Uncle Tu who never goes flaccid (read on before you judge me).
Context: The nickname given to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is a play on the term doh mai roo lom, a yadong recipe that purports to enhance virility. He withstands tonnes of criticism, protests and controversies but manages to hold on to his position, thus the name na ja.
The nickname: ป้อมไม่รู้โรย (Pom-mai-roo-roy)
Unofficial translation: Pom who always blossoms.
Context: This nickname is assigned to deputy PM Prawit Wongsuwon, who works alongside Uncle Tu at the age of 75. The name is a play on ban mai roo roy (always blossom), a type of Thai flower. Uncle Pom also replied mai roo (I don't know) a lot when reporters asked him questions, you see. The moniker also has this ironic turn, too (but I'm not sure if it's originally intended that way) since Uncle Pom hasn't been peachy in terms of health. He has been photographed catching some z's during work and getting help to get up from a chair. I would respectfully suggest expensive watch hoarder as another nickname for him.
The nickname: Haiter Service.
Unofficial translation: Whitewashing service.
Context: Deputy PM Wisanu Krue-ngarm is given this title for his ability to use legal loopholes to benefit members of the government at the expense of its credibility. Haiter is a byword for bleach liquid products in Thailand like how Xerox means copy machines in Thailand. Or Mama for every brand of instant noodles. The more Haiter you use, the more damaged your fabric becomes. A rather deep and fitting analogy, if you ask me.
The nickname: Thinner
Unofficial translation: Thinner, duh.
Context: Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has been savagely given this title because of the memorable verbal blunders he made over the course of 2020. For instance, he called farangs dirty and made an insensitive remark about health personnel who contracted Covid-19. The last syllable of his name is the first syllable of the paint solvent which you can become addicted to if inhaled and damage your brain in the process. I don't think I need to explain any further. They practically call him a huffer.
The nickname: พังPORN (pang-porn)
Unofficial translation: Porn destroyer.
Context: Digital Economy and Society Minister Puttipong Punnakan is known for suing Facebook and other social media companies, as well as setting up an anti-fake news centre. But perhaps, what he's most remembered by is the blocking of Pornhub (which can be easily overcome with VPN service). He defended the decision as part of the effort to restrict access to porn and gambling websites as such content is illegal under the cyber crime law. I really would like to see his browsing history before the ban.