A planned event to host a Guinness World Record competition where participants would compete to wear the largest number of elephant-print pants is being seen as one of the main reasons behind the mass resignation of members of a government soft power sub-committee, some are speculating.
The sub-committee had 23 members and was headed by Kamonnart Ongwandee, a leading designer, before all the members resigned.
A Facebook announcement said they decided to end their role, effective Thursday, as they had completed the job they had set out to do and because they each had individual commitments, which meant they could not contribute their time to the next phase effectively.
The resignations sparked speculation there had been discord between the sub-committee members and a state agency over some work plans and whether the upcoming event was the likely trigger.
On Jan 17, prior to their resignation, Ms Kamonnart posted on her Facebook account that the fashion sub-committee had nothing to do with this Guinness World Record event that is scheduled to take place this month, urging state agencies to consult with the soft power development committee as their projects would be funded by taxpayers' money.
To take place from Feb 21 to 27, the events, organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand to promote soft power, will invite people to take part in five challenges -- such as eating the most popcorn in one minute and bursting the most balloons with boxing gloves in one minute.
One of the events relating to fashion is a challenge to put on the most elephant-print pants in one minute.
"I really want to see the faces of the people approving the budget. We did not have the chance to oppose the idea. They did not consult us ... What will you achieve after doing this? We volunteered and worked hard to frame ideas for fashion industrial development while the agency was to create a pop-up event. What value does it create?" she posted the message along with a graphic image of rows of students standing and holding elephant-print pants.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday played down the drama surrounding the mass resignation of the sub-committee.
He said there was no need to dramatise the situation and that new members would be nominated and appointed next week, as indicated by Dr Surapong Suebwonglee, secretary of the National Soft Power Strategy Committee.
On his X account, Dr Surapong thanked the sub-committee for their contribution and acknowledged their personal commitments.
He said he approached several figures to continue the work and would nominate the new members at the Feb 9 meeting of the National Soft Power Development Committee.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leader of the ruling Pheu Thai Party and deputy chair of the National Soft Power Development Committee, also thanked them.