Louis Vuitton scarf in London lands PM in the soup

By THE NATION

 

Prayut strolls in London wearing an LV popular scarf.

 

PRESSURE from foreign leaders for Thai democratisation and elections are nothing new for junta chief Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha but his choice of a designer scarf during his visit to London this week captured more public attention than his diplomatic meeting with UK counterpart Theresa May.

 

Netizens accused Prayut of hypocrisy, alluding to his nationalistic campaign earlier this year. The propagator of Thai Niyom – literally Thaism in English – was pictured in the British capital on Thursday wearing a Louis Vuitton Jhelam scarf in black to match expensive-looking sunglasses and a vest.

 

The rest of the economic team, which included Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, accompanying Prayut was dressed modestly in a white shirt and trousers.

 

The photos were released online by government officials but were later removed after coming under criticism on the Internet and social media.

Some commentators were sarcastic, saying the scarf, which displayed the distinctive LV logo and reportedly cost more than Bt20,000, was ‘nice’ but perhaps he had borrowed it from a friend. The dig was a subtle reminder of the excuse offered by Prayut’s deputy and junta number two Prawit Wongsuwan when he was accused of possessing a large number of luxury wristwatches that were not declared to the authorities.

 

Others questioned: “Why does he seem to be the only one troubled by the weather? And FYI, it’s summer now in London.” The temperature during daytime when Prayut took a walk on Wednesday was about 26 degrees Celsius.

 

Government Spokesman Weerachon Sukondhapatipak yesterday told Government House reporters in a chatroom message that the PM had been unwell and had been advised to wear the items to keep warm. He, however, did not say why such an expensive scarf was necessary to keep the strong soldier warm.

 

Prayut told the Thai community on Thursday that he was upset with such nit-picking on social media. He said he had dressed different from other officials during the stroll that day since he was not feeling well. “I just wore it but was not aware of the brand. I don’t know what’s the brand but it’s not so expensive,” he said. “The next time I will wear Pha Khao Ma [a traditional loincloth],” he said.

 

This is Prayut’s first official trip to Europe since coming to power after the 2014 coup, when diplomatic relations between Thailand and the free world got downgraded.

 

Prayut yesterday headed to Paris for a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron next Monday. The junta leader is expected to discuss democracy and the upcoming election.

 

But the junta chief may have reasons to feel uneasy. Like London, Paris is also home to a great number of anti-junta activists, including those living in exile fearing persecution.

 

After news got out about Prayut’s trip, they took to social media promising they would stage a demonstration against the junta chief.

As Prayut paid May a visit on Wednesday, he met with both supporters and dissidents in London.

 

Led by political critic Giles Ungpakorn, who faces a lese majeste charge and now lives in exile, the protesters held a big banner that read: “Prayut not welcome.”

 

Giles told reporters that as Prayut had come to power via a coup, he lacked the legitimacy to make any decision on behalf of the Thai people.

 

Supporters, meanwhile, held banners showing their backing and encouraged the junta leader to stay in power longer.

 

In addition to Prayut’s visit this week, London has also welcomed two former premiers, Thaksin and Yingluck Shinawatra.

 

Thaksin threw a little birthday party for his sister Yingluck, who turned 51, in London on June 21, a day after Prayut’s arrival. Prayut was apparently not invited even though he had served as Army chief under Yingluck before he ousted her in 2014.

 

 

Prayut yesterday left London for France where he met with Airbus executive Guillaume Faury in Toulouse before witnessing a signing an agreement between Airbus and Thai Airways to set up a maintenance, repairs and overhaul centre in Thailand.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/politics/30348421

 

 

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2018-06-23

Nice scarf.

It would go well with a pair of Burberry wellies if it rains...

Some commentators were sarcastic, saying the scarf, which displayed the distinctive LV logo and reportedly cost more than Bt20,000, was ‘nice’ but perhaps he had borrowed it from a friend. Now deceased !

Quote

 I don’t know what’s the brand but it’s not so expensive,” he said.

20,000 baht for a scarf! Not expensive? 

“I just wore it but was not aware of the brand. I don’t know what’s the brand but it’s not so expensive,” he said.

 

Prayuth went on to explain it is actually a 150 THB knock-off from Patpong.

100 Baht, MBK Bangkok...?

Compare and contrast this soldier.

 

44 minutes ago, rooster59 said:

He, however, did not say why such an expensive scarf was necessary to keep the strong soldier warm.

With this one.

I know who I would rather have my back.

 

 

 

I guess all the Isaan farmers will be copying this style.

£345 from Louis Vuitton shop in London

1 minute ago, faraday said:

£345 from Louis Vuitton shop in London

Can he claim the VAT back as he's going to export it?

57 minutes ago, rooster59 said:

the PM had been unwell and had been advised to wear the items to keep warm

Doctor's orders.

9 minutes ago, Crossy said:

Can he claim the VAT back as he's going to export it?

I see lots of nice silk scarves at street vendors and markets for 50 to 100 baht. And Thai silk too !

Do not know why media always picks on p Prayut and why so many assumed it was original LV.

 

he most likely got it from the trash bin from one of the raids, retail copy around 300 baht ???

 

Is it just me or does he look like a gay French Film Director from the 1960's?

 

 

Edited June 23, 20188 yr by Samui Bodoh

4 minutes ago, Samui Bodoh said:

 

Is it just me or does he look like a gay French Film Director from the 1960's?

 

 

I think he looks like an unusually rich Thai.

49 minutes ago, petedk said:

20,000 baht for a scarf! Not expensive? 

I bought a lovely hand made woolen scarf, much more attractive, for my fan in a hill village in Mae Son for 800 baht.
The general might consider appearances a little more carefully in the future.

43 minutes ago, Crossy said:

Compare and contrast this soldier.

 

With this one.

I know who I would rather have my back.

 

 

 

 

It's a scarf man. Get over it.

Trumps daughter and son in law have just declared their income for the first year of dons rule...almost 90m not to mention patents and trademarks granted all over the world. It's all a disgrace.

Maybe if ivanka was thai you would have more to say.

Speakman was one of a very very small exalted group

Comparing an ordinary ' grunt ' with a career politician/soldier is michievous to say the least.

Prayut like most politicians EVERYWHERE in the world has shortcomings...even good old back home where everything is perfect

Edited June 23, 20188 yr by Expatthailover

1 hour ago, rooster59 said:

The junta leader is expected to discuss democracy and the upcoming election.

??????

Edited June 23, 20188 yr by Wiggy

He looks like one of those touts that tell tourists Buckingham Palace is closed and offers to take them to a tailor in Bond street. No wait!

I don't have a problem with rich people dressing like they are rich. There is an element of honesty in that

Prefer that to rich dressing in ill fitting suits with too long garish red ties & pretending "I'm the same as you!"

I do not like the guy but, yes, this is nitpicking.

 

Good fun for the TVF comedians though. ?

What a pretty man!

Maybe he try be beautiful to compete with Yingluck?

?????

Louis Vuitton scarf in London lands PM in the soup

 

Would that be French onion soup or Thai noodle soup?

1 hour ago, rooster59 said:

did not say why such an expensive scarf was necessary to keep the strong soldier warm.

The bloke is a complete to$$er.

1 hour ago, tracker1 said:

Some commentators were sarcastic, saying the scarf, which displayed the distinctive LV logo and reportedly cost more than Bt20,000, was ‘nice’ but perhaps he had borrowed it from a friend. Now deceased !

Or maybe he bought it on sukhimvit road for 250 baht ?

3 minutes ago, PatOngo said:

Louis Vuitton scarf in London lands PM in the soup

 

Would that be French onion soup or Thai noodle soup?

Tom Yam!

23 minutes ago, Expatthailover said:

 

It's a scarf man. Get over it.

Trumps daughter and son in law have just declared their income for the first year of dons rule...almost 90m not to mention patents and trademarks granted all over the world. It's all a disgrace.

Maybe if ivanka was thai you would have more to say.

Speakman was one of a very very small exalted group

Comparing an ordinary ' grunt ' with a career politician/soldier is michievous to say the least.

Prayut like most politicians EVERYWHERE in the world has shortcomings...even good old back home where everything is perfect

Except, Prayut is NOT a politician, according to this definition:

 

politician

pɒlɪˈtɪʃ(ə)n/

noun

noun: politician; plural noun: politicians

1. a person who is professionally involved in politics, especially as a holder of an elected office.

Quote

Prayut took a walk on Wednesday was about 26 degrees Celsius

Well to be fair that temperature is sub zero for Thais!

6 minutes ago, CLUBBER said:

Or maybe he bought it on sukhimvit road for 250 baht ?

Why would he buy on Sukhumvit Road when he has a bottomless trough to draw from, no face in copies!

Hey! How come there are two of him in that photo at the same time!

 

Oh, I get it now...