From threads to trends: Chiang Mai couple behind Thailand’s elephant pants phenomenon

[webfact]

 

In Chiang Mai, a business duo are turning Thailand’s iconic elephant pants into a global trend.

Hailing from Chiang Mai, Kingkarn Samorn, the Managing Director, and Jakkaphum Samorn, the Director of Chinrada Garment Company, are the masterminds behind the rise of this iconic fashion phenomenon. From a small home office in 2013 to a sprawling modern factory in 2018, the couple’s journey is nothing short of a sartorial success story.

 

In an exclusive interview with Prachachat Business, the couple revealed their ambitious plans, preparing to unleash elephant pants as soft-power fashion items targeting the online livestream market in Thailand and beyond.

Chinrada Garment boasts an impressive 80% wholesale share, spanning both domestic and international markets. Countries like Korea, Japan, Taiwan, the US, Australia, China, France, Canada, and the Netherlands have all succumbed to the allure of the elephant pants. However, the couple hasn’t forgotten their roots, with 15% of sales happening through online channels and a factory store catering to the local crowd.

 

The company’s unique approach allows budding sellers to dip their toes into the market, with orders as low as 12 units. Wholesale prices ranging from 40 to 100 baht per item ensure sellers can keep their stocks dynamic. Kingkarn and Jakkaphum take pride in the fact that their products have become symbols of local pride, even in provinces developing their clothing symbols.

 

by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Puntid 

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod English

 

Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-19

 

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[jaywalker2]

I'm so sick of hearing the term "soft power."

[bendejo]

40 minutes ago, jaywalker2 said:

I'm so sick of hearing the term "soft power."

Wood.

Accept no substitutes.

 

[ikke1959]

35 years ago they were already on the western market.. I wore them often at home so nothing new

 

[giddyup]

2 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

35 years ago they were already on the western market.. I wore them often at home so nothing new

 

Agreed, they have been around for years, could always recognize who was a tourist if they were wearing elephant pants.

[KhaoNiaw]

19 minutes ago, giddyup said:

Agreed, they have been around for years, could always recognize who was a tourist if they were wearing elephant pants.

 

I think it was the local market that took to them. So many students were wearing them around the university for a year or so. That already seems to have peaked but still quite a lot of them around. 

[hotchilli]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

In Chiang Mai, a business duo are turning Thailand’s iconic elephant pants into a global trend.

Re-invented an old fashion... I hope the originals didn't have a  patent?

[PETERTHEEATER]

7 hours ago, jaywalker2 said:

I'm so sick of hearing the term "soft power."

Along with 'iconic'