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Ripped Jeans Stir Debate: Thai Education Minister Defends Casual Attire on Official Trip

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6 minutes ago, SABloke said:

but in the context of Thailand, jeans are considered worse than casual and ripped jeans are ranked even lower.

 

And quite rightly. Jeans are a perversion.

 

Even Elvis eschewed jeans. He'd wear pink jackets, but never jeans.

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25 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

... Because the causal approach to her attire indicates her casual approach to those with whom she is meeting and the subject on which she is in discussion. 

 

A public official, on official duty in the weekdays would conventionally dress one notch above the expected standard of the environment you're entering, and on the weekends, Smart-casual, approachable, but still in control of the narrative - with obvious adjustments for site visits, such as farms, industry (factories), schools, sporting events etc.

 

That Education Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat is wearing jeans at all is indicative of her approach, let alone ripped jeans.

I fail to understand why so many 'officials' here manage such basic stuff ups - it would not be difficult to have a series of advisors for such matters.

 

That said, of course her abilities, quality and influence of her work matters most - however, to be taken seriously in such a roll, professionalism is a key facet - instead she has dressed as if she is on holiday and this is somewhat disrespectful to those with whom she is visiting and the establishment itself. 

 

 

Appropriate dress in such a situation (on a weekend).

- Smart-casual separates: Blouse with trousers or a smart dress with a cardigan or light blazer.

- Shoes: Comfortable flats or block heels, especially for walkabouts.

- Jewellery: Still subtle but can lean a touch more expressive.

 

 

This may seem petty to some, particularly the "I don't care what others think" crowd, but, she is a public representative and should already know the basic unwritten rules.

 

 

Of course, this doesn't bother 'me' in the slightest - but I can see why others may make comment as the clothing choice is professionally clumsy and highlights an underlying lack of attention.

 

 

 

 

 

I would agree on this. but really she was an official representative of Thailands government. In a capacity to make large deals for the Education. She was supposed to be wearing the Thai uniform to show status and power within Thailand. She has insulted Thailand by wearing this to such a meeting. 

Her washing machine is certainly defective. If there are such large holes in jeans during washing, what do the holes in the lingerie look like?
 

Now seriously: in principle I wouldn't care about her outfit, but at a Thai school, where the students are told how their clothes should look, namely clean, well-groomed and in top shape, she shouldn't show herself like that.

For some reason those torn jeans give people "the homeless look", which is very popular these days. It's just one of those disconnects where people of our generation find it hard to relate. 

12 hours ago, webfact said:

image.jpeg

Picture courtesy of Thai TV Channel 5

 

Education Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat remains unfazed by critics after wearing ripped jeans to a field event in Thailand's southern provinces. Spotted at Benjamarachutit School in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Narumon's choice of casual attire during a three-day trip from 18 to 21 July sparked online debate. Some educators and netizens viewed the outfit as inappropriate for an official occasion.

 

Defending her attire, Narumon insists casual dress is acceptable on weekends and holidays. She urged the public to prioritise improving the nation’s education system over her wardrobe. The deputy government spokesman, Anukul Pruksanusak, supported the minister, urging the public not to politicise the situation.

 

According to Anukul, Narumon aimed to foster a friendly atmosphere, noting that she always dresses suitably for events. He highlighted that the minister had communicated to education authorities that formal wear is unnecessary during weekend field visits.

 

The education sector's top bureaucrat, Suthep Kaengsanthia, acknowledged that this was Narumon’s first official tour since assuming the role. There was no prior directive on dress codes, leading local officials to don formal attire in the presence of senior executives. He assured that future field trips will welcome informal wear.

 

The incident has rekindled debate over dress codes within the public service, highlighting contrasting expectations. While some argue local staff should adhere to formal dress, others believe the minister should serve as a standard bearer.

 

image.png  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-07-22

 

image.gif

 

image.png

 

the old queen of England never wore her crown at weekends

2 hours ago, hanbla said:

She is new and hasn't received any brown envelopes yet

'she is new' ..... is there are information about her qualifications and past experience in a management role for national education, e.g. education methodologies (pedagogy), curriculum development, classroom management and more...

...Maybe She Should 'prioritize improving the nation’s education system'.... (?)

...Rather Than Trying To Bring Attention To Herself....(?)

...And... Suggesting ...'the public ... prioritize improving the nation’s education system'... (?)

 

(What Are Her Duties, After All....Trips & Meetings...& Photo Opportunities...)(?)

21 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

Of course, this doesn't bother 'me' in the slightest -

It sounds like it.

 

Nice to see you back from your little “holiday”!

When I took the Venice Orient Express to Vienna I received a dress directive - absolutley no jeans whatsoever. Strictly prohibited.

 

 

On 7/22/2025 at 1:14 PM, sqwakvfr said:

She lookes great "in them jeans".  Now if she looked like most American female educators then it would be inappropriate.  

Do you mean something like this maybe

image.png.0aa4f00536f3ffc180ae06bf19d79859.png

On 7/22/2025 at 1:43 PM, Cameroni said:

 

On the young it looks young. On 50 year old women it looks mutton dressed as lamb, just stupid.

 

And students will be peeved, they have to wear uniforms but the mininster wears ripped jeans?

 

So out of order.

 

I'm quite upset by this. I need to go for a walk.

Make it a long walk so that you really get over seeing a 50 year old with ripped jeans

On 7/22/2025 at 1:14 PM, Cameroni said:

She's 50 years old, what's she doing wearing ripped jeans?

I personally think she looks great, and at 50......well I would!

Just now, KannikaP said:

you really get over seeing a 50 year old with ripped jeans

 

It's just dishonest, isn't it? She's trying to pretend she's a 25 year old, when she's really 50 plus. 

 

It's just so dishonest. 

 

This kind of blatant dishonesty and false advertising really disappoints my honest nature.

 

I  am shocked by this behaviour, some old woman trying to pretend she's something which she's clearly not.

 

She certainly doesn't look "great", she has a face like a satellite dish. The body is passable, if one were drunk, maybe, but I'd have to have had a lot of Tequila.

On 7/22/2025 at 2:40 PM, thesetat said:

She was supposed to be wearing the Thai uniform to show status and power within Thailand.

Who said that? Wearing the jeans brings her closer to her pupils.

4 minutes ago, Cameroni said:

It's just dishonest, isn't it? She's trying to pretend she's a 25 year old, when she's really 50 plus. 

 

It's just so dishonest. 

I wonder whether she's had a boob job.......false advertising.

Should she refrain from wearing make-up? Or higher heels.

Come on Cameroni, see a good looking woman for what she is, 

2 minutes ago, KannikaP said:

I wonder whether she's had a boob job.......false advertising.

Should she refrain from wearing make-up? Or higher heels.

Come on Cameroni, see a good looking woman for what she is, 

 

Have a good look at your "good looking woman" and recoil in horror.

 

Narumon-Pinyosinwat-picture-Thai-Rath-e1729583301258.webp.0eb6e23bf863a9e95898b7c1954d38fd.webp

4 hours ago, KannikaP said:

Who said that? Wearing the jeans brings her closer to her pupils.

She was at an official meeting. NOT out meeting the locals. 

15 hours ago, Cameroni said:

 

Have a good look at your "good looking woman" and recoil in horror.

 

Narumon-Pinyosinwat-picture-Thai-Rath-e1729583301258.webp.0eb6e23bf863a9e95898b7c1954d38fd.webp

Yes, the top photo was slightly more flattering.

On 7/22/2025 at 5:03 PM, SOTIRIOS said:

...Maybe She Should 'prioritize improving the nation’s education system'.... (?)

...Rather Than Trying To Bring Attention To Herself....(?)

...And... Suggesting ...'the public ... prioritize improving the nation’s education system'... (?)

 

(What Are Her Duties, After All....Trips & Meetings...& Photo Opportunities...)(?)

What's with all the Capitals, full stops (periods) and question marks please?

48 minutes ago, KannikaP said:

Yes, the top photo was slightly more flattering.

 

You could say nice hair, if you were feeling positive.

 

That's one thing Thais have a lot, amazing hair.

On 7/22/2025 at 1:53 PM, SunnyinBangrak said:

To be fair it could be friction burn holes from the rug...

That's one way to get bi-partisan support! 😁

She looks,so eager to show how humbly she is living lol.

 

How long,it has been in this kingdom?

 

When I settled here  in late 2005, there were already peopl(seemingly affluent) with ripped jeans,though.

 

She doesnt looks 50. Let her dress as she wants.

Small mindedness and tunnel vision are the two key pillars of Thai culture hence their education system. 
I’ve accepted the system with our kid going to school here. One can only do one’s best to supplement the way they teach them with sensible approaches. 

On 7/22/2025 at 3:04 AM, webfact said:

image.jpeg

Picture courtesy of Thai TV Channel 5

 

Education Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat remains unfazed by critics after wearing ripped jeans to a field event in Thailand's southern provinces. Spotted at Benjamarachutit School in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Narumon's choice of casual attire during a three-day trip from 18 to 21 July sparked online debate. Some educators and netizens viewed the outfit as inappropriate for an official occasion.

 

Defending her attire, Narumon insists casual dress is acceptable on weekends and holidays. She urged the public to prioritise improving the nation’s education system over her wardrobe. The deputy government spokesman, Anukul Pruksanusak, supported the minister, urging the public not to politicise the situation.

 

According to Anukul, Narumon aimed to foster a friendly atmosphere, noting that she always dresses suitably for events. He highlighted that the minister had communicated to education authorities that formal wear is unnecessary during weekend field visits.

 

The education sector's top bureaucrat, Suthep Kaengsanthia, acknowledged that this was Narumon’s first official tour since assuming the role. There was no prior directive on dress codes, leading local officials to don formal attire in the presence of senior executives. He assured that future field trips will welcome informal wear.

 

The incident has rekindled debate over dress codes within the public service, highlighting contrasting expectations. While some argue local staff should adhere to formal dress, others believe the minister should serve as a standard bearer.

 

image.png  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-07-22

 

image.gif

 

image.png

 

" She urged the public to prioritise improving the nation’s education system over her wardrobe."

 

I urg her to prioritize her work responsibilities and seriously improve education in Thailand over looking cool and fashionable. 

I would have shown up looking like the Big Lebowski, so her attire doesn't look too bad to me 🤪

 

the-big-lebowski.jpg

On 7/27/2025 at 11:00 AM, black tabby12345 said:

She looks,so eager to show how humbly she is living lol.

 

How long,it has been in this kingdom?

 

When I settled here  in late 2005, there were already peopl(seemingly affluent) with ripped jeans,though.

 

So what, that's nothing to do with this subject.

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