When fashion becomes a rule in Thailand

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Transcript

00:0060-70 years ago, Thai people were compelled to dress code dictated by their leader's

00:06aspiration to emulate modern countries.

00:08In 1940, then Prime Minister Plaek Phibunsongkham introduced regulations advising Thais on

00:14how to dress.

00:15Plaek claimed the regulations were intended to civilize and modernize Thai society, raising

00:20their status to be educated and not just treated like slaves.

00:24Those who failed to dress as recommended could face fine and punishment.

00:29Both men and women were advised to wear hats when venturing outside.

00:33Men were instructed to wear formal shirts and trousers instead of sarong.

00:37Women were told to wear proper shirts instead of wrapping themselves in clothes as they

00:41had before.

00:42However, many of Plaek's ideas were criticized for being too extreme and disappeared over

00:47time.