Politics
Bhumjaithai Party Figures Defend Casual Attire Amid Public Criticism
Prominent Bhumjaithai Party members have publicly defended Newin Chidchob after he faced social media backlash for wearing shorts to a formal ceremony.
On August 3, 2026, Khaosod Online reported that Bhumjaithai Party figures have publicly defended Newin Chidchob, a key party figure, following social media criticism regarding his choice of attire. The controversy arose after images circulated showing Chidchob wearing shorts while attending a ritual at the Nakhon Si Thammarat City Pillar Shrine.
In response to the backlash, Saraburi MP Watcharapong Kuwijitsuwan posted on social media, arguing that wearing shorts is preferable to individuals who wear official government uniforms while engaging in corruption, specifically referencing local government examination fraud. Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul also joined the discourse, posting a photo of himself in shorts with the caption, "It’s breezy," as a show of support for Chidchob.
For residents and travelers, this incident highlights the ongoing tension between traditional expectations of formal attire in public or religious settings and the evolving personal expression of political figures in Thailand. While the debate remains centered on social etiquette and political optics, it serves as a reminder of the cultural significance placed on dress codes during official ceremonies. It remains to be confirmed whether this public defense will influence future protocols for political figures attending formal events or if the criticism regarding appropriate attire in sacred spaces will persist.
Translated from Thai.
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