Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra discussed ways internationalise Thailand’s fashion industry today with British supermodel Naomi Campbell at Government House.
The meeting took place just days after the prime minister’s father, Thaksin Shinawatra, revealed that he had invited Campbell, 54, to advise on fashion, due to her extensive experience in the international fashion world. “Naomi agreed with the idea of screening Thai models before sending them abroad for training, to create more opportunities for them,” he said.
Thaksin, who is widely believed to be the ruling Pheu Thai party’s de facto leader, added that he has already discussed the matter with Surapong Suebwonglee, chairman of the ‘National Soft Power Committee’.
Thaksin initially floated the idea of promoting Thai models on the international stage while campaigning in a local election in Chiang Rai province in January, saying he wants to showcase Thai women, known for their beauty, as international models.
He said that it would be easy for Thai women to succeed internationally, claiming that African women have earned millions of baht, despite what he described as their "bad features," including their skin colour.
These remarks sparked widespread criticism and accusations of racism, including from Senator Angkhana Neelapaijit, who urged him to retract them and issue an apology.
The government’s public relations office reported that Campbell, whose mother is Jamaican, has also met with senior Thai officials to discuss soft power development through the fashion industry. Discussions centred on creating career paths for young people from rural or disadvantaged backgrounds, by providing training and industry access.
One proposal involves identifying and developing aspiring models in Thailand, with local professionals offering initial mentorship. Selected candidates would then receive advanced training abroad.
Although she will not serve as a cultural ambassador, Campbell will act as a consultant, advising on ways Thailand can strengthen its presence in the global fashion industry.
Campbell was the first black woman to appear as a model on the covers of Time and Vogue France and her involvement will include leveraging her extensive global network and expertise in the industry.
