The organiser of Mrs Universe Thailand is replacing the controversial national costume resembling the sacred golden chedi at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha with a design based on a fish.

The costume switch comes after the chedi design, which was to be worn at this year's Mrs Universe contest in China, was criticised for trampling on the national religion.

The costume -- depicting the Sri Rattana chedi with a long, pointed spire forming the headgear -- was designed for this year's Mrs Universe Thailand, Kanthicha Chimsiri, 31. It was to be worn during the Mrs Universe pageant in Guangzhou, China, from Aug 28 to Sept 8.

The costume, however, was criticised as disrespecting the chedi and degrading Buddhism, prompting the organisers to replace the costume with one emulating pla tapien, a tropical freshwater fish.

Culture Minister Vira Rojpojchanarat met Ms Kanthicha Monday to discuss the switch.

Mr Vira said Ms Kanthicha was apologetic after the issue caused a public outcry .

The minister said the new costume would embody Thai culture and would be tailored using traditional fabric. It will be unveiled on June 13.

Ms Kanthicha, meanwhile, said designers of the chedi costume did not mean to offend Buddhism, but wanted to promote a tourist attraction.

She said the fish costume, which also carries a rice paddy motif on Thai silk, is 70% complete. The paddy will help boost the image of Thailand as a country with a long history of agriculture, she said.

Ms Kanthicha said she was grateful that people gave their feedback on the costume and made their point on the religious sensitivity of designing clothes that would appear on the international stage.

She added she was most willing to redress the mistakes in order to prevent any disruption to the pageant.

Source:
courtesy of BANGKOK POST

by Bangkok Post

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