The Thai government urges the public to use Thai fabric on everyday clothing as a way to cope up with the country’s energy crisis and promote cultural heritage.
The Culture Minister Sontaya Kunplome presented to the Cabinet members 5 different designs made from Thai fabric that will suit both men and women. The former has requested the latter to wear the proposed outfits to conserve energy. During the Cabinet meeting on March 5, 2013, the Cabinet members suggested some improvements to be made on the proposed designs to make them look more suitable for everyday wear.
The Culture Permanent Secretary Prissana Pongthadsiriful has been assigned to launch a campaign, along with all the ministry offices, to urge the public to wear the proposed clothing. All 5 designs included those that can be worn for casual attire, work attire and semi-formal attire. Modifications will be made and will be presented on the Cabinet’s next meeting. It will not be compulsory, but it will be more of a campaign to cut the government’s energy consumption.
Thailand’s Energy Crisis
The Energy Minister has predicted a crisis in power supply this coming April. The government is currently working on a plan to cope with the shortage due to an unexpected disruption on Myanmar’s natural gas supply. Energy Minister Pongsak Raktapongpaisarn said that an energy emergency situation may still need to be declared. A pipeline maintenance is being done annually and the next scheduled energy supply disruption will be from April 5 to 14. The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand reassures that there will not be a nationwide blackout but urges the public to shut off appliances from 1 pm to 3 pm during the said dates.
The government is now seeking the public’s cooperation to conserve energy. All government offices are instructed to keep their air-conditioners set at 25 degrees Celsius and the officials must avoid wearing thick clothing.
Thai Fabric as a Way to Conserve Energy
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra suggests the use of Thai fabric as a way of saving energy. This has led to the assignment of the Culture Ministry to launch a campaign and propose designs for the Cabinet members as well as the public. The Culture Minister plans to conduct a seminar on designing clothes that are made from Thai fabric that will also reflect the identity of the Thai people. All leading designers are invited in the seminar.
Promoting the Cultural Heritage
The Thai fabric is comfortable to wear and is suitable for the climate. All the Thailand provinces have their distinct traditional fabrics woven using silk or cotton in various patterns. Traditionally, a piece of clothing is being tied around the person’s waist and hanged over the shoulders. Nowadays, the fabric is being used by the garment industry to create dresses, combining the concepts of comfort, function and beauty. The Culture Ministry’s campaign aims not only to conserve energy, but also to promote Thailand’s rich culture and the local textile industry. The fabrics include the naturally dyed cloth that’s designed by National Artist Saengda Bansith called “Ban Rai Phaoi Ngam” in Chiang Mai Songkhla’s “Lukkaew” pattern and the chequered clothing from the Pak Thong Chai district.
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