Thai internet star apologises over alleged criticism of Miss Universe gown designed by king's daughter
A Thai social media star has apologised for allegedly mocking a Miss Universe pageant dress that was designed by the daughter of Thailand’s king – an action that could lead to charges under the country’s draconian cybercrime laws.
Kitjanut Chaiyosburana, a millionaire aspiring to run in Thailand’s upcoming elections, accused Wanchaleom Jamneanphol, a well-known internet TV host, of libel and cybercrimes for a now-deleted Facebook post that was apparently disparaging towards the dress, reported Khaosod news.
“I cannot accept that a well-known individual in the online world expressed negative opinions that affect the country’s reputation!” he told reporters after filing a complaint with the police force’s technology crimes unit. “I don’t think it’s the right thing to do. It’s irresponsible behaviour.”
Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana, 31, who has a masters in design from a French university, created a range of swimsuits and two Thai silk evening dresses for the Miss Universe pageant, which took place in Bangkok at the weekend.
Mr Kitjanut did not specify Ms Wanchaleom’s alleged crime. But her reportedly negative comments about one of the princess’s dresses sparked online outrage on Monday.
Criticism of the royal family is taboo in Thailand, where several people have been convicted under strict lese majeste laws.
After her post went viral, Ms Wanchaleom issued an apology, saying that she “did not have any intention to insult or disrespect the high institution.”
She added: “I deeply regret and feel guilty for my actions.”
The furore is the latest controversy to stain the Miss Universe contest, which has been striving to portray a more progressive image in the modern world.
Last week Miss America, Sarah Rose Summers, also generated online fury in an Instagram Live post where she made light of the fact that Miss Vietnam and Miss Cambodia could not speak good English. Ms Summers apologised and said she “would never intend to hurt another.”
Miss Philippines, Catriona Gray, who won the competition to the delight of her entire nation, faced her own internet backlash when she was accused of “romanticising” poverty.
In answer to a question about the most important lesson she had learned in her life, she referred to her work in the slums of Manila, the Philippine capital.
“I’ve always taught myself to look for the beauty in it, to look for the beauty in the faces of the children, and to be grateful. I would bring this aspect as a Miss Universe to see situations with a silver lining,” she said.
Ann Van Wijgerden, a charity founder who has worked with Ms Gray, jumped to her defence, however, arguing that she was not guilty of “social pornography” by using her slum work to promote herself.
“The way that Catriona has worked with us, that’s not the case…Someone like Catriona coming and just physically being here, and just her smile is the deepest message that you have not been forgotten,” she told CNN Philippines.
