'Coup chic' hits Bangkok: Thai kids in army gear

A wave of 'coup chic' in children's fashion has hit the Thai capital since the putsch two weeks ago, raising concerns that parents are teaching youngsters to glorify the military.

Thousands of parents have taken their children to see the tank units and soldiers that were stationed in Bangkok, often kitting them out in camouflage uniforms and toy guns to take photos for the family album.

Shops selling infant-sized army fatigues have reported booming sales, and the city's BK Magazine has quipped that "consumer spending on camouflage clothing has provided a much-needed boost to our economy." But not everyone is happy about the sight of the pint-sized platoons.

Military uniforms

"Parents might want to dress their kids in military uniforms to be trendy, but they should keep in mind the mental impact this might have," said former senator Pratheep Ungsonhtham Hata, who heads a child protection agency.

"The children wear camouflage outfits and carry toy guns because they think it's cool. But what happens when they grow up without understanding the role of soldiers and what they are doing in the current political situation?"

She added that "parents should better educate their children that violence is not the solution for problems and conflict." Not many parents seem to share Pratheep's concern, according to retailers who report soaring sales since the September 19 coup against premier Thaksin Shinawatra, whom many accused of corruption and abuse of power.

"Some models and sizes have already run out," said Panida Isarakornkul, 54, who owns two children's wear shops in Bangkok's Maboonklong shopping centre. "I have ordered extra stock, but I couldn't get any from the wholesaler."

The size "S", for one-year-old kids, had sold the fastest, she said. "The current situation has spurred demand," agreed another shop owner, who said he normally sells military gear mostly to tourists. "Thai parents are now dressing their children like this to be up-to-date."

Nine-month-old son

Last weekend at Bangkok's Royal Plaza, Putthiapat Dejasarantrikul and his wife Jindarat took their nine-month-old son Nattakorn to see the soldiers, the baby dressed in full olive military regalia. "We just bought this uniform with the cap before taking him here for the photographs," said Putthipat, 35. "This is his fourth camouflage outfit."

Another youngster happily riding the new fashion craze was five-year-old Daratchavin Kumchart, resplendent in a crisp air force pilot's uniform his aunt Patcha had bought for him. "I am not afraid of tanks and soldiers," he said. "They are cool."

His aunt looked on proudly and explained: "He doesn't know what a coup is. But he can chant 'Thaksin, Get Out'."

(AFP)