Thai pageant fans fighting mad over ‘stolen’ fish costume

By Bangkok Mar 22, 2021 | 12:47pm Bangkok time

At left, Miss Grand International’s ‘Laos Fighting Fish’ vs. the ‘Siamese FIghting Fish’ for Miss Universe, at right. Photos: Kumphee Arangkarn / Facebook, Thailand TPN

Miss Universe Thailand won’t change course when she takes the stage in Florida next month despite the fact fans are furious about a fishy rival stealing her thunder.

Pageant officials signaled yesterday that Amanda Obdam will still wear her Siamese Fighting Fish costume as planned even though Thai pageant addicts are accusing Laos of ripping it off and pre-empting it for another pageant happening this week in Bangkok.

“Thailand’s national dress was inspired by women in Thai literature and national treasure Siamese fighting fish is ready to be worn by Amanda Obdam in 69th Miss Universe,” Thailand TPN Global said yesterday in a statement about Amanda’s costume, which also references a Thai mermaid.

Why are Thai fans so salty about what Miss Laos Phatthana Khidaphone will wear Wednesday at Miss Grand International? Her costume designer, who is Thai, revealed Saturday that she would be dressed as a “Laos Fighting Fish,” to the outrage of fans who see two fish of the same stripes.

While there are betta fish found across the border, “Laos Fighting Fish” has never been a thing, and everyone knows the fish are Team Thailand despite red, white and blue comprising both nation’s flags.

Still, its designer, Kumphee Arangkarn, said Saturday no country owned the right to dress up their beauties as a dish of fish.

“Every country can do a fish costume, and Laos doesn’t need to give in and change it,” he said. “It’s not that I think Laos shouldn’t back down for Thailand, but if the USA does a fish costume, others can’t do the same? It is a competition after all, and everybody wants to win.”

Top Miss Universe Thailand official Narong Lertkitsiri said he was shocked by Laos’ audacity and accused its team of ripping off Thai culture.

“I’m so confused, how can you do this? The tail and fins, they’re obviously a Thai flag. I want to ask the designer and those who made this dress for a neighboring beauty contestant, ‘How dare you?!’” Narong wrote on social media in a since-deleted post, noting that Thailand revealed its dress back in December.

Many shared Narong’s school of thought.

“There is no such thing as a Laos Fighting Fish … The only origin of the fighting fish in the world is Thailand,” Yobo Jagiya wrote. “It’s a kind of national treasure.”

You Betta Believe it! Siamese fighting fish in flag colors sold for 53,500 baht (Video)

Amanda’s Siamese Fighting Fish dress was designed by Akarach Pusonphong, who also designs costumes for

Miss Grand International Thailand.

He said the team behind Laos’ costume should do the right thing.

“Understand your mistake and accept it, learn how to say sorry,” he wrote. “Whether this is a [marketing] trick or whatever, it’s something they just shouldn’t do.”

Khumpee has been a national costume designer for Laos for many years and his 2018 design won at that year’s Miss Universe pageant.

https://coconuts.co/bangkok/news/thai-pageant-fans-fighting-mad-over-stolen-fish-costume/