[DexOnenlyCymn]

''The concern [over people wearing military uniforms] is unreasonable. I think the authorities would be better advised to look into those who dress like policeman and squeeze money from people,'' she said. Now that lady has some sense anyway, to bad that the leaders of this country have none at all.

as they look absolutely reticules Paul, don't you mean "Ridiculous"

[themsrsdude]

Peerapong Manakij, the deputy spokesman for the Defence Ministry, said it is against the law for civilians to pose as soldiers.

I think most countries have similar laws. In my country its also illegal to pose as a police officer by clothing or otherwise.

I think the problem is how you would actually define "posing as".

[LOVEBoy]

PPl don't usually wear the whole military garb tho, just trousers or shirt - with non-military pumps or whatever. I think it's much worse when ppl wear shirts with 'Police'' printed on the back.

[seawolferr]

better to ban head gear that various religious groups wear, as they look absolutely reticules.

Reticules = (plural) a type of purse or a handbag.

Ridiculous = your statment concerning religous headgear.

[Scfdglkn]

My son, now 34, was very nearly arrested at Don Muang Airport when trying to leave the country.
His cousin, just out of National Service, had given him some Thai Army fatigues, with the express instruction of not to wear them till home in the UK.
But then, what fourteen year old ever takes any notice of what father says?
Having just passed through check in, I was carrying his passport when he was stopped by a plain clothed officer and asked for his ID!
Just think, I could have missed all those 'growing up' years!

Oh yes, forgot to mention his name is Paul also!!!

[bobibnoxx]

I agree with the Defence Council. In a country where soldiers intermix with civilians so often, permitting such uniforms to be worn by civilians can lead to abuse and even criminal activities.

Maybe, it is not a serious problem at the moment but can develop into one unless checked in time. Those who brought the Military Uniforms Act as far back as 1934 seem to have had the foresight to see it.

The law in my country is just the same.

[MasTaBlau]

FASHION

Military clothing a new taboo

WASSANA NANUAM & KULTIDA SAMABUDDHI


Military-style camouflage clothing is now a fashion taboo, the Defence Council has decided.

The council feels there is a real danger attached to the wrong people making a fashion statement by wearing clothes styled after military uniforms.

Insurgents in the far South have been known to plant bombs wearing what look like military camouflage uniforms.

Peerapong Manakij, the deputy spokesman for the Defence Ministry, said it is against the law for civilians to pose as soldiers.

The punishment under the Military Uniforms Act of 1934 is a jail term of between three months and five years. However, children are exempt.

Military fatigues have inspired local and international clothes designers whose collections are widely available and are now common street wear.

Maj-Gen Peerapong said wearing clothes which resemble a full or partial military uniform is nonetheless illegal. Police will be asked to cooperate.

Offenders may escape punishment if they show they are not trying to pass themselves off as soldiers. Shops are also urged to exercise discretion when selling military-style clothes.

The spokesman said Prime Minister and Defence Minister Samak Sundaravej agreed with the move.

For those who own military fatigues, the council suggests they ''take the clothes out of the closet and dye them''.

The council's anxiety over the popularity of military fashions surprised both sellers and buyers of military clothing.

''Don't they have anything more important to think about, like the country's security?'' said Wuthichai Phuttaraksa, the owner of Tongchat shop, which sells camouflage clothing and camping equipment at Chatuchak weekend market.

He said it did not make any sense to ban military fashions.

The outfits have nothing to do with criminal acts or the military's image.

He believed most people did not intend to ''dress like soldiers'', but wore the clothes because they were suitable for certain activities, or simply because it made them look good.

''In fact, soldiers should be proud that people love their outfits. This reflects people's positive perceptions towards the soldiers,'' he said.

Veena Poonchako, the owner of JJ Army shop, also at Chatuchak, said soldiers' trousers, T-shirts and jackets were popular with adventurous tourists and youngsters playing BB gun games.

However, American soldiers' uniforms seemed to be more popular than Thai military clothing, she added.

''The concern [over people wearing military uniforms] is unreasonable. I think the authorities would be better advised to look into those who dress like policeman and squeeze money from people,'' she said.

Bansit Bunyaratavej, the deputy photo editor of Sarakadee Magazine who is a fan of soldier uniforms, also disagreed with the clampdown. Mr Bansit said he chose to wear military outfits because they made his work easier in the field, especially in the jungle or in emergency situations.

''Good quality military clothes are light and help cool the body. I use them because they are suitable for my job, not because I want to look like a soldier.

''If the military is so worried about its image, it should work harder to create trust and credibility among the public instead of prohibiting people from wearing its uniforms,'' he said.


Bangkok Post

[GZFL2tDA]

hi guy
i plan to visit to Bankok.
I'm interested in military clothing and want to buy ECWCS parka and so.
Would you please give me some shops information which sell the military shop(made in US)
THX

[NutChusty]

How ridicules banning a conservative fashion item that is very popular, better to ban head gear that various religious groups wear, as they look absolutely reticules.

[boXGWf04]

another good point for wearing military clothes is that stains are not as visible as on monochrome clothing