Miss Universe Thailand 2020 Amanda Obdam National Costume - Drags Thai Fans into Fishy Case of Costume Design Grabbing

 

Miss Universe Thailand 2020 Amanda Chalisa Obdam is ready to take the stage at the 69th Miss Universe Pageant in May, to be held at Hollywood, Florida, USA with a dazzling national costume called the ‘Trirong Anongnat Suphanmacha’. But it seems she will no longer be getting what she’s hoping for. Somebody else just stole the thunder from her, enraging her legions of Thai fans.  Miss Grand Laos, Phattana Khidaphone is parading a comparable national costume at Miss Grand International pageant currently being held in Thailand.  

Amanda’s national costume was officially chosen by TPN Global Company Limited (TPN), the copyright holder of the Miss Universe Thailand among three designs presented in a judging process. The costume was created by renowned designer Akarach Pusonphong with inspiration from the grace of ‘Mrs. Suphan Macha’ in the traditional Thai literature on the Ramayana and combining it with the beauty of the ‘Thai fighting fish’. The costume is highlighted with the tricolors of the Thai flag on the swaying fins. 

The “Siamese fighting fish” or “The River Fighter of Siam” is considered a national aquatic animal of Thailand, which has been confirmed by the Cabinet’s announcement on February 5, 2019. This fish has been known for over 100 years and is famous all over the world. Even the world’s leading mobile manufacturer brand “Apple” has used the image of “Thai fighting fish” in the promotion of the iPhone 6 smartphone.

Despite this incident, Miss Universe Thailand is unfazed and declared that Amanda will wear the same costume as planned. Pageant officials said that with all the preparations she has been doing, Amanda will surely give a strong competition to the other ladies at Miss Universe 2020. Thai pageant fans are raging mad, accusing Laos of ripping it off and preempting their own candidate’s attempt at Miss Universe.    

Why are Thai fans so outraged about what Miss Laos, Phatthana Khidaphone will wear at Miss Grand International? asked her costume designer, Kumphee Arangkarn, who is also Thai, revealing that she would be dressed as a "Laos Fighting Fish." 

Laos Vs. Thailand

Fans are quick to snap back that they are fish of the same stripes. While there are beta fish found across the border, "Laos Fighting Fish" has never been a thing. And everyone knows the fish is identified with Thailand despite the red, white and blue colors comprising both nations’ flags. Amanda’s costume designer, who also designs costumes for Miss Grand International, said the team behind Laos’ costume should understand their mistake, learn to say sorry and do the right thing.

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