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00:0060-70 years ago, Thai people were compelled to dress code dictated by their leader's
00:06aspiration to emulate modern countries.
00:08In 1940, then Prime Minister Plaek Phibunsongkham introduced regulations advising Thais on
00:14how to dress.
00:15Plaek claimed the regulations were intended to civilize and modernize Thai society, raising
00:20their status to be educated and not just treated like slaves.
00:24Those who failed to dress as recommended could face fine and punishment.
00:29Both men and women were advised to wear hats when venturing outside.
00:33Men were instructed to wear formal shirts and trousers instead of sarong.
00:37Women were told to wear proper shirts instead of wrapping themselves in clothes as they
00:41had before.
00:42However, many of Plaek's ideas were criticized for being too extreme and disappeared over
00:47time.