Beyond Songkran water guns: Thailand’s quirkiest soft-power weapons

Elephant pants

The origin of Thai elephant pants is lost in the jungle of history but the stampede for the colourful and cheap fashion items began in Bangkok’s Phahurat area. Comfortable and cooling in the tropical heat, the pants quickly caught on among foreign travellers, who took them home as souvenirs. The trend got a boost when staff at the Grand Palace began handing out elephant pants as appropriate attire to visitors wearing short skirts or shorts.

Eventually, the pants became synonymous with travel in Thailand, adorning the legs of a generation of tourists.

The trend also caught on among Thais, who appreciated the thin cotton fabric and cooling ventilation offered by the pants in hot weather.

However, local media estimate that around 70% of “Thai” elephant pants on sale in Thailand were made in China.

If you want to buy a pair made with authentic Thai craftsmanship, here are the characteristics to look for:

– The pants should be made with spun fabric that is soft and comfortable to wear, providing a cooling effect.

– The pattern on the material should show elephant trunks pointing downwards. Reject any pants adorned with upside-down elephants.

– The pattern should also match at the seams with no visible overlap.

– The seams should be neatly stitched and not easy to pull apart or unravel.

Various provinces in Thailand have also developed themed pants that showcase the identity of each area.

These include Mae Klong mackerel pants from Samut Songkhram, Korat Cat Pants from Nakhon Ratchasima, Fiddler Crab Pants from Samut Sakhon, and Giant Gourami Fish Pants from Uthai Thani.