A popular Thai graphic designer struck out at a national martial arts team for allegedly copying his famous logo on uniforms worn at the SEA Games.
Sucharn “Buk” Chaweewan last night said the Thai Pencak Silat team, which won the gold last night in Hanoi, embroidered his popular Thailand design readable in both Thai and English on their jerseys without his permission.
“I was pleased to hear that the Thai Pencak Silat team won the first gold medal for our country,” Sucharn wrote on social media. “But what I’m sad about is my #Thailand typography design has been embroidered on the jerseys of this athletic team. I have not been contacted by any association or organization related to this sport.”
Sucharn also clarified that the typeface design was under copyright protection and recognized by a certificate from the intellectual property department.
“In order for my designs to be placed on any product or area, you would need permission from me first,” Sucharn said. “I would like to advise everyone to have a correct understanding that applying designs seen from the online world through various businesses and activities in a personal way or used by an organization that you are affiliated with without asking for permission is considered an offense.”
The Pancak Silat team could not be reached and has not publicly commented on the accusation.
The 31st Southeast Asian Games, which began yesterday in Hanoi and run until May 23, pit athletes from 11 nations against each other in 40 sports.
Pencak Silat is an Indonesian martial art combining strikes, throws and grapples.
Last night’s win brought Thailand its first of this year’s games.
Known as Buk Babor, Sucharn is known for his striking visual designs. Finished in 2021, his Thailand design went viral in January due to its unique lettering.