Garuda shoes? Yep, garuda shoes. Where some see artistic expression, others are taking great offense at a pair of red-white-and-Thai-blue sneakers being marketed with a royal emblem and now a top government official is threatening to sue.
Deputy Prime Minister and junta government legal adviser Wissanu Krea-ngam weighed in today on the brouhaha over Thai-themed kicks being marketed online to say they would be illegal to sell in the kingdom as the garuda emblem is copyrighted and legally protected from reproduction without authorization.
The shoes have sparked heated debate over whether they are an example of cultural appropriation, not a big deal or just plain offensive to Thai foot-shame mores, which consider feet to be vulgar and, in certain contexts, insulting.
The whole thing started when someone stumbled upon an online apparel seller offering sneakers printed with an official state garuda emblem. They also feature the word “Thailand” and a map of the kingdom.
The seller, DNAProud.com, which says its headquarters are in Vietnam but its warehouse in the U.S. state of Alabama, offers a slew of similar items. Its business model seems to be slapping national symbols onto clothes, such as two topless “natives” designed by colonial England for the seal of Jamaica.
Some people didn’t see a lazy cut-and-paste business model, but an attack on the very soul of the kingdom.
“Who are they to have the right to make use of such a divine figure for Thai people? Can someone contact any direct organization that can deal with this company?” Winiya Langen urged in a comment.
Others didn’t think it was a big deal, as it’s common practice in other countries to affix flags and national symbols to commercial products.
“I don’t think the garuda is untouchable, and it looks cool. But some modifications should be made to distinguish it from the one used by the government” Mayko Prasitkhetkij wrote. “Americans use eagles in fashion all the time, with modification, because they also have a law protecting the [official national seal] from unofficial use.”
Deputy PM WIssanu said that if the product is manufactured abroad, they would file a formal complaint if they can identify those responsible. If not, they will just issue a warning.
Although DNAProud says it is from California on Twitter and all products are made in United States, its website states lists headquarters in Hanoi and a warehouse in Alabama.
English does not appear to be the first language of those behind it.
“From small stories we have read on forums of expatriates, we make products from the flags of the countries they love,” it reads. “We are designing and selling Print On Demand (POD) apparels for all countries, you can find a variety of items such as clothing, shoes, upholstery, … with designs from the flag of your country[.]”
The company did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.
Wissanu said it wasn’t clear if the sneakers are real or just a mock-up. The website makes clear the items are produced only after they are ordered.
If anyone sports the shoes in the kingdom, the manufacturer will be legally liable for the crime, he said, not the wearer.
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