BANGKOK FASHION CITY

World-class status sought for Thailand in two years

Within two years, Thai designers and brands will join the ranks of Italy, Paris, London and New York producers, says Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, vice minister for industry.

The Bangkok Fashion City project aims to establish the capital as a regional fashion hub this year and eventually reach world-class status by 2012.

The government has earmarked 1.8 billion baht for the programme, with another 487 million in support from the private sector.

Funds will be used to promote the textiles, garments, jewellery, footwear and leather goods sectors, provide local training and expand markets.

Mr Parnpree acknowledged that implementation of the project had been hindered over the past several months, with several initiatives failing to meet their deadlines.

Eleven programmes are planned overall under the Fashion City Project. Only one programme, a fashion design school, has actually begun operations, with another five in the preparation stages and four that have yet to call for tenders from private companies.

``While Bangkok perhaps is 100 years behind leading global fashion centres, we hope that our goals are not far from reality,'' Mr Parnpree said, pointing to the strong craftsmanship skills and quality of raw materials in the market as positives for the Thai industry.

The Industry Ministry will hold a workshop with private companies this weekend on the project.

The ministry also plans to host the 2005 Bangkok Fashion Week from Aug 17-21 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre to promote the textiles and garment, gems and jewellery and the shoe and leather goods industries. Another fashion week is scheduled to be held from March 15-19, 2006.

Ponlawat Sookcharus, the executive producer of AV Project Ltd, the event organiser for the Bangkok Fashion Week, said the event would feature both fashion shows and trade exhibitions.

The fashion shows would highlight designs from established designers as well as upcoming, independent designers, he said.
Bangkok Post 03 June 2005
Aranee Jaiimsin