Thailand’s ‘elephant pants’ trend faces Chinese competition

Almost everyone who visits Thailand will either buy themselves or bring back as souvenirs the iconic 'elephant pants' of Thailand. In addition, wearing this type of pants is very comfortable, which is why it is favored by many people of all ages, both men and women.

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According to AFP, Thailand is dealing with a wave of ‘elephant trousers’ from China. Thailand claims copyright on the characteristic elephant pattern trousers and orders increased monitoring of counterfeit trousers imported from China.

Tourists love these elephant trousers

“The elephant pattern trousers monitoring order has been issued at all ports”, Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, Phumtham Wechayachai announced on February 6th. Thin cotton trousers with elephant patterns have long been a popular souvenir for Western tourists when visiting this Southeast Asian country.

Both men and women can wear the elephant trousers comfortably

Thai youth also prefer this trouser style, but the recent surge of cheap elephant trousers produced in China has raised concerns about imported goods overpowering the domestic market, drawing attention in Bangkok.

The elephant trousers are loved by the youth

It’s not difficult to spot people wearing elephant trousers everywhere

Foreign tourists also love them

Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham, also the Minister of Commerce, declared Thailand’s exclusive design rights for elephant trousers. “Thai trousers have been standardized. Allowing foreign production will affect domestic products”, he said, warning about low-quality imported trousers that easily tear after just a few wears.

Thai elephant trousers, mostly produced in Chiang Mai, have wide legs and a comfortable design for hot weather, making them popular among foreigners. This type of trousers comes in over 10 designs, with more than 200 patterns.

Elephant trousers have become a trend for the youth

They are also very fashionable

These trousers are sold in shops in Thailand for around $4. In response to the new trend among the youth, retailers have started designing some premium models priced up to $30. However, the elephant trousers from China are priced at only around $0.84.

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Frequently asked questions

Elephant pants are loose-fitting, harem-style pants often made of lightweight, breathable fabric. They are called elephant pants because they resemble the shape of an elephant’s body and legs with their wide, baggy design. These pants became popular in Thailand as comfortable and stylish beachwear, often worn by tourists and locals alike. They are also known for their vibrant colors and unique patterns, often featuring elephant-themed designs.

Chinese manufacturers have entered the market and started producing similar pants at a lower cost. These Chinese-made pants are often sold online through platforms like Alibaba and AliExpress, undercutting the prices of the traditional Thai elephant pants. The competition has intensified as Chinese manufacturers can produce these pants at a larger scale and offer them at more affordable price points.

To combat the competition, Thai sellers are focusing on the authenticity and quality of their products. They emphasize the unique craftsmanship, traditional designs, and the use of high-quality fabrics in their elephant pants. Additionally, they are trying to educate buyers about the importance of supporting local Thai businesses and the potential ethical concerns associated with some Chinese-made products.

Thai sellers face challenges in terms of pricing, as they cannot compete with the extremely low prices offered by Chinese manufacturers. They also struggle with the perception that their products are similar to the Chinese alternatives, making it difficult to justify the higher price point. Another challenge is the lack of awareness among buyers about the differences in quality and the impact of their purchasing decisions on local Thai businesses.

Yes, there have been concerns raised about the working conditions in some Chinese manufacturing facilities. There are reports of labor exploitation, unfair wages, and unsafe working environments. Buyers who are conscious about ethical consumption may prefer to support Thai elephant pant sellers, knowing that their products are often handmade by local artisans or produced in small workshops with better working conditions.

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