Miss Thailand sued over photo of her standing on the national flag.
Before heading to Israel to compete in Miss Universe 2021, Anchilee Scott-Kemmis faced criticism for a promotional photo that used the national flag as a red carpet.
November 24th,Bangkok PostPolice are investigating allegations that Anchilee Scott-Kemmis, the newly crowned Miss Universe Thailand, stood on the national flag in a promotional photo.
The lawsuit was filed on November 23rd by Sonthiya Sawasdee, a former advisor to the House Committee on Law, Justice and Human Rights, with the participation of Pol Lt Gen Samran Nuanma, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB).
 |
| The photo led to a lawsuit against the newly crowned Miss Universe Thailand.Miss Universe Thailand |
Sonthiya Sawasdee accused Anchilee Scott-Kemmis and the program organizers of violating the Flag Act of 1979 and the Prime Minister's Office's notice prohibiting the commercial use of the national flag.
Sonthiya wants MPB to investigate Anchilee's misuse of the national flag to avoid setting a bad example for young people, as the new Miss Universe Thailand has a large following on social media.
Sonthiya Sawasdee argued that it was absurd for Miss Universe Thailand 2021 not to know that standing on the national flag was wrong. He wanted to know whether the competition had obtained approval from the Prime Minister's Office before using the image of the national flag.
The former House committee advisor also stated that he did not intend to file a lawsuit to imprison anyone. He was simply trying to protect the reputation of Thailand.
Decha Kittiwitthayanan, head of the Thanai Klai Took lawyer network, said that offenses against the national flag can carry a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a fine of 40,000 baht (approximately).1,200 USD.
 |
| Anchilee Scott-Kemmis at the airport on November 23. Photo:Miss Universe Thailand. |
On November 22, TPN Global, the copyright holder of Miss Universe Thailand, stated that some people are misinterpreting the message of the photo as being intended to spread hatred. The organizers hope people will support Anchilee Scott-Kemmis at the Miss Universe 2021 competition held in Israel.
Anchilee Scott-Kemmis is preparing to travel to Israel. The Miss Universe 2021 final will take place on the morning of December 13th (Vietnam time).
Before the flag controversy, Anchilee Scott-Kemmis faced much debate after winning Miss Universe Thailand 2021. The 22-year-old beauty was criticized for having an unconventional figure, being 1.83 m tall and weighing 71 kg.
