Supreme Luang Phor Koon shirts
Update: Supreme’s decision to screen images of Luang Por Koonand his enchantments met backlash in February. Since then, the abbot’s temple, Wat Ban Rai, has permitted this streetwear company to screen them on 1,000 jackets. The company has agreed to donate ฿784,600 (~USD25,000) to the temple, reported Thairath.
It seems that Thailand’s religious symbolism has caught the eye of the fashion world as the internationally-renowned clothing brand Supreme presented its 2021 Spring & Summer collection with a touch of Thai enchantment.
A splash of Thai culture can be seen on Supreme’s latest Blessings Ripstop Shirts that use silkscreens of many famous Thai talismans, chants and Thailand’s famous monk Luang Phor (Reverend Father) Koon.
While it’s true that this fashion statement brings Thai culture to a wide international audience, Luang Phor Koon’s family denied any acknowledgements from the brand regarding the use of their late family member as part of a shirt.
Luang Phor Koon’s family denied acknowledgement
According to Thairath, Mr. Prateep Wongkarnchanarat (Kru Dum), a direct grandson of the famous Luang Phor Koon, stated in an interview that he, his family and Baan Rai temple, Luang Phor Koon’s temple, did not receive any notice or any contact from Supreme regarding the use of his grandfather’s identity.
Supreme’s 2021 Spring & Summer Blessings Ripstop Shirts with Luang Phor Koon screened in the middle.
Image credit: Twitter
The image screened on Supreme Blessings Ripstop shirts is an iconic picture of Luang Phor Koon smoking a cigarette surrounded by many of his famous enchantments, all of which happened to be used without Luang Phor Koon’s family and temple’s consent.
Kru Dum, Luang Phor Koon’s grandson
Image credit: Thairath
As of now, Kru Dum is looking into Supreme’s intention and is in talks with people from Baan Rai temple about appropriate action. No confirmation has been made from both Kru Dum and the temple regarding whether they would take legal action against the international fashion brand.
Who’s Luang Phor Koon?
Luang Phor Koon is considered to be Thailand’s most famous monk and is worshipped by many, including Thailand’s royal family members, for his teachings, enchantments and valuable talismans. He was an abbot of the now-famous Baan Rai temple in Nakhon Ratchasima.
Luang Phor Koon
Image credit: Thairath
Luang Phor Koon smoking a cigarette – an image used on Supreme shirts
Image credit: Pinterest
Even after his passing, Luang Phor Koon’s legend is still being talked about among religious Thai folks. Many of his talismans and enchantments are also highly sought by collectors from all across the globe.
Luang Phor Koon’s Baan Rai temple
Image credit: Twitter
It is recommended to all religious readers to visit Luang Phor Koon’s Baan Rai temple to pay respect at least once in your lifetime. You can look at the information and direction of Baan Rai temple below.
Wat Baan Rai (Baan Rai Temple)
Opening Hours: 8AM – 5PM
Address: Kut Phiman, Dan Khun Thot District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30210
Google Maps
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Featured image adapted from: Twitter, Pinterest
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