Naomi Campbell: Building Thailand’s Next Generation of Supermodels
Bangkok, Thailand—Supermodel Naomi Campbell met with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra at Government House on Monday, February 10, 2025, to launch a collaboration aimed at propelling Thailand onto the global fashion stage. This high-profile meeting marks a significant step in Thailand’s ambitious strategy to cultivate a new generation of supermodels and establish itself as a prominent fashion hub.
Campbell’s visit, facilitated in part by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, underscores a concerted effort to leverage «soft power»—the ability to influence through cultural and non-coercive means—to boost Thailand’s international profile. Mr. Shinawatra previously expressed his desire to see Thai models of all genders on international runways, a vision Ms. Campbell’s expertise and influence are now poised to help realize.
The meeting with Prime Minister Shinawatra culminated a series of discussions Campbell held with key figures in the Thai fashion and government sectors, including Surapong Suebwonglee, chairman of the National Soft Power Development Committee. These talks focused on strategies to develop Thailand’s potential, transforming it into a breeding ground for world-class supermodels and a vibrant center for fashion innovation.
While the specifics of the collaboration remain undisclosed, the partnership is a powerful combination. Campbell brings decades of experience at the pinnacle of the fashion industry, offering invaluable insights into model development, industry best practices, and the nuances of global fashion markets. For Thailand, this presents a unique opportunity to nurture its homegrown talent and attract international attention and investment to its burgeoning fashion scene.
This initiative aligns with a broader global trend of nations leveraging cultural assets to enhance their international standing. Similar to South Korea’s success with K-pop and K-dramas, Thailand aims to harness the allure of fashion to bolster its image and expand its global reach. This strategic deployment of soft power could have far-reaching implications, impacting not only the fashion industry but also tourism, economic growth, and cultural exchange.
The collaboration with Campbell represents a bold and innovative approach to achieving these goals. Her involvement serves as a powerful endorsement of Thailand’s potential, signaling to the world the nation’s serious commitment to its fashion ambitions. The potential benefits are substantial, promising to elevate Thailand’s profile within the global fashion ecosystem and create exciting opportunities for aspiring Thai models.
The future of this partnership remains to be seen, but the meeting between Campbell and Prime Minister Shinawatra signifies a promising first step. The fashion world will be watching closely as Thailand embarks on this ambitious journey to become a major force on the global fashion stage. The potential impact is immense, promising to catapult Thai talent onto the international scene and cement Thailand’s position as a fashion powerhouse.
