Miss Universe Thailand accused of flag abuse for ‘standing on the national flag’ in promo picture

Miss Universe Thailand Anchilee Scott-Kemmis has been accused of flag abuse after being seen “standing on the national flag” in her promotional picture for the 70^th edition of the prestigious tilt.

According to Bangkok Post, Sonthiya Sawasdee—a former adviser to the House committee—filed the complaint against the candidate. Sawasdee pointed out that she violated the 1979 Flag Act as well as a ban on the use of national flags for commercial purposes.

Sawasdee said that the country’s Miss U bet “may be unaware that standing on a national flag is inappropriate. He insisted he would not be seeking any jail terms, but was protecting the prestige of the national flag,” as per the report, which also stated that such offenses against the national flag can lead to a maximum of two years in prison and/or a fine of up to 40,000 baht. 

Miss Universe Thailand’s national director Piyaporn Sankosik was quick to defend Scott-Kemmis in a recent interview, saying that the poster was “made to convey the greatness of Thai people, not the real flag necessarily.”

Scott-Kemmis is set to compete for the 70^th edition of the Miss Universe pageant to be held on Dec. 12 in Eliat, Israel.