Social media came down hard on the case of Newin Chidchob, the godfather of the Bhumjaithai Party and chairman of Buriram United Football Club, who on 31 July wore shorts while leading club executives, players, and staff in a worship ceremony at the Lak Mueang (City Pillar) Shrine of Nakhon Si Thammarat to seek auspiciousness ahead of the new competitive season.
Newin wore shorts while presiding over the ceremony. Also in attendance were Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, as well as Somchai Leelarnoi, Governor of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, members of parliament, heads of government agencies, and members of the public.
Those who saw the images raised questions about the appropriateness of the conduct and whether it showed proper respect for the sacred site, which is regarded as the guardian spirit of Nakhon Si Thammarat.
