BANGKOK: Two famous beauties from Thailand and China lit up Bangkok’s Songkran parade as the traditional Thai New Year started with a splash of controversy on Thursday (April 11).
Thai-Danish beauty queen Anntonia Porsild reigned over the parade in her role as Songkran goddess Mahodhara, leading the gorgeously decorated floats down Rajadamnern Klang Road to Sanam Luang.
Resplendent in divine attire, Anntonia rode a peacock-themed float decorated with Naga and flowers that drew admiring looks and camera lenses of tourists and residents.
But the star power dazzled even brighter on Thursday with the arrival of the parade’s surprise guest.
Chinese actress Fan Bingbing joined the party Thai-style, riding in a tuk-tuk that had been decorated with flowers for the day.
"Fan Bingbing surprisingly showed up in Songkran goddess attire to celebrate the Thai New Year festival at Sanam Luang," gushed fashion magazine Elle Thailand on social media.
Fan Bingbing’s appearance caught the attention of the large crowd, with many eager to get a glimpse of the global superstar taking on a new Thai role.
However, not everyone was happy with her latest performance.
Critics took to social media to complain that Fan’s humble tuk-tuk looked lame when compared with the many magnificent floats on display.
They also accused the event's organisers of bullying her.
"Fan Bingbing is a cultural ambassador who draws Chinese people to Thailand, but she did not look nearly as grand [in the parade] as she does in her own country," complained one Thai netizen.
The floats will be on display as part of the Songkran festival celebrations at Sanam Luang until Monday, April 15. - The Nation/ANN
