In Thailand, TikTokers give ‘elephant pants’ a new measure of 'cultural' cool

A worker cuts elephant print fabric into clothing patterns at Chinrada Garment company in the northern province of Chiang Mai. Photo: AFP

An elegant Thai socialite poses in sunglasses, a designer handbag discreetly visible in the Instagram photo, her stylish outfit completed by a pair of ... elephant print pants?

Infamous across South-East Asia, so-called elephant pants made of thin baggy cotton were once synonymous with grubby backpackers in search of themselves – and the nearest Chang beer, a popular local lager.