Teen singer from Thai idol group BNK48 begs forgiveness after wearing Nazi swastika T-shirt in televised rehearsal
- The deputy chief of mission of the Israeli embassy in Bangkok took to Twitter to express ‘shock and dismay’
- Singer later claimed full responsibility for her ignorance in an apology posted on her official Facebook page
A member of Thailand’s most popular all-girl band donned a shirt portraying Nazi Germany’s state flag with a swastika emblazoned across it during a televised rehearsal, drawing “shock and dismay” from the Israeli embassy.
Images of Hitler, swastikas and other Nazi regalia are fairly commonplace on T-shirts and memorabilia in Thailand, a phenomenon blamed on a lack of historical understanding rather than political leanings.
The latest faux pas was committed by Pichayapa “Namsai” Natha, one of the singers of BNK48, when she wore the red-and-black top complete with swastika during the group’s rehearsal on Friday.
The deputy chief of mission of the Israeli embassy in Bangkok took to Twitter to express “shock and dismay” at the outfit, given that Sunday is International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
“Presenting Nazi symbols by the band’s singer hurt the feelings of millions around the world,” said Smadar Shapira.
On Saturday night, Namsai apologised tearfully onstage during a concert.