
Tuk tuks aren’t the cheapest or the safest way to get around Thailand, but as one of the more iconic local and tourist symbols of the country, they’re worth taking for a ride around town at least once.
Decked out with flashing lights and homages to the Thai flag and royal family, they’ve even recently become a fashion icon in the least likeliest of places, like the upcoming Miss Universe Pageant.
After 63 years of Miss Universe beauty pageants, coming up with a new annual theme to explore for the national costume portion of the show can be quite the challenge. This year, however, Thailand thinks they have a winning design that will really rev up the event.
Earlier this month it was announced that Aniporn Chalermburanawong, who won the honor of representing Miss Thailand in the upcoming Miss Universe contest, will be donning a tuk tuk-inspired dress as her native costume.
Designed by Hirankrit Paipibulkul, the dress was selected among eight finalists as the best design to represent Thai culture at the next competition. The outfit will include chromium parts and working lights for a realistic feel. Look at how cool the tire print tights are, too!
Even if the costume doesn’t come with a horn, we’re sure Aniporn will have no trouble making a grand entrance in this awesome, fun costume. Will the contestants from other countries be able to strut out in something just as amazing? We’ll have to wait for the upcoming Miss Universe 2015 contest, scheduled to air from Las Vegas, Nevada, to find out!
Judging by the positive reactions the tuk tuk costume has gotten from Thai fans, if you haven’t already decided on your Halloween costume this year, dressing up as a tuk tuk might be something to consider yourself!
Source: Coconuts Bangkok, Facebook/Miss Universe Thailand (FanPage)
Feature/top image: Miss Universe Thailand (edited by RocketNews24)
Insert image: The Hot Pot Blog

Miss Universe contestants promote inner beauty with no-make-up selfies
Miss Universe Japan debuts Sailor Moon ninja transformation dress as national costume for 2018
Is the Fountain of Youth in Thailand? 1965’s Miss Universe still looks pretty incredible
Queens of stage and screen: Thailand’s transgender beauty pageant kicks off for 10th year
Miss & Mr. Aoyama Contest boasts stunning contestants, maybe the next generation of TV stars?
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
East Japan Railway announces plans to abolish magnetic-strip tickets
7-Eleven Japan joins the craze for Korean Gamja Cheese Balls
Japan’s cheap beef bowl chain goes upscale with Matsuya Premium, but is it worth the higher price?
Anne Hathaway creates PR frenzy in Japan after mentioning Tottori in Devil Wears Prada interview
Shakey’s Japan creates matcha mochi, Kyoto fish, and Kansai Chili Con Carne pizzas
New Square Enix Cafe reveals Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, Nier, and Fullmetal Alchemist menu items
Date handsome cockroaches in a new dating sim from one of Japan’s leading pest control companies
Super Mario Galaxy Happy Meal toys now available at McDonald’s Japan
Bears appear at one of Kyoto Prefecture’s most popular tourist spots[Video]
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
Ghibli’s No Face continues to demonstrate his generous character growth by dispensing soy sauce
Japanese rice cooker recipe gives us a tasty new way to enjoy vegetables and wieners
New Tokyo sweets shop offers 648 different mochi ice cream dumpling combinations
Family Mart commits “reverse fraud” in new Giant All-Star Festival, and we couldn’t be happier
Colour Hunting: The hot new street photography trend changing how we see Japan
Japanese convenience store shows us how to dress for the rainy season
Body of missing American college student found in Kyoto mountains
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Miss Universe 2021 Japan entry slammed for wearing “dead person’s kimono”
Popular impersonator and makeup magician shows off his Miss Universe makeovers