
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?
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Which country’s foreign tourists spend the most money per-person in Japan? Hint: Not the U..S. or China
Starbucks Japan adds a new summer Frappuccino to the menu, but is it as refreshing as it looks?
Kodama Shinkansen trains on popular Japan route get a whole new look this winter
Foreign hiker on Mt. Fuji loses consciousness and dies, becoming climbing season’s second fatality
Brand new Shinkansen bullet train unveiled in Japan… but it won’t carry passengers
Cup Noodle releases cold-water instant ramen in Japan, but can it really be made with just cold water?
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Japanese convenience store releases Japanese convenience store-flavor fried chicken
Family Mart’s new Tokyo flagship convenience store doesn’t feel convenient, but is that a problem?
Starbucks Japan releases new Discovery Series collection celebrating local regions and traditions
Teen girl in Japan refuses to be victim, personally escorts train pervert to police for arrest
Is Japan’s tourism boom slowing down? Foreign visitor numbers fall for first time in five years
Starbucks Japan releases exclusive new Bearista collection…with beary cute details
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
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
Miss Universe 2021 Japan entry slammed for wearing “dead person’s kimono”
Popular impersonator and makeup magician shows off his Miss Universe makeovers