People attending a Songkran parade in Bangkok yesterday (Apr 11) were in for a treat.
Chinese actress Fan Bingbing made a surprise appearance as a guest of the Tourism Authority Thailand, taking part in a nearly four-hour-long procession around the city.
Riding a green tuk-tuk, Bingbing was a vision as she donned a traditional Thai outfit from Bangkok-based fashion brand Vanus Couture while waving and bowing to screaming fans.
However, some observed that even the actress could not withstand the humidity and was seen constantly patting her face with a Kleenex.
Bingbing’s addition to the parade had many praising the event organiser for bringing such a big celeb to Bangkok, though some netizens were less impressed.
A few complained that the tuk-tuk that transported Bingbing through the crowd “looked cheap and lame” when compared to the other flashier floats.
A couple of parade attendees also reported that oil was seen leaking profusely from the vehicle during the event.
Others also accused the organisers for “bullying” the Chinese star.
“Fan Bingbing is a cultural ambassador who draws Chinese people to Thailand, but she did not look as grand [in the parade] as she does in her own country,” commented a netizen.
Another even chastised Bingbing’s team for allowing her to take part in the parade that “didn’t match her glamorous persona”.
“Did they pay Bingbing enough? It is heartbreaking to see her needing to work so hard,” added the netizen.
Other than the parade, Bingbing was also spotted modeling a blue traditional Chinese outfit while visiting various Thai attractions such as The Grand Palace.