But it's got nothing to do with the military chic that's been a hot fashion trend since September. She's dressed that way to remind everyone that she's currently the Thai "ambassador" for South Korean superstar Rain. With no apologies whatever to the diplomatic corps, the word "ambassador" now applies to any retail-brand promoter, or in this case a concert - Rain's show is in Bangkok on February 3.

"Rain wears camouflage gear in only one song in his concert, but it's kind of a trademark to his Thai fans," says the vivacious Noo Whan. "I dress this way to link in with the upcoming show."

She says her wardrobe is now bulging with camouflage outfits. "I'm just devoted to my ambassador's job!"

But, Noo Whan, what about the sufficiency economy?

"No way am I going to spend my money on brand-name items," she declares reassuringly. "I bought all these clothes at a flea market behind the Thai Airways office on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road. They're very affordable - just a few hundred baht."

Come February 4, though, Noo Whan has to surrender her ambassador's credentials, so any organisation interested in employing her and her wardrobe can give her a call. How about the Council for National Security, for example? They could use some good promotion!

CP owns the country, why not 'Naresuan' too?

MC Chatrichalerm Yukol's anxiously awaited film "The Legend of King Naresuan" cost a huge amount of cash to make, and we've just heard some massive news to match: The Charoen Pokphand Group has agreed to underwrite its debut.

CP, the agricultural-manufacturing-retail giant that grows everything you eat and sells you everything you need, has earmarked Bt150 million for sponsoring the epic movie's premiere on January 18.

The contract gives CP exclusive rights to sell all the related premium products - T-shirts, caps, slurpy cups, war elephants...

The great thing about all this is that the company isn't in it for the cash. In fact it's declared that any sales revenue beyond the money it's investing will go to charity. The other terrific thing about the deal is that giving MC Chatrichalerm that much money means that he'll almost certainly get to finish the third flick in the grand Naresuan Trilogy. The bill for the first two parts was Bt500 million.

For anyone reading this who's wondering why they're hearing about three parts when they haven't seen any parts yet, Part 2 will premiere two weeks after Part 1, so you haven't missed anything.

And with actors awaiting their cue in Kanchanaburi as we type, the last leg of this incredible journey is expected to march into cinemas by the end of the year.

Movie buffs are of course delighted that the long wait is almost over, and for sure, the film-related products will be available any day now on a street corner near you. CP, after all, owns every 7-Eleven outlet in the Kingdom, not to mention the True network. You shouldn't have any trouble at all snagging a souvenir.

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 veen@nationgroup.com