Buriram United Chief Defends Shorts Attire at Spirit Shrine
Buriram United chairman Newin Chidchob defended wearing shorts to a spirit shrine blessing ceremony, arguing that respect comes from the heart rather than clothing choices during the team's decade-long annual tradition.
Newin Chidchob, chairman of Buriram United FC, has faced criticism for wearing shorts and a club jersey while paying respects at the Phao Chaturkham spirit shrine located at the City Pillar Shrine in Nakhon Si Thammarat. The images sparked heated debate across social media and business circles, with many viewing such attire as disrespectful for a sacred occasion.
In response, Chidchob posted a detailed explanation on his Facebook page, titled "Uncle Newin," emphasizing that respect, faith, and reverence stem from the heart. He noted that Buriram United has conducted this annual blessing ceremony for over ten years, bringing all players, coaches, and staff to seek blessings from Phao Chaturkham before the competition season. Chidchob considers the spirit a sacred object he worships and has worn around his neck for decades.
Every year, he leads the entire team and staff in the ceremony, bringing championship trophies won that season to be included in the ritual. This annual tradition serves as a reminder and commitment to honesty and dedication in professional football, with the ceremony consistently yielding trophies—a practice the club attributes to the spirit's blessings.
Chidchob clarified that the club independently organizes and funds the ceremony through coordination with the City Pillar Shrine office, not as a provincial government event. Over time, government officials and politicians have been invited as guests to join the ceremony, but the club remains the sole host. This year, the Deputy Prime Minister, the Provincial Governor, and several MPs attended as guests, not as co-hosts.
Regarding his personal attire, Chidchob stated it is a private choice. He has worn a Buriram United club jersey and shorts for over ten years during the ceremony, and shrine officials have never objected. He argued that clothing—whether long pants or shorts—cannot determine whether a person holds genuine respect or faith. His decade-long consistent practice demonstrates his sincere reverence for Phao Chaturkham, rooted in his heart rather than his wardrobe.
Chidchob concluded by acknowledging critics' right to their opinion while declining to engage in further debate, noting that such criticism would be irrelevant if he were not the event's host.
