Official's Makeup Viral, Defends 10-Year Look
A Pattani municipal official's striking makeup in a budget meeting screenshot went viral on social media, prompting Ms. Tasneem Thapkam to defend her 10-year personal makeup style and appeal for focus on work performance rather than appeara
A Zoom meeting screenshot from August 3 featuring Pattani's Patae Subdistrict Municipality staff discussing the 2570 fiscal budget sparked a social media frenzy after being posted to the municipality's Facebook page. The image attracted millions of views, likes, and shares, largely because of the striking makeup worn by one female official in the meeting.
On August 6, journalists met with Ms. Tasneem Thapkam, Acting Head of Administration at Patae Subdistrict Municipality Office in Yaha District, Yala Province. She maintains her distinctive makeup style throughout her regular duties with a consistent smile.
Ms. Tasneem explained that she was responsible for handling public relations that day, noting that image brightness was adjusted to reduce visible wrinkles before publication. She admitted being surprised by the scale of social media attention and the numerous comments—both positive and critical about various facial features. She responded by asking people to direct personal comments to her private Facebook account rather than the official municipal page to protect its reputation.
Regarding her makeup style, Ms. Tasneem stated it has been a personal preference for over 10 years, since the mascara fashion trend emerged. She applies makeup every morning before work as part of her routine, saying it boosts her confidence and creates a refreshing atmosphere for community interactions and colleague relationships. She takes breaks only on weekends.
Addressing social media users, Ms. Tasneem appealed for people to focus on work output, dedication, and commitment to public service rather than outward appearance, encouraging constructive engagement with government agencies' social media pages.
Patae Subdistrict Clerk Bunchai Dilaertpibulyn confirmed that Ms. Tasneem is a dedicated official with outstanding performance in academic work, elections administration—earning recognition from Yala Provincial Election Commission—and security system improvements. He noted that her clothing and makeup style were known to everyone from her first day of work. Mayor Amsar Srisombat has always emphasized staff should work with mutual respect and dignity.
