THAILAND - Last year, Thai teenagers with perfectly straight teeth enraged their parents and government officials alike by purchasing colorful, fake braces which they applied to their teeth as a fashion statement. The government cracked down due to the risk of "sores to the gums" and made it illegal to sell fake braces. Now some Thai teens are ratcheting up the defiance level by opting for what they believe to be the ultimate fashion statement: amputation of the legs.
"The kids are getting their legs chopped off because it's the 'in thing to do,'" explained fashion guru Mr. Blackwell. "They think it's very Western, very kinky, in a Civil War-retro kind of way."
But Thailand's Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is not going to stand for it. "The punishment for such an offense is to chop off their legs," he cried. An aide reminded the Prime Minister that it was too late for that. "Then their hands -- even their heads!" he exclaimed. "I am going to send a message that I will not stand unnecessary for dismemberment of body parts."
