Thai motor models fear X-ray vision

One of Southeast Asia's largest motor shows expects thousands of camera wielding auto enthusiasts

BANGKOK, Thailand -- Scantily clad models paid to promote the latest cars at motor shows are hardly camera shy.

But as Bangkok's biggest auto fair kicks off, peeping tom camcorders are causing alarm as they capture more than just clips of gleaming chassis.

And models aware of the video technology, which can peek through skimpy attire, are taking precautions against it, the Nation newspaper reported on April Fool's Day.

The models are hired to help promote tempting new cars at the 23rd Bangkok International Motor Show, yet according to a local news source they are being stalked by men with specially equipped, and illegal, video gear.

Ordinary home video cameras with an infrared function allow users to film in the dark, however, adding a special filter and running the infrared function in bright light allows peeping toms to see through some items of clothing.

See-through

As Thai models posed for the cameras by the latest BMW C1 motorcycle they may have had more than motors on their minds.

Many have refused to strut their stuff for the crowds of camera wielding auto enthusiasts, while others are taking precautions against the revealing technology.

"I wear black underwear," Alfa Romeo presenter Auyporn Aroonrungrot, told the Nation newspaper. "My friends said it can block the see-through capability."

Some say they have good reason to take precautions against the see-through technology after viewing still images from videos taken at a Japanese motor show where girls were "undressed" by the cameras, quoted the local Thai newspaper.

Alluring models

Many models are conscious of wearing skimpy outfits as they show off new cars and motorcycles

The event runs until April 7 at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Center in Bang Na, and is expected to attract over a million visitors.

Over 130 companies from 11 countries are taking part, including 29 carmakers and five motorcycle firms, the remaining exhibitors are auto parts and accessories producers and distributors.

And with the potential of billions of baht to be spent on automobiles and accessories during one of Southeast Asia's largest car shows, organizers are unlikely to want anything to detract from the new motors.

Local media sources said that a significant number of plainclothes police have been hired to patrol the large venue and nab peeping Toms.