A child filled with boundless joy, whose mere presence could bring a smile to anyone’s face – that’s “Mr. P” for you.
If we rewind the clock to almost two decades ago, there was one pop culture icon that everyone in Thailand knew and cherished, and that was “Mr. P.” This unassuming character was a shy kid who dared to showcase his anatomical features, concealed within everyday objects. He once proudly presented a nearly 5-meter-tall colossal body, standing in front of Siam Paragon shopping center. And during significant festivals, be it birthdays or New Year’s, “Mr. P” would transform into a representative of positive emotions, a gift giver extraordinaire. Even the creators themselves had the courage to display their bashful yet audacious character proudly, with anatomical features in hand, a character that has endured to this day.
And in the upcoming year… “Mr. P,” the genuine Thai cartoon character, will reach the ripe age of 20.
Let’s rewind and get to know “Mr. P.”
Many may wonder who “Mr. P” is, and they may need to hear it from Sathit Kalunvarangkul, also known as “Phee Kae” – a thinker, a creative mind, and co-founder of the Phenomena Company Limited, a forward-thinking design and marketing firm. He recounts that after the Phenomena Company had successfully established itself with a brand of fun and creative everyday products for about a decade, the brand’s designer, Tudd-Chaiyuth Polapetch (winner of the 2557 Silpathorn Award in the Design category), had the idea to create a character that reflected authenticity. In 2004, Mr. P was born from a Thai-inspired sense of humor, a character who was a shy but daring child, willing to put his own anatomical features to practical use to convey an emotional approach to everyday usage. The first product was the Mr. P Lamp, also known as the One Man Shy. It humorously showcased the shy but proud naked boy, serving as a lamp with only his head covered. The switch to turn the light on and off was strategically placed at his genital area, made of soft-touch material for comfort. Just one year after its debut, the Mr. P Lamp became a global sensation, exported to no fewer than 40 countries. It paved the way for numerous other products, including the Scotch Tape Dispenser and the Mug Lick, among more than 50 items, each adding playful design elements while maintaining cuteness, humor, and joy. Mr. P quickly found a place in the hearts of people worldwide, encouraging other Thai brands to venture out with the belief that there is no right or wrong in design, as long as it is unique and, most importantly, stays true to its style.
Birth of the Siam Landmark Within less than a decade, Mr. P’s popularity had grown so much that the Propaganda store at Siam Discovery became a must-visit and shopping destination for tourists. Guidebooks from around the world recommended that travelers make a stop at Propaganda. In 2013, “Mr. P Absolute Siam” was born at Siam Center, designed as a larger-than-life, 5-meter-tall white fiber glass figure. He was seen enjoying his favorite music, wearing headphones and walking happily. Along his path, there were symbolic yellow obstacles representing life’s challenges. It reflected the reality that life’s journey is not always strewn with roses; sometimes, one encounters obstacles. However, Mr. P walked with ease, ready to face everything with a smile, embracing both happiness and hardships, believing in the ability to overcome. Soon, he became an iconic landmark and a source of inspiration for both locals and tourists, who flocked to take photos with him. He even appeared on the Times Square screen in New York. Meanwhile, in front of the Propaganda store, Mr. P Sleep was placed, allowing tourists to take photos and get closer to the iconic boy. It was even exhibited at the China Design Center in China. Additionally, at one point, visitors to Siam Paragon’s Parc Paragon may have encountered Mr. P Water, three gigantic Mr. P figures measuring 4 meters, 3 meters, and 2 meters, respectively. They were made of fiberglass and featured various joyful poses, sticking their tongues out with water flowing from their mouths. This concept was inspired by Feng Shui beliefs that placing a water source in front of a house brings good luck. Mr. P’s character merchandise continued to make waves worldwide, appearing in various international TV series and becoming a household decoration item for celebrities like Cristiano Ronaldo. It was even installed as a window display in Paul Smith’s flagship store in Covent Garden, London.
And now, where is Mr. P? Over the past few years, fans of this growing, mischievous boy may not have seen much expansion of Mr. P’s fun-filled character into various product lines. However, the good news is that fans, old and new alike, will soon witness Mr. P’s resurgence. This will be made possible through a collaborative project between Mr. P and A49, which promises to bring smiles through the presentation of Mr. P sculptures in new and never-before-seen playful poses. These sculptures will grace various areas of the KingBridge Tower, designed by Sansiri Public Company Limited to promote happiness among its occupants, turning it into the “Happiness Tower.” Communal spaces within the building will exude a sense of benevolence, while the playful and joyful Mr. P will enhance the overall ambiance, reminding everyone that challenges are a part of life’s journey. Mr. P believes in crossing them with a smile. The KingBridge Tower is expected to be completed in 2024, marking a perfect time to celebrate Mr. P’s 20th anniversary.
Get ready to smile and celebrate the 20th anniversary of Mr. P with us!#TicyCity#ตีซี้ชิตี้ #MeaningofCity#เพราะทุกที่คือเมือง#เมือง #Ticytrend #Trend #Ticydesign #Movement #MrP #มิสเตอร์พี #พร็อพพาแกนดา #Propaganda
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