Thursday, August 07, 2008

Bush buys Egyptian shirts from Bangkok's Presidential Tailor shop Rajawongse Clothier

George Bush orders 5 Egyptian cotton shirts in blue and white from a Bangkok Tailor shop called Rajawongse Clothier run by two turbaned Sikhs, Victor, and his father Jesse Gulati. Their shop is conveniently located near Nana BTS Skytrain station in the heart of Bangkok at No. 130 Sukhumvit Road, next to the Landmark Hotel (near Sukhumvit Soi 4). The shirts will be picked up by U.S. Secret Service agents.



The Bush family has had close ties with the tailors, who over the years have turned out clothes for not only the current president, but also his father George H. W. Bush and other family members.

George H.W. Bush stopped by in December 2006 with his wife Barbara in the picture below




"This time, I don't think he will have time to have a suit made," said Victor Gulati. "Besides, we would have to remeasure him.". But just in case, Victor and his father, Jesse, are standing by their mobile phones during Bush's 24-hour visit to Thailand, which ends today evening. "If he does order a suit, they'll tell us at the last minute. They always keep these things quiet," Victor said, recalling the time the senior Bush gave them half an hour's notice before coming to the shop in 2006 to order jackets for his sons and himself.



The president's own previous order of 2 suits and 5 shirts was executed during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in 2003, when the tailors had 3 days' time for fittings. Jesse, who enjoyed a breakfast with the president during the summit, indicated that the president's shape may have changed since, so new measurements would be needed.

The Gulatis' database of such vital statistics includes names such as one-time presidential hopeful Senator John Kerry and ex-U.S. Homeland Security chief Tom Ridge, along with some of the world's top spies, diplomats and secret service agents. "They (secret service agents) like their suits a bit loose," Victor noted.

From reports, the place has earned the seal of presidential approval, now being referred to as "Bangkok's Presidential Tailor" and the price seems to be just right. Bush junior will be presented with a US$150 bill for the five shirts he ordered.

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