The panung or pha nung (Thai: ผ้านุ่ง,, in Thai pronounced as /pʰâː nûŋ/) is a lower attire worn by individuals from Siam.
Panung is a traditional garment worn in Thailand.[1] It is a long strip of cloth, described in 1921 by the US vice-consul as "a piece of cotton cloth 3 by 10 feet" is wrapped around the waist, reaching below the knees. The cloth is sometimes passed between the legs and tucked at the back[2] in a fashion known as chong kraben. The garment is normally paired with a sabai or pha hom, a similar cloth used to cover the upper body.
Panung is a versatile garment that can be worn by anyone, regardless of gender. It is available in different qualities, with first quality being Patta. Patta is a durable printed cloth that features bold check patterns or with cross designed patterns. It is possible for this item to have one or more stripes at either end.[3] The second quality is Papoon, characterized by fast coloration and the narrow stripes woven into the cloth. It is also woven with a two-and-two checking pattern.[4] The third quality is known as Palai, which refers to proper sizing of materials and a stiffened structure.
Contemporary Western clothing is moving away from the traditional Panung style of dressing.[5]