CHUD THAI KNOWLEDGE, CRAFTSMANSHIP AND PRACTICES OF THE THAI NATIONAL COSTUME
Showcasing “Chud Thai” on Global Stage
Chud Thai, or Thai national costume, has been showcased at Le Meurice Hotel in Paris, marking a significant step that reflects the vision of showcasing traditional Thai clothing on the global stage.
Organized by the Department of Cultural Promotion, Ministry of Culture, on 10-11 October 2026, the event highlights the value of Thailand's cultural heritage, encompassing its history, exquisite master craftsmanship, and the royal court traditions of dressing that have been passed down through generations.
On 10 October, Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya chaired an academic seminar and knowledge-sharing session on the topic “Evolution of Chud Thai and Thai Textiles.” The event featured a fashion showcase of all eight styles of the Thai national costume for ladies, or “Chud Thai Phra Ratchaniyom” (Royally Favored Thai Costume) and three types of “Suea Phra Ratchathan (Royally Bestowed Shirt), traditional dress for men. They were designed and tailored by Tirapan and Pa Couture.
There were also demonstrations of traditional Thai craftsmanship, including Sadung Khrueang Mai, an intricate embroidery technique rooted in the ancient Thai royal court, and brocade weaving by Weeratham Trakulngenthai, a National Artist in 2025 in Visual Arts (Fine Craft Design).
This event also featured other cultural presentations, including gold brocade displays, gold-thread meshwork, Sadung Khrueang Mai embroidery, traditional Thai jewelry making, and floral garland jewelry making.
It supports Thailand's nomination of “Chud Thai: The Knowledge, Craftsmanship and Practices of the Thai National Costume” to be inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2026.
The inscription will be considered at the 21st session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in December 2026 in Xiamen, the People's Republic of China.
