Bangkok: The Ministry of Culture in Thailand has taken a significant step by promoting Her Majesty Queen Sirikit's royal-style Thai dress for UNESCO World Heritage status. Ms. Sabida Thaiseth, Minister of Culture, led the opening of a seminar and exhibition on royal-applied Thai costumes, which honors Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother. The initiative aims to advance the potential of applied Thai culture on the international stage. The event was attended by diplomatic corps members, Mr. Prasop Riangngern, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, and other notable figures including Ms. Yutika Isarangkun Na Ayutthaya, Director-General of the Department of Cultural Promotion.

According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Sabida highlighted the Ministry of Culture's efforts through the Department of Cultural Promotion to disseminate knowledge about royally-approved Thai costumes to the public. This initiative not only honors Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, who initiated the study of Thai women's clothing from various eras, but also aims to publicize her efforts in enhancing Thai textile arts and crafts. The initiative supports the preparation for the consideration of "Chud Thai: The Knowledge, Craftsmanship and Practices of The Thai National Costume" as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, with a decision expected in December 2026.

Ms. Yutika explained that the Department of Cultural Promotion is collaborating with Srinakharinwirot University's Academic Service Center to implement the project. This project focuses on collecting and disseminating accurate information about the Royal Thai costume. The goal is to promote the wearing of Thai costumes and fabrics daily and on significant occasions, thereby fostering pride and awareness of their value. This effort aligns with the proposal to submit the "Chud Thai" as a representative item of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity to UNESCO.