The hague: In a significant move to elevate Thai traditional dress on the global stage, the Department of Cultural Promotion, Ministry of Culture, organized an event titled "CHUD THAI KNOWLEDGE, CRAFTSMANSHIP AND PRACTICES OF THE THAI NATIONAL COSTUME" in The Hague, Netherlands. This event, held from April 9-10, 2026, at Hotel Des Indes, marked the first international promotional activity for the royally-approved Thai costume program.
According to Thai News Agency, the event was graced by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, who served as the keynote speaker. She delivered a lecture on 'The Evolution of Thai Costumes and Fabrics,' which was accompanied by a fashion show that featured eight royal Thai costume styles and three royal gracious garments. The event also included demonstrations of traditional Thai jewelry-making techniques, such as rattan weaving and silver and gold embroidery. These activities were designed to present Thai traditional clothing not only as historical artifacts but as a living heritage capable of continuous development.
This event is a foundational step in promoting Thai traditional clothing on the world stage, inspired by the royal aspirations of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother. The Queen Mother has been dedicated to preserving and advancing Thailand's artistic and cultural heritage, with a particular focus on clothing, a key aspect of the nation's identity. The event attracted the presence of diplomatic representatives from the Netherlands, ambassadors from 34 countries and their spouses, representatives from international organizations, and various other dignitaries and executives.
Her Majesty Queen Sirikit has historically used traditional Thai costumes as a "cultural medium" to communicate Thailand's image internationally. In 2024, the Cabinet approved the submission of "Traditional Thai Costume: Knowledge, Craftsmanship, and Practices in Wearing National Thai Costume" to UNESCO for consideration as a Representative Item of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, to be decided in December 2026. The Royal Thai Costume includes eight distinct styles and three styles of royal-granted men's shirts, reflecting both the honor of the wearer and the evolution of Thailand's costume heritage.
The "Royal Thai Dress" is recognized as a valuable cultural heritage that continues to inspire innovations reflecting the dynamic nature of Thai culture. This presentation in The Hague is not just about preservation but represents a contemporary reinterpretation where craftsmanship becomes cultural capital. It aims to position Thai identity as a living value poised for sustainable global recognition.