THE HAGUE — Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya delivered a keynote lecture on Chud Thai at an academic forum held at Hotel Des Indes in The Hague, the Netherlands, on 9 April 2026.
Chud Thai refers to a set of formal national costumes of Thailand, standardised into distinct styles that reflect the country’s cultural heritage, royal traditions and textile craftsmanship.
The event, organised by the Department of Cultural Promotion under the Ministry of Culture, marked the first international roadshow promoting Chud Thai as part of a broader initiative to showcase Thai textiles and craftsmanship on the global stage.
During the session, the princess presented a lecture titled “The evolution of Thai dress and textiles”, alongside a fashion showcase featuring all eight styles of royal Chud Thai and three types of royal shirts for men.
The event also included demonstrations of traditional Thai craftsmanship, such as intricate Yan Lipao weaving and gold and silver embroidery, presented by the Support Arts and Crafts International Centre of Thailand (SACIT). An exhibition of royal Chud Thai was held in collaboration with the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles.
Organisers emphasised that Chud Thai should be viewed not only as historical attire but as a living cultural heritage that continues to evolve through contemporary design while maintaining its artistic structure.
The development of Chud Thai for international recognition is rooted in the royal vision of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, who has long championed the preservation and promotion of Thai cultural identity, particularly in traditional dress.
Through extensive research and collaboration with historians and designers, the royal Chud Thai was standardised into eight styles: Ruean Ton, Chitralada, Amarin, Boromphiman, Dusit, Chakri, Siwalai and Chakkraphat. These are complemented by three styles of royal shirts for men, reflecting both cultural significance and evolving Thai identity.
Over the decades, Queen Sirikit has worn Chud Thai on numerous state visits, using attire as a form of cultural diplomacy, notably during official visits to the United States and Europe, including the Netherlands, in 1960.
The elegance of Chud Thai gained international recognition and led to collaborations with French designer Pierre Balmain, who helped introduce Thai silk to haute couture.
In 2024, Thailand’s cabinet approved a proposal to nominate Chud Thai to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The nomination will be considered at the 21st session of the Intergovernmental Committee, scheduled to take place from 30 November to 5 December 2026 in Xiamen, China.
