Eight styles of Chud Thai take centre stage at Tokyo National Museum
Thailand will showcase all eight styles of Chud Thai Phra Ratchaniyom, royal-court craftsmanship and specialist lectures in Tokyo on September 17-18.
The Royal Thai Embassy in Tokyo is inviting the public to explore Thailand’s national dress and traditional craftsmanship at a two-day exhibition at the Tokyo National Museum.
“Chud Thai: The Knowledge, Craftsmanship and Practices of the Thai National Costume” will be held at the museum’s Hyokeikan building on Thursday and Friday, September 17-18, 2026.
Organised by Thailand’s Ministry of Culture, the exhibition will present all eight styles of Chud Thai Phra Ratchaniyom, or Thai national dress, highlighting the knowledge, design and craftsmanship behind the costumes.
Visitors will also be able to observe demonstrations of traditional crafts associated with the Thai royal court, including ancient threadwork, embroidery using a traditional frame, and silver- and goldsmithing.
Specialists to discuss Thai dress and craftsmanship
The programme will include special lectures by Assistant Professor Dr Anucha Thirakanont, director of the Sustainable Arts and Crafts Institute of Thailand, or SACIT, and Piyavara Teekara Netnoi, director of the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles.
The speakers will provide further insight into the cultural significance, technical knowledge and artisanal practices connected with Chud Thai.
Exhibition and lecture schedule
On Thursday, September 17, exhibition visits will be available in four one-hour sessions:
- 10am - 11am
- 11am - noon
- 2pm - 3pm
- 3pm - 4pm
A special lecture will be held from 2pm to 4pm.
On Friday, September 18, exhibition sessions will be held from:
- 10am - 11am
- 11am - noon
A further special lecture will take place from 2pm to 3pm.
Admission is free, although capacity for each exhibition session and lecture is limited.
Separate registration is required for the exhibition and the special lectures, with places allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Participants can register through the QR code on the event poster or at site.thaiembassy.jp/chudthai/.
Those who successfully register must print the confirmation email and present it when arriving at the event.
